The City of East Point successfully launched its first Small Business Assistance Program utilizing funds through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to help 27 small businesses in East Point impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic get back to business. The total amount awarded for the program from ARPA was $270,000. Each selected business was awarded $10,000 to keep their doors open and serve the community.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and it is important that we provide continuous support,” said Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham. “I am proud of our staff for successfully launching this program and being a beacon of hope for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

The program was championed by Councilwoman Stephanie Gordon who thought it would be a good idea to utilize ARPA funds to assist small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. From there, a Small Business Assistance Program committee made up of East Point staff was formed to design the program, review applications, score and evaluate each business. Applications were accepted in June of 2022 and closed in July. The program received a total of 43 applications. Scoring was based on required documentations such as financials and a statement of hardship, must be a business of 9 or less employees, East Point based, and provided a need for financial relief from the impact of COVID-19. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic took a profound toll on the nation's economy and adversely impacted several small businesses in East Point,” said Councilwoman Stephanie Gordon. “I'm grateful that our Small Business Grant program has provided essential funding to aid in keeping small businesses afloat during these unprecedented times.” 

The recipients were recognized at the November 7^th East Point City Council meeting by the committee members which consist of Taffini Guffie (Senior Management Analyst), Saasha Demps (Assistant to the City Manager), Yolanda Broome (Contracts & Procurement Director), Shaquita Barnes (Grants Manager), and Maceo Rogers (Economic Development Director) . Patricia Mosely owner of Lerod Southwest Enterprises, LLC., shared how the funds impacted her business which provides property management and janitorial services.  

“When you bid on a contract now they want everything to be COVID related and have certain materials and I didn’t have them,” said Patricia Mosely, owner of Lerod Southwest Enterprises, LLC. “I was struggling trying to figure out how to get them and this grant came along at the right time and I was in the right place. Now I can bid with the other companies.” 

The selected businesses are required to report to the City how they plan to utilize the funds by December 31^st. The following businesses were awarded funding through the City of East Point’s Small Business Assistance Program:

·        ATOC 24 Hour Mobile Services

·        B&P Studios

·        Ballethnic Dance Company

·        Big Top LLC

·        Car Jock Mobile

·        Castle Group Consultants LLC

·        Extension Blow Dry Bar

·        Got Broke Glass, LLC

·        Griffin Fitness LLC

·        Huff Tax LLC

·        Ivy League Extensions

·        Jade Array, LLC

·        Lerod SW Enterprise

·        Melissa L. George

·        Middlebrooks Heating & Air

·        OMG Booth

·        Plated Pleasures Private Chef

·        Silver's Delight

·        SlipSquad

·        Starr Stage

·        STK Events

·        Taco Pete, Inc.

·        The Rich & Poor

·        Totally U Salon

·        A Family Foot & Leg Care

·        Tresses of Dior Salon LLC

·        Vital Balance Massage & Bodywork LLC

Photo: Senior Management Analyst Taffini Guffie speaking before East Point City Council about the success of the Small Business Assistance Program. She is joined by Economic Development Director Maceo Rogers and Contracts & Procurement Director Yolanda Broome. 

Congratulations to Officer Glover, Officer Petrekovich and Officer Saint Croix for graduating from North Central Georgia Police Academy on November 18th. A pinning ceremony was hosted for them on November 21st with East Point Police Chief Shawn Buchanan and Deputy Chief Russell Popham.

Photos Courtesy of East Point Police

Chief Shawn Buchanan Pinning Officer Glover

Deputy Chief Popham Pinning Officer Petrekovich

Chief Shawn Buchanan Pinning Officer Saint Croix

The City of East Point Fire Department received its newest fire truck, Engine 3, during the month of November. This engine will be stationed at Fire Station #3, located at 3800 North Commerce Drive in East Point.

“This new engine will serve to protect our community and the major interstates that run through the City of East Point for many years to come,” said Fire Chief Corey Thornton. “It has state-of-the-art technology and has many of the latest safety and environmentally friendly features for our valued fire fighters. I appreciate the support of our City Manager, Mayor, and Council Members, who recognize the importance of our equipment, so our men and women can provide the very best in fire and life safety services.”

