March 2026 Newsletter

Key Updates on Smyrna's Economic Growth

The Economic Development Office provides customized support to help your business thrive. Whether you're looking to locate or expand in Smyrna, reach out for information on demographics and available incentives.

News

Public Engagement Begins for

the South Cobb Drive Project

Illustration from the Boulevard section, Urban Street Design Guide, National Association of City Transportation Officials

The City of Smyrna, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), invites the public to attend a Public Information Open House to learn more about the South Cobb Drive Improvements Project from Concord Road to Windy Hill Road on Thursday, March 19 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Smyrna Community Center (1250 Powder Springs Street).


What is the South Cobb Drive Improvements Project? Smyrna voters approved the 2022 SPLOST funds to improve South Cobb Drive from Concord Road to Windy Hill Road. An initial design concept based on corridor studies was completed in 2017 - and includes additional traffic lanes for local access, a mobility component, landscaped medians, additional traffic signals, pocket parks, as well as bicycle and pedestrian paths.


For more information, please check the event listing on the city's website here and social media page.

From left, Tanner Goldsmith and Jeffrey Daxe of the Smyrna Education Foundation, and Bill Watson of JRM Management

JRM Management Donates $20,000 to Smyrna Education Foundation


At the February 16 Smyrna City Council meeting, Bill Watson of JRM Management presented a $20,000 check to Jeffrey Daxe and Tanner Goldsmith of the Smyrna Education Foundation. These funds were raised through the 2025 Spring Jonquil Festival, Taste of Smyrna, and Crafts & Drafts. Additionally, the JRM Management partnership with Kevin Drawe and the team at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar - Smyrna, whose collaboration — including a percentage of partnership beer sales — helped support this contribution.


We look forward to seeing you in 2026 for another great season of festivals produced by JRM Management Services and supported by the Smyrna community and beyond.


Spring Jonquil Festival: April 25–26

Taste of Smyrna: September 12

Crafts & Drafts: October 24–25

Smyrna Connects: Application Process is Now Open


This Spring, City of Smyrna will launch Smyrna Connects - a new initiative designed to strengthen our connected community through collaboration and community conversations. A key feature of this initiative will be the formation of the new Smyrna Connects Action Committee (SCAC) - a diverse group of 12 residents providing real-time, objective feedback to the Mayor and City Council. 


Applications are now open for residents interested in volunteering with the program. The application deadline is March 20th at 11:59 pm. A selection process managed by an outside firm called Moray Advisors will follow.



Please find more details and information on how to participate through the City of Smyrna's website here.

Take the Survey! Help Improve Recycling Services in Smyrna


City of Smyrna is looking for ways to improve recycling services and we need your help. Take our short Recycling Center Survey in less than three minutes! Share your experience, priorities, and ideas for new services or locations.


Your feedback will directly shape the future of recycling in our community. Plus, you'll have the chance to enter a drawing to win a $25 Visa gift card just for participating!


Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Smyrna26

SelectCobb Launches New Financial Readiness Accelerator

SelectCobb has launched its new Small Business Financial Readiness Accelerator, a four-part series led by the UGA Small Business Development Center at Kennesaw State University and made possible by First Citizens Bank and Henssler Financial. The program helps business owners strengthen cash flow management, build strategic budgets, and gain lender-ready confidence for long-term growth. Participants who complete all four sessions will meet one eligibility requirement for the Cobb County Entrepreneurship Grant.


Workshop 1: The Financial Mindset: Bridging the Gap to Capital

March 30th 9-10:30 a.m.

Instructor: Drew Tonsmeire


Workshop 2: Financial Management & Assessment: The Pulse of Your Business

May 14th 9-10:30 a.m.

Instructor: Daniel McCoy


Workshop 3: Budgeting & Forecasting for Sustainable Growth: From Reaction to Intention

September 17th 9-10:30 a.m.

Instructor: Antonio Barrios


Workshop 4: Cash Flow: Understanding, Managing, and Improving the Lifeline of Your Business

November 16th 9-10:30 a.m.

