Cobb Chamber President: 'Gwinnett County is killing us'

At Tuesday’s Vinings Business Association luncheon, David Connell, president and CEO of the , bragged on Cobb County while the VBA bragged on a new church for its community engagement.

“I can tell you that even though the economy still (hurting), it’s starting to change a little bit,” Connell said. “People from around the world are beginning to kick the tires and consider locating their business in a place like Cobb County.”

In his presentation to members and guests of the VBA, Connell highlighted what attracts businesses to Cobb, including its low property taxes, low crime rate, educated workforce, transportation infrastructure and school system.

Connell remarked that Cobb’s business community of 146,000 businesses has “a lot to be proud of.” However, he added that Cobb residents could be doing more to promote growth in the community.

“Gwinnett County is killing us in economic growth,” he said. “And the number one thing they promote is the quality of their education system…People outside the state of Georgia and even inside the state of Georgia think Gwinnett’s got the best education system in Georgia because they market it better. We’ve got to tell our story.”

The VBA also took time out of its luncheon to tell the story of a new church and the work it’s done in the community. hasn’t even had its first “official’’ service yet, but it has already gained recognition from the community for its civic engagement.

This summer, Vinings Church has launched several community engagement initiatives including , which provides underprivileged Cobb County students with a backpack full of basic school supplies, and , a free family movie night at "The Gardens" in The Galleria Centre.

VBA honored these efforts with a $500 donation to Vinings Church. Justin Craig, Vinings Church’s pastor, was modest about the recognition.

“I’m so proud of the community and so thankful,” he said. “As I look around at the faces, you guys have just become family to us. What you’ve done is you’ve allowed us to serve 17 different locations and help the kids in Cobb County because you’re using your influence. Thank you for using your influence with your customers.”

Vinings Church will celebrate its first official service on Sept. 18 at the Galleria Centre, and will hold preview services Aug. 21 at The Galleria Centre at Renaissance Waverly at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

VBA also reminded its members that it still has about 15 seats on the Braves’ bus for , Aug. 16. The bus to the game leaves Marritott Courtyard Vinings at 5:45 p.m. Tickets to the event are $30 and include bus fare, game ticket, food and adult beverages. Membership in VBA is not a requirement to purchase a ticket. More information can be found at the VBA website.