Engine 3 is a 2022 model manufactured by E-ONE of Ocala, Florida. This fire engine is powered by a Cummins L9 450 HP Engine and has a specially designed cab for easier cleaning and sanitizing. Engine 3 carries 1,000 gallons of water, has a 1,500 gallon per minute Hale pump, and carries a cadre of Hurst all electric rescue tools for vehicle accidents in addition to firefighting tools and basic life support equipment for medical calls.

In keeping with the tradition of naming Fire Trucks, the Fire Department will host a naming competition with local schools once students return from holiday break.

Previous names selected winning the competition have been Hot Shot, Inferno and Red Baron.

Photos Courtesy of the East Point Fire Department

The East Point Fire Department released the fourth quarter of their award-winning newsletter, The Call. This edition features a message from Fire Chief Corey Thornton, Firefighter Recruit Graduation, selecting a proper fire extinguisher and more!



On November 9, students in the City of East Point's EPA Workforce Development Program continued to learn about new opportunities in the environmental industry. They toured the East Point Water Treatment Plant and Reservoirs at Sweetwater Creek and Ben Hill led by East Point's Water & Sewer Director Melissa Echevarria. The tour exposed them to the City of East Point's drinking water operations, how water is treated and distributed to residents through collection, screening, chemical treatment/disinfection, coagulation, flocculation, filtration, and storage.

On November 23, the students were exposed to active construction sites in the City as part of a land disturbance tour. They gained knowledge of compliance and implementation of the Georgia Erosion Sedimentation Act. They reviewed Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution Control Plans while gaining practical knowledge of how Best Management Practices are installed and maintained.

2022-2023 Leaf Vacuum Collection Program Video with Jeffrey Reeves

On November 19, East Point Public Art Coordinator Christopher Swain hosted a book launch and signing of his new book O is for Orisha at the Hammonds House Museum in the West End. Readers will journey into the mystical world of ancient West African mythology and meet the Orishas! These colorful and unique characters are all connected with nature and specific aspects of our daily human existence. Between the covers of this book, you will be introduced to a few of the most popular and well known Orishas as they come to life through informative text and vivid illustrations for readers of all ages. O is for Orisha can be purchased on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble.

On November 12, Dat Fire Jerk Chicken South officially opened for business. They hosted their grand opening celebration with a ribbon cutting, vendors, giveaways and a performance by the West Lake Marching Lions Band. Check out their new location at 3271 Camp Creek Parkway. 

On November 16, Cadence Bank held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their Camp Creek Branch Location. Be sure to check them out at 3616 Marketplace Blvd, Ste. 670.

Please join us in congratulating the following winners of the “Stepping in the Point’ 22” Step Challenge. The 12 winners won a $10 gift card of their choice to either Walmart, Target or Shell Gas. The top 3 winners are Cathrene Hardy, Manuel Fragoso and Sylvia Smith. Here are the following winners:

1. Cathrene Hardy- Team CWR
2. Manuel Fragoso- Team Law and Order
3. Sylvia Smith- Team Law and Order
4. Geneasa Elias- Team CWR
5. Iris Jessie- Team HR Steppers
6. Keshia McCullough- Team CWR
7. Nichelle Bailey- Team HR Steppers
8. Jaszmine Moorehead- Team CWR
9. Lashundra Melett- Team CWR
10. Andrea Austin- Team HR Steppers
11. Sarah Mitchell- Team Law and Order
12. Michelle Hebert- Team HR Steppers

Cathrene Hardy

Deputy City Clerk

Manuel Fragoso

Sergeant with East Point Police Department

Sylvia Smith

Sergeant with East Point Police Department

On November 6, the East Point Public Art Division hosted the City's 2nd annual Día de los Muertos in front of East Point City Hall. This traditional Mexican holiday involves the gathering of family and friends to remember and pay their respects to the deceased. East Point residents and visitors enjoyed face painting, a photo booth, traditional dancing, music, games, an altar and food.