Instructor: Joe Zirkel


Please find registration details on the Cobb Chamber website here.

Save-The-Dates

Enjoy Downtown at the 23rd Annual Smyrna St. Patrick's Day Festival on March 14th


The 23rd Annual St. Paddy’s Day Festival returns to Smyrna Market Village, hosted by Atkins Park and Zucca Bar & Pizzeria. This lively weekend celebration will feature live music, Cornhole ATL, and family-friendly activities. Celebrate on Saturday, March 14th and Sunday, March 15th beginning at 11:00 am.


Tickets start at $20 for the first 500 Saturday presale tickets and $15 for Sunday presale. Children 13 and under are free. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Blood Cancers United.


The festivities will continue on Tuesday, March 17, with additional live music and entertainment.


For tickets and full event details, please visit Atkins Park's website or social media pages.

Support 100+ Young Entrepreneurs at the Smyrna Kids Handmade Market on March 21st


Get ready to be amazed by the creativity and talent of more than 100 young entrepreneurs at the Kids Handmade Market on Saturday, March 21st from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Smyrna Community Center! Join us for a day of fun and discovery as talented kids showcase their handmade products, from jewelry and imaginative artwork to delicious homemade treats and so much more. Celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity as you interact with these inspiring young minds.


Learn more on the city's website here.

Cheers to StillFire Brewing, Reformation Brewery, Viking Alchemist and Mandatory Fun Beer Works participating in Bubbles & Brews!


Bubbles & Brews is a month-long celebration of local craft beverages in Cobb County. Visit breweries, distilleries, and wineries to taste unique beverages. Use 'BrewPass' passports to collect stamps and earn prizes. Hop between breweries along the Cobb Ale Trail at hosted events. Vote for your favorites online. Visit StillFire Brewing, Reformation Brewery, Viking Alchemist Meadery and Mandatory Fun Beer Works in Smyrna!


Check out some of the participants' events in Smyrna:


Saturday, March 14th from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

D&D Improv

Viking Alchemist (3080 Jonquil Drive, Suite B)


Thursday, March 19th from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Shrek Trivia Night

Mandatory Fun Beer Works (3080 Jonquil Drive, Suite B)


Learn more on the event website here. This Cobb Travel & Tourism event is sponsored by Atlanta Magazine.

Business Highlights

Welcome to Smyrna!

New Businesses Celebrate their Ribbon Cuttings with Smyrna Business Association and City of Smyrna Economic Development

OLA Language School

1258 Concord Road SE, Suite 101


Smyrna’s learning community continues to grow with the addition of OLA Language School, a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering adult learners through practical language instruction. OLA offers free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in partnership with the Technical College System of Georgia, helping non-English-speaking parents and adults build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and open doors to new opportunities at work and in daily life. Their programs combine language proficiency with workforce readiness and cultural awareness to support long-term success.


In addition to English instruction, OLA Language School fosters meaningful connections through professional development, cultural engagement, and customized programs for educators and businesses. We’re proud to celebrate their ribbon cutting and the important role they play in expanding opportunity and strengthening inclusion across our community.


Learn more about their mission and classes on their website here.



SOS Smyrna

200 Technology Court SE, Suite E


We’re excited to welcome Success On The Spectrum - Smyrna to our community! This specialized learning center provides one-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children on the autism spectrum, helping them build communication, social, and life skills in a supportive and structured environment. With individualized programs led by Board Certified Behavior Analysts and a strong emphasis on measurable progress, the Smyrna location brings high-quality, child-focused care closer to home for local families.


Beyond therapy services, Success On The Spectrum is committed to creating connection and inclusion through parent collaboration, weekly training opportunities, and sensory-friendly community events. We’re proud to celebrate their ribbon cutting and the meaningful impact they will make for children and families across Smyrna.


Learn more about their services on their website here.

