Kennesaw, August 10, 2014 — Economic development was on the menu at the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce First Monday Breakfast attended by VJI’s Client Development Coordinator Courtney O’Connor on August 4. Sponsored by Chattahoochee Technical College, the monthly meeting included several presentations and an award ceremony.

Guest speaker at the event was Doug Hooker, executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission. His group develops and recommends strategies for increasing economic development in Metro Atlanta with a focus on having an educated workforce, encouraging entrepreneurs, providing livable communities, and maintaining prosperous businesses. The Cobb Competitive Edge organization also presented information about how it helps bring new companies to the county and assists existing companies to expand. “I’m happy that VJI is located in a county that has an organization that goes above and beyond in supporting Cobb County,” says O’Connor.

Cobb Young Professionals was also on hand to present the Next Generation Award. The award recognizes top young professionals in their 20’s and 30’s who are active in the community, demonstrate leadership, and who offer a unique perspective. Says O’Connor: “As a current member of Cobb Young Professionals, I was very excited to see two people I network with be recognized for all of their hard work within the community and enjoyed learning all of what they have accomplished.”