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Peachtree Farm and Why It Is Important

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Rendering of the Peachtree Farm development.

Construction begins this summer for the integrative and inclusive Peachtree Farm. Peachtree Farm will serve as a community initiative to provide high-ranking jobs for adults with disabilities and service opportunities for the Peachtree community.

Founder Mike Twiner has been involved with the Georgia special needs community for nearly 20 years as his daughter, Qwen Twiner, has special needs. Twiner has worked with several special needs charities throughout Georgia, and even chaired the Special Olympics of Georgia.

Mary and Mike Twiner, Founders

Twiner reflected on the concerns of all parents with disabled children: “What is our child going to do when they graduate from high school that’s productive and meaningful? Where are they going to live that’s safe [where I can feel comfortable with leaving them]? Who’s going to take care of them when I’m gone?”

In order to alleviate these concerns and build hope and better connections in the Peachtree community, Twiner created Peachtree Farm as “a result of that need [and] a community effort to solve these three problems.” These valid concerns are what inspired Peachtree Farm to provide high-ranking jobs for adults with disabilities, and on-site homes with caregivers who will ensure the health of the disabled employees.

The farm will also be a beacon of unity and provide community volunteers with the opportunity to serve and interact with adults who have disabilities.

Claude Schneider and Quinn Twiner, Board Member and employee

With hopes for improved interactions between abled and disabled individuals, Twiner believes “the more you interact with people with special needs, the more comfortable you’ll both feel around each other.”

Looking back at the grand scope of mistreatment and oppression of adults with disabilities over the past 60 years, there has been a plethora of initiatives to ensure the abled can gain a better understanding of disabled people (and vice-versa). For instance, family shows such as Sesame Street have been long known for educating all people on the importance of comprehensive discussions revolving around disabilities. Specifically, their See Amazing in All Children initiative introduced an autistic four-year old girl, Julia.

Recent weekend farm stand, left to right, Joey Newton, Mike Twiner, Avery Copenhaver, Quinn Twiner, Mary Twiner, Kevin Mackey

Efforts such as this capture the genuine essence of how important it is to communicate and form relationships with people in the disabled community. To ensure these healthy connections are made, “The Peachtree Farm’s operations will be led by adults with disabilities,” Twiner said.

Kevin Mackey, employee

For the community, Peachtree Farm will also employ adults without disabilities and local high school students “so that they can learn how to work,” he continued, “and [we’ll] teach them what a job is.”

Construction for the farm begins this summer, and Twiner affirmed that, “all the funds necessary are in the bank to complete the Phase One greenhouse, so we’re going to start construction with all necessary assets in place.”

However, Peachtree Farm will still need help from local sponsors as they continue their development.

The first phase of Peachtree Farm will be a 120-foot greenhouse, along with bee apiaries that will pollinate produce and vegetation around the farm. Their apiaries will also serve as a public art project, where local artists will be able to come and paint bee boxes that will be displayed at the apiary. They also project to have a commercial kitchen, office building, warehouse, 15 residential houses for the adults with disabilities, a barn, a service dog training area and a farm animal area.

Sustainable Crops

As a viable part of their greenhouses, Peachtree Farm aims to produce approximately 28,000 lbs. / 14 tons of tomatoes per greenhouse, year-round, along with several other plants that will be sold at their on-site farm stand.

Peachtree Farm’s primary means of producing their tomatoes will be through hydroponic farming and automatic fertilization. Hydroponic farming is truly what will allow the Peachtree Farm to stand apart from their competitors, as their greenhouses allow them to avoid artificial ripening during the winter months.

Twiner’s son, Joe Twiner remarked, “hydroponic tomatoes are on the vine until they’re picked and sold, and so they taste like fresh summer tomatoes in January.”

The greenhouse will hold 72 grow stations, and the grow station is a “bato bucket,” a large plastic tub full of percolate, a lightweight grow material that the plant roots will grow in. With the help of timed lights, the tomatoes will be automatically fertilized, and water will be applied to them on a regular basis.

Following the fertilization process, Twiner highlighted that “it’s [all] a closed system so we’re not wasting any water, [and] we’re not wasting any nutrients.”

“Everything on this farm will be for sale,” he added.

In addition, the rest of the greenhouse and outdoor space will be used for community gardens and outdoor crops, such as shrubbery, oak trees, Japanese maples and other commercially viable crops.

With issues such as climate change on the rise, Peachtree Farm recognizes that the U.S. agricultural emissions totaled up to roughly 629 million metric tons in recent years. To reduce their carbon footprint, Peachtree Farm is exclusive to local restaurants and aims to have only local partners once their greenhouses are up and running.

“We are the ultimate greenhouse. We produce food with a very low carbon footprint,” Twiner said. “There’s no electricity being used, other than for the lights, but all of our products are being recycled [and] put back into the environment.”

