Business

Hargray Fiber Settles In as Corporate Citizen

Published

3 years ago

October 21, 2020

Donna WIlliam Lewis

Chuck Waters

In just one year of work within the city, telecommunications company Hargray Fiber is increasingly becoming an integral part of the fabric of Peachtree Corners. This summer, the company expanded its partnership with Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners to go beyond providing fiber connectivity for the smart city living laboratory’s 1.5-mile autonomous vehicle test track.

Hargray is now also providing the same critical infrastructure for Curiosity Lab’s Innovation Center, a 25,000-square-foot facility in which early-stage startups and tech companies test new ideas and corporate innovation teams discover one another.

“The Hargray Fiber team is committed to helping Curiosity Lab grow its technology ecosystem through fast, uninterrupted network connectivity,” said Betsy Plattenburg, executive director of Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, in a July 27 press release. “They have worked with us and the City of Peachtree Corners to provide critical connectivity for our autonomous vehicle test track, and their local presence made them a natural choice to provide our Innovation Center residents with fiber connectivity as well.”

To better foster technology innovation at Curiosity Lab, Hargray now provides fiber connectivity for Innovation Center members at speeds of 1 gigabyte upload/download, using a diversified path for fiber that minimizes service interruption and downtime.

Chuck Waters, General Manager EAS, Hargray Fiber, said the company “really values and appreciates” its relationship with Curiosity Lab.

“We’re thrilled to be part of such a forward-thinking initiative in the Peachtree Corners community,” Waters said. “Smart cities provide the technology infrastructure essential to drawing new businesses, jobs, and residents to the community and we are proud to be part of the tremendous success in Peachtree Corners.”

‘A philanthropic mindset’

Founded in 1949, Hargray Fiber has grown from a local telephone company to a regional telecommunications company offering a wide variety of internet, TV and phone services in cities throughout the southeastern U.S.

The Savannah,Ga.-based company makes a point of being active in the communities it serves by supporting local charities, organizations, projects and events. That’s definitely the case in Peachtree Corners, where Hargray is already making its mark, according to Brandon
Branham, assistant city manager.

“Hargray has jumped in to being a part of the community, not by just selling fiber services, but joining local chambers and supporting events at both the Innovation Center and Atlanta Tech Park,” Branham said. “They also have a very philanthropic mindset and have already taken on projects with several community organizations. They are a great addition to our already wonderful business community.”

Waters said community involvement helps Hargray provide services “relevant to customers’ needs.”

“Our belief is by being deeply involved in our local community we gain a better understanding of the business requirements and truly understand what’s important to the community. This helps us provide better business solutions through technology, not just selling cookie-cutter products and services,” Waters said.

He said Hargray wants to be part of helping Peachtree Corners develop and grow the incubator companies that evolve at Atlanta Tech Park.

“Providing high-quality, resilient and reliable fiber-based data service is critical to attracting these startups,” Waters said. “Insuring these new businesses stay in our community as they launch, enjoying the same exceptional customer experience they had at the Atlanta Tech Park, is why we have built the state of the art fiber network in Peachtree Corners, an investment in the growth of our city.”

Nashlee Young, Atlanta Tech Park’s Director of Business Operations, said Hargray is a partner in the tech park’s “ecosystem.”

“They join us at our networking events, have their staff meetings here, participate in the daily work environment and help sponsor some of the community building we do at Atlanta Tech Park,” Young said.

“It allows us to continue building relationships and build an ecosystem that not only helps Hargray build relationships but also helps companies to stay connected in Peachtree Corners,” she continued.

“Their participation in events and speaking to our community makes them more aware of the technology that is being put in place here at Peachtree Corners. They financially help support some of our events as well.”

In August, Hargray sponsored the tech park’s Cyber HealthTech Conference and was a presenting sponsor for the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s First Friday Breakfast, which was held at Atlanta Tech Park.

