Town Center Community will host its second annual State of the District on October 24 at 8 a.m. at the Embassy Suites in Kennesaw. The event will highlight the district’s continued growth and success, vision for 2024 and winners of the 2023 Townie Awards, which recognize outstanding community leaders, developers and businesses in the Town Center area.

“From local businesses to Kennesaw State University and the Cobb County Airport, Town Center Community is home to a unique mix of stakeholders that are essential to our district’s vitality and prosperity,” said Tracy Styf, executive director of Town Center Community. “We are looking forward to recognizing this year’s many accomplishments and the opportunities 2024 has to hold.”

This year’s event will also include a “Town and Gown” panel discussion about how to build essential community partnerships that establish a foundation for continued vitality and prosperity of the Town Center area. Panelists include:

·         Dr. Kathy Schwaig, president of Kennesaw State University (KSU)

·         Justin Haight, director of talent partnerships, public policy at the Metro Atlanta Chamber

·         Tracy Styf, Town Center Community executive director

Under Dr. Schwaig’s leadership, KSU recently made headlines following the release of a University System of Georgia report demonstrating a 10.3% increase in KSU’s economic impact in fiscal year 2022 to the tune of more than $2 billion. Haight serves at the forefront of public policy and workforce development at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, building strategies to strengthen talent pipelines and help communities retain an educated workforce.

Eric S. Bosman, vice president at Kimley-Horn, who has more than two decades of experience in community planning and design, will moderate the panel.

All event proceeds will go to the Lanie Shipp Hoover Fund, which supports future trail, park and greenspace projects in the Town Center area. Tickets and event sponsorships are available online at towncentercid.com/surveys-events.