The Future of Peachtree Farm

During Phase One of development, they will build small 3- and 4-bedroom cottages with enough room for two adults with disabilities and a caretaker, or three adults with disabilities who may need minor support. “We hope to create 10 jobs for adults with disabilities, and a lot more after that. Our staff will mostly be one full-time employee and community volunteers that will aid with all other aspects of the farm,” Twiner added.

He finally expressed the need for community involvement. “Without the [help of] the community, this project won’t be successful, and so we’ll need volunteers to help with all aspects of the farm.”

In the next two years, Peachtree Farm is projected to be self-sustaining and contain completed greenhouses, residential homes for employees and an office building, along with a full-time staff. It will accomplish all of this while upholding its role as an establishment built for integration and inclusion for all.

Go to peachtreefarm.org to learn more about the farm and how you can help it achieve its mission.

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Around Atlanta

Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Visionaries Honored at 2024 MARS Summit

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A group of award winners in front of a Partnership Gwinnett sign

Tim Perry, managing director and chief investment officer of Jamestown named Redevelopment Champion of the Year

The Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit (MARS), presented by Gwinnett’s Community Improvement Districts and co-hosted by Partnership Gwinnett and the Council for Quality Growth, offered an exclusive look at major redevelopment projects shaping the future of the region.

This year’s event not only highlighted emerging trends in the redevelopment industry but also provided valuable networking opportunities for professionals across metro Atlanta. Attendees gained insight into best practices through discussions on successful revitalization projects.

The summit’s marquee moment was the presentation of the annual MARS Awards, recognizing remarkable achievements in redevelopment that are transforming the metro Atlanta landscape.

The keynote address was delivered by Joe Minicozzi, a renowned urban planner and founder of Urban3, who shared his expertise on land use, urban design and economics. In addition to the keynote, the event featured dynamic panel discussions with local leaders and key partners from across the metropolitan area, spotlighting successful projects and innovative strategies in the region.

Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson concluded the summit with closing remarks, emphasizing the continued growth of the region and the collective efforts driving its future.

2024 MARS Awards winners

The MARS Awards ceremony celebrated projects that have made significant economic impacts on their communities and honored Tim Perry, an individual who has dedicated his career to advancing successful redevelopment initiatives.

Runner upPaul Radford, Sugar Hill city manager


Small Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Historic Jones Building

The historic Jones Building, one of the oldest structures in Cherokee County, has been revitalized to meet modern needs while preserving its storied past. This ambitious 28-month restoration culminated in August 2024, breathing new life into this cornerstone of downtown Canton and creating a dynamic space for work, dining, and play.

Runner up: The Hands of Christ Duluth Co-Op


Medium Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Grove at Towne Center

The Grove at Towne Center is a transformative development in the heart of Snellville. With 33,000 square feet of restaurant space, 10,000 square feet of retail and the new Elizabeth H. Williams Branch of the Gwinnett Public Library, The Grove offers an ideal blend of dining, shopping and cultural experiences.

Runner up: Springside Powder Springs


Large Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Works

The Works is an innovative, 80-acre adaptive reuse community that reimagines a historic warehouse district in Atlanta’s Upper Westside. The first phase, spanning 27 acres, introduced a dynamic mix of 218,000 square feet of unique retail and dining spaces, 118,000 square feet of creative office space and Westbound at The Works — a modern 306-unit multi-family residence.

Runner up: The Forum at Peachtree Corners

“Community redevelopment is essential in creating vibrant, thriving spaces that enhance the quality of life and drive sustainable economic growth for the entire region,” said Deven Cason, vice president of economic development for Partnership Gwinnett.

“We proudly congratulate this year’s award winners and finalists for their innovative contributions and tireless efforts in revitalizing our communities. Their work is not only reshaping local landscapes but also fueling long-term economic prosperity in metro Atlanta. We are grateful for their dedication to building a brighter, more prosperous future.”

2024 sponsors

The program was held at the former Georgia Baptist Convention Center, Maison6405, and welcomed more than 200 industry attendees.

Sponsors included Evermore CID, Gateway 85 CID, Gwinnett Place CID, Lilburn CID, Sugarloaf CID, C2H Air, Hogan Construction, Northside, Primerica, The Forum, Gas South, Jackson EMC, Select Fulton, True North 400, ABEV Power Solutions, City of Suwanee, Curiosity Labs, Geo Hydro Engineers, Georgia Power, Lose Designs, City of Lawrenceville, City of Norcross, City of Peachtree Corners, City of Sugar Hill and Town of Braselton.

For more information on revitalization and redevelopment efforts in the region, visit partnershipgwinnett.com.

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Business

TransPak Acquires Reid Packaging to Expand East Coast Presence

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group of people in a warehouse with two men in front shaking hands

The strategic acquisition strengthens TransPak’s Southeast presence and expands their capabilities in custom packaging for military, aerospace and high-value equipment.