On November 9, Councilman Joshua B. Butler, IV, hosted a hospital authority townhall meeting to reveal his plans to bring back a hospital to South Fulton County after the closing of hospital services at Atlanta Medical Center South in East Point. Councilman Butler was joined by professionals in the healthcare industry and State Senator Donzella James (D-35). Click the link below to watch the townhall meeting.

On November 11, the Phi Kappa Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. sponsored a Veterans Day Breakfast for East Point staff members who have served in the U.S. Military. The City of East Point would like to thank the Phi Kappa Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and our veterans for their service!

On November 16, The City of East Point’s Contracts and Procurement Department hosted a vendor readiness event at City Hall. They hosted nearly 100 vendors within the City Council Chambers, where they had the opportunity to lunch and learn with speakers, Yolanda Broome – Director of Contracts and Procurement – and Derman Lawrence – Contract Specialist. At this event, vendors were able to learn about business readiness, professionalism within technology practices, processes and procedures, compliance practices, and business growth and expansion. This event served as an opportunity for vendors to network with The City of East Point, as well as other vendors.

The attendees were able to gain pertinent information about how the business of municipalities operates. They discussed topics such as marketing strategies, obtaining the appropriate licenses and insurance, and maintaining compliance. The department's goal was to provide insight within areas that are key to building business relationships and obtaining contracts. The East Point Contracts & Procurement Department believes this is the type of educational and networking event that will aide vendors in scaling their business.

Contracts & Procurement Director Yolanda Broome and Contract Specialist Derman Lawrence speaking before vendors at the Lunch & Learn

On November 19, East Point City leaders and volunteers were busy making sure that residents wouldn't go hungry on Thanksgiving Day. They gave away hundreds of turkeys at the 9th Annual Turkey Drive in Downtown East Point and at the Wards C & D Turkey Giveaway on Washington Road.

Councilmembers Sharon Shropshire and Karen Rene with staff and volunteers at the 9th annual Turkey Drive in Downtown East Point.

9th Annual Turkey Drive in Downtown East Point

Councilwoman Stephanie Gordon at the Wards C & D Turkey Giveaway on Washington Road.

Councilwoman T. Starr Cummings with volunteers at the Wards C & D Turkey Giveaway on Washington Road.

Wards C & D Turkey Giveaway on Washington Road

2022 Turkey Giveaways & Fall Festival Video

On November 19, the City of East Point partnered with Leafy Greens Market to organize the City's fist Fall Festival in Downtown East Point. The festival included over 30 food and merchant vendors, live music and a culinary cook-off hosted by the Tri-Cities High School Culinary Arts Program.

Photos Courtesy of Grace First, LLC.

On November 20, the East Point Public Art Division in partnership with South Fulton Institute presented CONJURE, a visual celebration of melanated male magic. The event featured the following performances by talented black males:

• Jon Goode- Storyteller
• Adan Bean- Poet
• Dr. McKinley Stinson- Marimba Player
• Egbe Ayan- Drummers

Click the link below to watch their live performances.

Jon Goode

Storyteller

Adan Bean

Poet

Dr. McKinley Stinson

Marimba Player

Egbe Ayan

Drummers

Adan Bean, Chris Swain (Public Art Coordinator), Jon Goode

Chris Swain with Egbe Ayan

Councilwoman T. Starr Cummings partnered with private entities to sponsor the "100 Givings of Thanks" Employee Thanksgiving Giveaway. Giftbags were gifted to 100 employees with a turkey, collard greens and a Patti Labelle Sweet Potato Pie. On November 21, Councilwoman Cummings was joined by Councilwoman Stephanie Gordon, East Point Police, and members of the Phi Kappa Kappa chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in the parking lot of Mallalieu Church to pass out gift bags to City employees whose names were drawn in the giveaway.

Councilmembers Stephanie Gordon and T. Starr Cummings