“The city of Peachtree Corners’ progressive leadership and vision for a smart city that will serve its residents and businesses for many years to come is why we have made a substantial investment in this community,” Waters said. “The tremendous support from city management and leaders, along with the Atlanta Tech Park and Curiosity Labs, has been essential to the early success Hargray Fiber has enjoyed.”

Related Topics:Business chuck waters Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners Featured Hargray Fiber

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Donna WIlliam Lewis

Donna Williams Lewis is a freelance journalist who covered metro Atlanta for decades as a writer and editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Business

Peachtree Corners Businesses Encouraged to Join Security Camera Registration

Published

2 hours ago

October 1, 2023

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Chris Lindenau, Fusus

After spending years with the U.S. military and companies that develop safety systems, Chris Lindenau wanted to offer that same level of security to average citizens.

“I have been leading and serving a team of dedicated, brilliant professionals as we help communities, directors of security for businesses and public safety leaders establish interoperability between community and public safety camera, AI and alert assets at an unprecedented scale,” Lindenau, CEO of Fusus, said.

He addressed an audience gathered on September 28 at the Peachtree Corners Business Association Business After Hours Speaker Series at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast.

The technology Lindenau’s company has created, the fususONE ecosystem of software and hardware solutions, is the foundational platform for the world’s real-time operations centers. It has helped hundreds of cities and businesses establish a unified security footprint unrestrained by proprietary technology limitations, according to the company’s literature.

In order to make it work at its optimal capacity, however, it needs the community — especially business owners — to join in.

“As I understand from our friends at GCPD [Gwinnett County Police Department], you’ve got a success story recently utilizing the system to catch a homicide suspect — I think it was within 45 minutes from the time of the incident,” Lindenau said. “This isn’t something that just exists here in our backyard, it exists all over the country.”

He encouraged everyone in attendance to sign up for Connect Peachtree Corners, a camera registration for businesses and homes. Right now, there are only 247 cameras registered within the Peachtree Corners city limits. Without interconnectivity, crimes that could have been solved in minutes may end up taking days or months — or may never be solved.

“That lack of information impacts the timeliness of response. It’s not just about apprehending the suspects, it’s also about bringing closure to families, because they are out on a limb until these people are apprehended,” Lindenau said.

For more information, visit connectpeachtreecorners.org.

Business

DW1 Unveils New Peachtree Corners Headquarters and Brand Identity

Published

2 days ago

September 29, 2023

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

DW1, formerly known as Discount Waste, Inc., has now settled in its office in Technology Park. As Peachtree Corners sees a surge of development, DW1’s move and rebranding stand out.

Situated at 250 Scientific Drive NW, the 45,000-square-foot building has 150 private offices and seven conference rooms. It also has an advanced training room and a “Town Center” designed for company lunches.

Additionally, the space doubles as an art collection that adds character to the workspace.

This move brings together their previous locations at Engineering Drive and Triangle Parkway. It consolidates over 100 employees who have been dispersed since 2019.

The inauguration event took place on September 28, 2023, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Vice Mayor Weare Gratwick, City Councilwoman Lorri Christopher, Southwest Gwinnett Chamber (SWGC) Chairman Bill Diehl and Executive Director Beth Coffey attended the event.

Board members Margie Asef, Larry Benator and Patty Thumann were also present.

Since its start in 1999, Discount Waste, Inc., now transitioning to DW1, has been a provider of waste removal and job site solutions.

Serving a wide range of clients, from general contractors and retailers to commercial establishments, the company has always emphasized strong client relationships and service.

Outside of the business realm, CEO Ed Foye‘s commitment to societal change is evident with All Children, Inc. This initiative focuses on delivering essential resources, such as nutrition, education and shelter, to children with disabilities in developing countries.

To know more about this effort, visit AllChildren.org.

A representative from DW1 shared, “We were thrilled to welcome our employees and their families to the new location on September 28. To learn more about our company’s next chapter, please visit DW1.com.”