TransPak, a global leader in logistics, packaging and crating services, recently announced the acquisition of Reid Packaging, a long-standing provider of custom packaging solutions based in Peachtree Corners. Both family-owned and operated companies share a deep-rooted commitment to quality craftsmanship, reliability and customer service, making the acquisition a natural fit.

Reid Packaging, founded in 1982, has distinguished itself as the go-to customer industrial packager in the metro Atlanta region, providing corrugated, foam and custom-engineered crating solutions, particularly in the military and aerospace industries. 

two people from Reid Packaging standing in front of crates and boxes in a warehouse
Ward and Anne Phillips of Reid Packaging

Under the ownership of Ward Phillips since 2008, the company has grown to become one of the largest packaging facilities in the region, with a 60,000-square-foot site. 

The acquisition will allow TransPak to expand its local manufacturing capabilities in the Southeast, while leveraging Reid Packaging’s expertise in specialized and heavy-duty custom crates.

Strategic Atlanta location and enhanced capabilities

The acquisition is part of TransPak’s strategic expansion into the Atlanta market, a critical logistics hub for both the renewable energy and semiconductor industries. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Reid Packaging into the TransPak family,” said Tomas Molet, executive vice president of East and Midwest Operations, TransPak. “With Reid Packaging’s prime location in Peachtree Corners, we are now able to serve customers throughout the Southeast, including direct routes to the Carolinas and beyond. This acquisition strengthens our ability to meet the needs of existing clients, especially those in the semiconductor and renewable energy sectors.”

four people at a ribbon cutting as TransPak acquires Reid Packaging
Tomas Molet and Amanda Gautney with Anne and Ward Phillips

In addition to the strategic location, the acquisition brings new manufacturing capabilities to TransPak’s East Coast operations. Reid Packaging’s facility is now the largest of TransPak’s locations in the region. Its offerings include enhanced services, such as heavy-duty and triple-wall corrugated packaging, which will enable TransPak to meet the growing demand for custom-designed packaging solutions for fragile, high-value equipment.

Commitment to employees and leadership appointments

A key focus of the acquisition was ensuring a smooth transition for Reid Packaging’s employees.

 “We made a commitment to Ward Phillips to take care of the staff, and we’ve delivered on that promise,” said Molet. “All employees were retained, and we’ve introduced benefits they previously didn’t have as part of our commitment to making this a positive transition for everyone involved.”

Amanda Gautney, a longtime member of TransPak’s leadership team, has been appointed as the operations manager for the Peachtree Corners facility. “I’m excited to work with the team at Reid and continue the legacy of this respected company,” said Gautney. 

two people from TransPak standing in front of crates and boxes in a warehouse
Amanda Gautney and Tomas Molet

Looking forward in Atlanta

TransPak plans to continue operating under the Reid Packaging name for the immediate future. However, the facility will gradually transition to full integration under the TransPak brand, reflecting the shared values and commitment to quality of both companies.

About TransPak

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, TransPak has been providing innovative and cost-effective design, crating, packaging and global logistics for over 70 years.

As a customer-focused, women- and family-owned company, TransPak combines the agility of a small business with the reliability of a global powerhouse. TransPak lives by the slogan, “We make it happen,” ensuring that high-value, fragile, and oversized goods reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

For more information about TransPak, visit transpak.com.

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Business

Lisa Anders Promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Explore Gwinnett

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Professional headshot of a brown-haired woman wearing a blue top

Explore Gwinnett, the destination marketing organization for Gwinnett County, has announced the promotion of Lisa Anders from executive director to chief operating officer (COO). Since joining the organization in 1996, Anders has demonstrated outstanding leadership and has established a track record of developing partnerships essential to leading and expanding the evolving destination marketing organization. The creation and oversight of both the Gwinnett Film Commission and Gwinnett Creativity Fund are just two of her achievements.

“I am honored to step into the role of chief operating officer at Explore Gwinnett,” said Anders. “Over the past 13 years as executive director, I have had the privilege of witnessing remarkable growth for our destination. I am eager to enter this new chapter, and I’m looking forward to continuing to see how we expand.”

As COO, Anders will take on the additional responsibility of overseeing the Gwinnett Sports Commission. This division is dedicated to driving economic development through sports, managing a variety of events for youth, collegiate, amateur and professional athletic organizations. Ander’s innovative approach and extensive network of local and national connections will further support the commission’s overall mission to establish Gwinnett County as a premier sports destination.

“The Gwinnett Sports Commission team has excelled in attracting and managing a diverse array of sporting events over the past several years,” Anders added. “I look forward to working closely with this talented team to support their ongoing efforts and foster economic development for our community.”

For more information, visit exploregwinnett.org.

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