Author: On Common Ground News

Decide DeKalb is pleased to announce the recent addition of Mechel McKinley as senior project manager. McKinley, who formerly served as the executive director for the City of Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority, will work to attract, expand and retain businesses in DeKalb County. “[McKinley’s] economic development background, ingenuity and perspective makes her a perfect fit as our new senior project manager. We are excited to welcome her to the team,” Decide DeKalb President Ray Gilley said. During her three-year tenure with the City of Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority, McKinley was instrumental in implementing a signature small business grant…

WorkSource DeKalb has partnered with Dart Container Corporation for a hiring event that will be held on Thursday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 774 Jordan Lane, Bldg. 4, Decatur. Dart is hiring more than 30 full-time inspector-packer positions and shift mechanics for its Lithonia facility. Successful inspector-packer candidates will earn $12.26 per hour and shift mechanics $20 per hour. Dart Container will conduct onsite interviews and provide immediate job offers to credentialed candidates. Interested jobseekers must pre-register for the event at gaworkready.org and fill out an application through Dart’s website at www.dart.jobs. Jobseekers are also asked to…

The American Express OPEN for Government Contracting: Success Series for Local Small Businesses workshop will be Tuesday, Jan. 31, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Atlanta. The free full-day workshop is designed to educate small business owners on the benefits of selling to the government. The program will cover a variety of government contracting topics for businesses at all levels of contract readiness and provides attendees with resources and step-by-step instructions to secure government contracts. In addition to networking with other small businesses, attendees can sign up during registration to meet directly…

Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbitt held a meet and greet to introduce his Chief of Staff Corey Hambrick and Executive Assistant Claire Harris. Dozens of people turned out this evening for the event which was held at the Rockdale Board of Commissioners’ office.

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond released his first proposed operating budget of $1.3 billion today for fiscal year 2017. This proposal begins the implementation of Thurmond’s vision for DeKalb County. “This budget provides a framework for strengthening the government’s fiscal condition,   improving public safety, annualizing the fiscal year 2016 pay and compensation increases and funding various infrastructure and capital improvements,” Thurmond said. “By proactively managing our resources, we will be able to maintain a projected $50.1 million fund balance, which equals one month’s operating revenue.” Prior to the official adoption of the budget, the administration will submit funding proposals to address…

A crowd of people came out to commemorate the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbitt served as the grand marshal for the event which was organized by community activist Josie Dean and a host of volunteers Monday, Jan. 16. Photos by Glenn Morgan

The homegoing service for Bishop Eddie L long will be Wednesday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Rd, Lithonia. The doors will open at 8 a.m. The family is planning a wake that will be held on Tuesday,  Jan. 24. No time has been set. More details to follow. Please share from On Common Ground News.

LITHONIA, GA – Sunday, January 15 Bishop Long, Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, died early Sunday morning after a long battle  with an aggressive form of cancer. First Lady Elder Vanessa Long, Bishop Long’s wife of 27 years issued the following statement in the wake of the mega church pastor’s death: “I am confidant through my belief in God that my husband is now resting in a better place. Although, his transition leaves a void for those of us who loved him dearly, we can celebrate and be happy for him, knowing he’s at peace.” Deeply committed…

Michael Thurmond, who officially took office Jan. 1, after a private swearing in was sworn in during a packed public ceremony this evening at the Maloof Auditorium in Decatur. He was joined by other newly elected county officials who also were sworn in. Thurmond promised “a new day in DeKalb County”, one in which blacks and whites, north and south would work together. Hear his speech here.

It’s campaign season in DeKalb County’s new city of Stonecrest and the candidates running for office are already stomping for votes. At the Jan. 12 meeting held by the Governor’s Commission on the City of Stonecrest, the volunteer group that is laying the groundwork for the new city, several of the candidates attended and were permitted to introduce themselves. The DeKalb Medical Auditorium where the meeting was held was prime ground for networking: The facility was packed with stakeholders. “We held the meeting to update residents on various issues, adopt resolutions, initiate activities of the Stonecrest Community Committee,…