Investing in Education: LGE Credit Union Gives Back to KOS Smyrna


We’re excited to spotlight LGE Community Credit Union for its recent support of KOS Inc., a Smyrna nonprofit dedicated to building confidence through innovative, hands‑on learning for children and adults. KOS offers workshop‑style programs in areas like STEAM, carpentry, sewing, arts, and more that help participants gain practical skills, personal growth, and self‑confidence in a creative and values‑based environment.


The LGE Foundation’s donation to KOS highlights their commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening our community - and continues their investment as they plan to soon break ground on a new facility at 2934 Atlanta Road.


Learn more about these local businesses at the LGE Community Credit Union website and KOS Smyrna website.

Networking Events

03.05


SBA: March Networking Luncheon


Thursday, March 5th

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Smyrna Community Center

1250 Powder Springs Street


Join the Smyrna Business Association for March's Networking Luncheon. Early registration will close at Noon on the Tuesday before the luncheon.


Register and read more on this month's featured speaker here.



03.11


SBA: Coffee & Connections


Wednesday, March 11th

7:45 am – 9:00 am

Carmichael Reception Hall

2965 Reed Street


Join SBA members and guests for this FREE in-person networking event. Each attendee will have an opportunity to give a 60-second speech about their business and what an ideal referral would be! Sign up for a free ticket below to receive email reminders and updates. Pre-registration not required.


This week's seven-minute speaker is Jim Hilber with Pickleball Academy - What's the Big Dill?


Registration is not required. Read more here.



03.25


SBA: Coffee & Connections


Wednesday, March 25th

7:45 am – 9:00 am

Carmichael Reception Hall

2965 Reed Street


Join SBA members and guests for this FREE in-person networking event. Each attendee will have an opportunity to give a 60-second speech about their business and what an ideal referral would be! Sign up for a free ticket below to receive email reminders and updates. Pre-registration not required.


This week's seven-minute speaker is Autumn Martin with Seasons Elder Care Solutions.


Registration is not required. Read more here.



03.09


Cobb Chamber Marquee Monday Presented by Superior Plumbing

Monday, March 9th

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre - Truist Park Battery

800 Battery Ave., Suite 500


Join the Cobb Chamber for their March 9th Marquee Monday Luncheon featuring an engaging armchair conversation with Ketul Patel, President and CEO of Wellstar Health System, moderated by Jay Cunningham, Owner & President of Superior Plumbing.


As President and CEO of one of Georgia’s largest healthcare systems, Ketul Patel is guiding Wellstar through significant growth- expanding access to care, investing in workforce partnerships, and strengthening community impact. The conversation will highlight his leadership journey, major expansion efforts across the region, and Wellstar’s vision for the future as it navigates change and drives economic impact.


Read more on and register here. Registration closes after March 4th.



03.10


Cobb Workforce Partnership Kick-Off

Tuesday, March 10th

11:00 am - 1:30 pm

Cobb Chamber of Commerce

1100 Circle 75 Pkwy. Ste. 1000


Kick off the year with the CWP Lunch & Learn AI Workshop, an interactive session led by Kennesaw State University designed to make artificial intelligence practical and approachable for today’s workplace. Participants will receive a brief AI overview before breaking into either a Foundations or Advanced Practitioner track, leaving with real-world examples, ethical best practices, and actionable tools they can apply immediately.


Please visit this event page link for registration and event details.

Welcome, New Smyrna Businesses!

Vibrant, comfortable and welcoming, pro-business and community driven, Smyrna is an excellent place to start, own, and grow your business.

We are pleased to have new businesses in our thriving community. We recognize the value of your investment and wish to serve as a helpful resource. Visit Business Listings to see the latest businesses investing in Smyrna.

Economic Development Team

Andrea Worthy

Economic Development Director

City of Smyrna

aworthy@smyrnaga.gov

(678) 631-5348

Kendra Harruff

Economic Development Coordinator

City of Smyrna

kharruff@smyrnaga.gov

(678) 631-5419

Hello Smyrna Businesses!


We want our local businesses to have every opportunity to succeed. See the links below on how we can be a resource to you. Have something you'd like to discuss? Request a Business Retention Visit with us here or email us.

3180 Atlanta Road SE | Smyrna, GA 30080