Economic Development Sponsorship. Brand Recognition. Networking.
ABA Economic Development Summit
Capital • Safety • Housing • Regional Growth
The Austell Business Association Economic Development Summit convenes regional leaders, lenders, housing partners, public safety officials, and economic development agencies to provide Austell businesses with direct access to the strategies and partnerships shaping local growth.
This half-day summit addresses four pillars of economic vitality:
Capital Access – funding readiness and lending pathways
Business Stability – safety and continuity
Housing & Workforce – stability and economic mobility
Regional Strategy – county alignment and tourism impact
Speakers include representatives from:
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Cobb County Economic Development
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Cobb Tourism
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Urban League of Greater Atlanta
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Habitat for Humanity
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Greater Wealth Works
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Grameen America
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LGE Credit Union
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Austell Police & Fire
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City of Austell Leadership
Participants will leave with clear next steps for funding readiness, partnerships, housing alignment, and regional opportunities impacting Austell’s business community.
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Format: Panels, lightning insights, networking lunch
Audience: Business owners, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, civic partners
Register | Join | Partner | Build
Member Kickoff & Economic Development Summit 2026
Event Program Highlights (Agenda Preview)
12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Welcome + State of the ABA
Economic Development Briefing + Partner Introductions + SBDC + Funding & Capital Pathways Panel
2:00 PM
Lunch Break (Caterer & Sponsor Showcase + Networking hour)
2:40-4:00 pm
City & County Resource Spotlight (ED, DCA, Fire, Police, County ED) + Member Opportunity Brief: Partnerships, Procurement, & Growth + Closing + Next Steps
Sponsors & Featured Guests Include
Agenda
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Austell Business Association
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Why this summit matters now
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Economic development = capital + safety + coordination
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Framing the afternoon
12:15 PM – 12:55 PM
PANEL 1
Capital Access & Business Funding Pathways
Liz Barrett – Grameen America
Rachel Davis – Greater Wealth Works
Ashley – LGE Credit Union
Topics:
Microloan readiness • Credit building • Funding readiness • Scaling preparation
🔹 12:55 PM – 1:20 PM
PUBLIC SAFETY & BUSINESS STABILITY
Deputy Chief Cecil Lloyd – Austell Police
Chief Brandon Merritt – Austell Fire
Councilwoman Shawndra Williams – Austell City Council
Topics:
Business continuity • Prevention partnerships • Safety & investment
🔹 1:20 PM – 1:35 PM
Open Floor Q&A
🍽 1:35 PM – 2:35 PM
Networking Lunch
Sponsors: PNC • Fifth Third
Speaker engagement
🔹 2:35 PM – 2:50 PM
Lightning Round
What Businesses Must Do Next
All speakers — 2–3 minute tactical takeaways
🔹 2:50 PM – 3:30 PM
PANEL 2
County, Housing & Regional Economic Strategy
Sabrina Wright – Cobb Economic Development
Holly Quinlan – Cobb Tourism
John Paschal – Urban League of Greater Atlanta
Felicia Alingu – Habitat for Humanity (Community Impact)
Topics:
Regional growth • Workforce alignment • Tourism revenue • Housing stability •
Certification & contracting • Economic mobility pathways
🔹 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
ABA 2026 Priorities & Opportunities
🔹 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Closing
Register • Join • Partner • Build
F.A.Q.'s
01
Is this event open to the public?
Yes, but your must RSVP! Members can RSVP for free at the link above. Non members can purchase tickets to reserve their space at the link above as well or at the following URL: https://www.austellba.org/event-details/aba-economic-development-summit.
02
When does registration open?
Registration is open to guests, vendors, and sponsors.
03
Can a sponsor attend?
Sponsors may attend if approved.
04
How do food sponsors work?
Selected vendors will coordinate menu, service style, dietary labeling, and setup details with ABA.