Economic Development News: October 2018 Edition
Welcome to the Fall 2018 Edition of the Economic Development Newsletter -
It's an Exciting TIme to Be in Sandy Springs!
Corporate News

Two Restaurant Industry Heavyweights Announce Sandy Springs Headquarters
Edible Arrangements has announced plans to relocate the company's corporate headquarters, from Wallingford, Connecticut, to Sandy Springs. Edible chose this location to take advantage of the more centralized location, access to major transportation hubs and other resources for many of the services that were previously handled out of Wallingford, The Sandy Springs office will be located in the Lakeside Commons buildings at 980 Hammond Drive. It will serve as the base of operations for the company's franchise dealings, with approximately 130 employees.
Restaurant company Inspire Brands has also announced it will build-out a $32 million headquarters in Sandy Springs where it plans to create more than 1,100 jobs. Inspire Brands, parent company of Arby's and Buffalo Wild Wings, will carry out the expansion and open its new Global Support Center at Three Glenlake, a Sandy Springs office building. Edible Arrangements and Inspire Brands join other Sandy Springs headquarters in this industry, including FOCUS Brands, the franchisor and operator of several major brands, including Carvel, Cinnabon, Schlotzsky’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Auntie Anne’s, and McAlister’s Deli.
Development News  
City Offers Fee Reductions for Sustainable Development Practices
As a part of The Next Ten Comprehensive Plan, Sandy Springs's goal is to become a regional and national sustainability leader by elevating its commitment to environmentally sustainable practices.The City is now offering an incentive to promote sustainable and green building. Consideration for incentives will be given to new residential construction which meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • Green building certification, through a recognized green building program (LEED, EarthCraft, or ENERGY STAR);
  • Developments which achieve WaterSense certification;
  • Developments which include solar panel installations in compliance with the City's Solar Panel Array Installation Policy

For more information on this program, contact the Community Development department at 770.730.5600. 
Retail Update
In September, the City of Sandy Springs hosted the Retail Brokerage Community for the annual lunch and Economic Development Update. Attendees heard from staff on Development Code changes and its impact on shopping centers, they received a Sandy Springs retail market update, followed by a tour of City Springs and the new Performing Arts Center. Want to join our next event? Email Andrea Worthy
Meet Me at City Springs
Host your Event or Meeting at the Conference Center at City Springs
Have an event or meeting coming up? The Conference Center at City Springs is home to multiple meeting spaces that can be configured to serve a wide variety of audiences/participants. Adjoined by the City View Terrace, events can offer a sophisticated, rooftop experience providing a perfect setting for community and corporate events and receptions or private moments like weddings and family reunions. Ample parking is available onsite in the underground parking deck.
For more information on the Conference Center, contact:
Bluegrass on the Green
City Springs proudly presents its first Harvest Music Fest– a family-friendly event celebrating Blue Grass, Americana and Rock and Roots on  Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 3 to 10 p.m. on the City Green. This free event will feature something for everyone: games and fun for the little ones, the season’s favorite beers, Bar B Que for purchase, and football fans will be able to keep up with the score between sets at CityBar.
The music starts at 4 p.m. and will run through 9:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Sandy Springs Development Authority.
Veterans Day Celebration
The community is invited to the City's annual Veteran's Day Tribute on  Friday, November 9, 2018 beginning at 11:30 a.m.on the City Green. Following the Veteran's Day tribute, there will be an additional celebration commemorating the United States Marine Corp's birthday. Later that same evening, the celebration continues at 7 p.m. with a free Veteran's Day Concert on the Green.
Partner Highlights
Save the Date! Sandy Springs Restaurant Week
Sandy Springs offers a vast selection of dining options, and Restaurant Week 2018 is the perfect time to get out and try something new. Participating restaurants will offer exclusive menus that provide diners the opportunity to taste appetizers, entrees, desserts and other tasty treats at special Restaurant Week prices. Dine out during the week of November 3-9, 2018, and discover a world of unique flavors in Sandy Springs!  Restaurants will be announced shortly.
Sandy Springs Innovation Center Holds its First Graduation
The Sandy Springs Innovation Center, established in 2017, is an affiliate of the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce and is sponsored by the Sandy Springs Development Authority, Cousins Properties, and Comcast Business. 
This newsletter is prepared by the City of Sandy Springs. You can learn more about the City on our website at  sandyspringsga.gov. You can also telephone our Call Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 770-730-5600.