Business

New Retail Concepts Join Merchandise Collection at The Forum Peachtree Corners

Published

3 days ago

September 28, 2023

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

As North American Properties (NAP) and Nuveen Real Estate (Nuveen) transform The Forum Peachtree Corners into a mixed-use development, several new businesses are joining the merchandise mix.

National retailers that signed long-term leases include Lovesac, Petfolk and Stretchlab. Temporary license agreements were reached with Auburn Candle Company, The Baby Nook and Girl Tribe Co.

Meet the retailers

Lovesac – This company designs, manufactures and sells unique furniture that’s guaranteed for life. It offers modular couches called Sactionals, foam beanbag chairs called Sacs and associated home décor accessories, including home audio systems.

Upon opening next to Chico’s in spring 2024, Lovesac at The Forum will be the ninth location in Georgia and fourth in NAP’s portfolio.

Petfolk – Founded by vets with decades of experience in clinical practice, Petfolk is an animal hospital and pet care center built with pets and their owners in mind.

Veterinary services include exams, vaccinations, urgent care, nutrition, diagnostic testing, digital radiology and more.

The Forum location opens this October by Chipotle, marking the brand’s second brick-and-mortar in metro Atlanta.

Stretchlab – Recognized for its customized, assisted-stretch sessions, Stretchlab is a wellness concept specializing in one-on-one routines led by nationally accredited flexologists.

Using a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) approach, paired with dynamic and static stretching, the team is able to identify tightness and imbalances in the body. They then build a custom routine for each client to develop a wider range of motion and flexibility.

Stretchlab opens next to Club Pilates at The Forum this winter.

Auburn Candle Company – Established in 2020 and based out of Auburn, Alabama, Auburn Candle Company hand-crafts signature candles and fragrances, free from additives and dyes.

In addition to shopping for pre-poured candles as well as other bath, body and home goods, candle lovers can develop their own creations at the in-store pour bar.

Its year-long pop-up at The Forum, opening in October, will be the company’s first venture in Georgia.

The Baby Nook – A haven for anyone seeking baby essentials and gifts, The Baby Nook will feature a select collection of baby items that combine functionality, safety and aesthetic appeal.

The year-long pop-up will open in October next to Soft Surroundings.

Girl Tribe Co. – NAP is expanding its existing relationship with Charlotte-based Girl Tribe Co. to bring a temporary store to The Forum from October 6 through December 31.

Created by childhood best friends and co-founders Sarah Baucom and Carrie Barker, the brand offers a collection of clothing, graphic tees, accessories and lifestyle products.

A combination of proprietary products and items made by local female entrepreneurs will be available for purchase in Suite 505, next to HomeGoods. Girl Tribe Co. also plans to host a series of events, workshops and networking sessions during its stay at The Forum.

The Forum’s merchandise mix continues to grow

These forthcoming brands join KeenaBela, Gifts We All Want and Go! Calendars, Toys, and Games as the latest additions to The Forum’s tenant collection.

KeenaBela, an Atlanta-based, eco-friendly sleep, lounge and resort-wear brand, officially opened its year-long pop-up at The Forum last month.

Additionally, specialty boutiques Gifts We All Want and Go! Calendars, Toys, and Games, have once again returned for the holiday season.

“We have seen a tremendous amount of interest from small, local business owners looking to grow their brands in a low-risk, incubator-style environment,” said Emily Narchus, director of ancillary revenue at NAP.

“As our leasing and development teams continue moving forward on The Forum’s renaissance, we are excited to play a part in upgrading the center’s retail makeup.”

NAP is nearing completion on the north end plaza and anticipates an early fall delivery of the 1,700-square-foot greenspace. This is the first, and smaller, of two community-driven spaces being adding to the property as part of its overall redevelopment.

Along with the ongoing retail improvements, renovations to the office lobby in building 5185, anchored by Trader Joe’s, are now complete.

The Forum has partnered with the Peachtree Corners Photography Club to display and sell winning pieces from its first juried exhibition in the revamped entrance.

To stay up to date on the latest property news and happenings, follow The Forum on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit theforumpeachtree.com.