Georgia is 2014's top state for business

Georgia peach
Good Job Georgia!  No. 1 State for Business.

The state scores a solid 1,659 points out of a possible 2,500, finishing at or near the top in three categories and in the top half in all but two. Since we began rating the states for competitiveness in 2007, Georgia has never finished outside the top 10 overall, with fourth-place finishes in 2007 and 2011, and a respectable eighth place in 2013.
Each year, our Top States study rates all 50 states on more than 50 metrics in 10 categories of competitiveness. We weight the categories based on how frequently they appear as selling points in state economic development marketing materials. That way, we hold the states to their own standards. 
This year's categories and point totals are:
  • Cost of Doing Business (450 points)
  • Economy (375 points)
  • Infrastructure (350 points)
  • Workforce (300 points)
  • Quality of Life (300 points)
  • Technology & Innovation (300 points)
  • Business Friendliness (200 points)
  • Education (150 points)
  • Cost of Living (50 points)
  • Access to Capital (25 points)

The Georgia workforce is tops in the nation, with an abundant supply of educated, largely nonunion workers. But that's not new-it's Georgia's third straight year atop our Workforce category. Click here for entire article.

Downtown Alpharetta 2014 Craft Beer Festival & 5k Road Race June 21,2014 at 6pm


  June 21, 2014Festival starts at 6 p.m.
5k starts at 8 p.m.
Post-race party with live music after
  Downtown Alpharetta
Website
              
Craft Beer Festival
Over 100 craft beer vendors from around the U.S. will line the streets of downtown Alpharetta for the huge street party which will begin at 6 p.m. with live music. Food will be available for purchase from Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub.

5K Road Race 
With the Craft Beer Festival continuing, the 5K Road Race will begin at 8 p.m. at the Corner Deli. Registration for the race is $30 before June 11 and $35 after that date.  All runners will receive a race t-shirt and a free beer to celebrate their finish.

Schedule of Events
6 - 11:30 p.m. Craft Beer Festival fun begins
6 - 7:30 p.m. - 5K Race Day Registration and packet pickup
8 p.m.- Race Starts at the Corner Deli in Alpharetta (Start and finish just off
Milton Ave and Main St in downtown Alpharetta, next to the Corner Deli.)
Post-Race After Party – Stay after to enjoy the Craft Beer Festival, live music and entertainment! Every 5K participant of legal age will receive one free beer. 
Cost
5k race only: $30

Craft Beer Festival: $30
Includes Souvenir Tasting Glass and All you can sample

5k race and Craft Beer Festival: $60
Includes Souvenir Tasting Glass and All you can sample

MARTA now seeks public comment on adding rail to Alpharetta

marta airport
MARTA has extended through July a public comment period on bringing rail into Alpharetta, reports WABE.
As Atlanta Business Chronicle first reported in August 2013, MARTA is planning to extend transit service along the Georgia 400 corridor in North Fulton County, with up to six new stations.
WABE notes that this is the planning and public comment process, and that it is just part of the effort to get federal funding. Riding the rails from downtown Atlanta to Alpharetta still could be a decade away, the station adds.
State Senator Brandon Beach, who leads the North Fulton Community Improvement District, said the time to add more rail has come.
“When you look at the 400 corridor, there are 900 technology companies, and that attracts a young, smart employee,” said Beach. “They want to ride their bikes; they want to take a train; they want to take transit; they want alternatives.”
He also says people have changed their opinions about a MARTA expansion.
Beach told WABE, “In 1999, when I was first elected to Alpharetta City Council, if I would have mentioned that I was supportive of transit, I would have probably been run out of office. Today the attitude has completely changed.”

Ruth's Chris relocating from Sandy Springs to Alpharetta

More great news for Alpharetta!


Ackerman sells Rainwater
The former Rainwater Restaurant in Alpharetta, which will later this year
become the new home of Ruth's Chris Steak House






The plan is to invest about a million dollars into renovating the building, said Nancy Oswald. The hope is to reopen this fall.


Academy Park--Master on the Main John Wieland Townhome--like new!

2770 Donnelath Place, Alpharetta, GA 30009

                                             Click Here for Virtual Tour

Simply stunning, spacious Academy Park 4 bedroom 2.5 bath town home. The most popular, master on the main plan, absolutely move-in ready condition and gorgeous furnishings which may be purchased too. You'll love the amazing upgrades which include: hardwoods on main & loft, plantation shutters, custom window seats & built-ins, wall of mirrors on family, master bath and dining rooms, gourmet, granite kitchen, custom lighting, wrought iron spindles and more. Minutes from downtown Alpharetta and the new Avalon development. A must see property!

250 Wembley Circle, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

                                                    Click here for virtual tour

The perfect, turnkey Dunwoody executive home. Over $120K invested in luxurious upgrades. Four sides brick w/wonderful, open floor plan that's perfect for entertaining. Gleaming wood floors throughout the main and much of the upstairs. Amazing master retreat offering stunning remodeled master bath w/custom cabinetry, rich tile and chrome finishes and seamless glass shower. Cozy master sitting room (or extra bedroom) w/fireplace. The terrace level wows w/home theater, custom wine cellar, bed/bath and more! Lovely, private deck w/retractable awning. Don't miss this home!