Frank Blake, the former CEO of Home Depot, was the featured speaker at the Rotary Club of Atlanta, kicking off the year under the leadership of Kathy Waller.
Waller, who previously collaborated with Blake on the Delta Air Lines board starting in 2015 when she was the CFO of Coca-Cola, sought his insights from his extensive career both in corporate America and the U.S. government.
Blake surprisingly stepped into the role of Home Depot’s CEO in January 2007, raising doubts given his legal background and limited retail experience.
However, with guidance from his son, a Home Depot store manager, he used the book “Built from Scratch” as a compass.
This book, recounting the foundation of Home Depot by Bernie Marcus, Arthur Blank, and Ken Langone, emphasized the inverted pyramid model where the CEO is at the bottom, supporting customers and associates.
Blake remarked, “It’s one of the most profound and true business concepts. Everything you do (as CEO) is uphill. Gravity is not your friend.”
He fondly recalled words of wisdom from Marcus, who cautioned him about keeping his ego in check as a CEO.
Marcus advised, “You are going to go in a conference room and tell a joke, and everyone is going to laugh. But you’re not funny.”
Now retired from both Home Depot and Delta, Blake has dedicated his time to producing a podcast titled Crazy Good Turns, which celebrates individuals and their acts of kindness.
As a Bostonian, he praised Atlanta for its exceptional collaboration between government and private sectors, highlighting the city’s commitment to community improvement exemplified by projects like Grady Hospital.
In business news, AT&T has made significant investments in Georgia, pouring in $16.9 billion between 2020 and 2024 to enhance its 5G and fiber infrastructure.
Governor Brian Kemp expressed gratitude for the historical investments made by AT&T, noting their potential to positively impact the workforce, businesses, and communities within the state.
Riley Blount, president of AT&T Georgia, reflected on the company’s long-standing history of connectivity in Georgia, emphasizing their commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing residents’ quality of life through expanded network capabilities.
Mary Elizabeth Roberson, an AT&T spokesperson, noted that Georgia leads the nation in investment during this period.
Tragically, Atlanta community leader Miles Alexander passed away at age 93 on July 11.
His memorial service on July 14 was attended by friends, family, and notable figures like former mayors Andrew Young and Bill Campbell, who came to honor his legacy.
Miles Alexander served over sixty years with the Kilpatrick law firm, and his lasting influence extended into civic leadership.
Rabbi Peter Berg shared that Alexander had a deep appreciation for books, filling his home with them, with the service reflecting on the many chapters of his life, including relationships with Atlanta’s first Black mayor, Maynard Jackson, and the King family.
Alex Berg humorously pointed out that Alexander was not fond of change, as evidenced by his long-term commitments to both his firm and his wife, Elaine, with whom he shared 70 years of marriage.
In a poignant moment, his son Kent recalled a business lunch where his father challenged guests to discuss taboo subjects, reminding everyone that serious matters often yield engaging conversations.
Daughter Paige Alexander, president and CEO of the Carter Center, spoke about the memorable experience of her husband meeting her father, showing a blend of warmth and rigorous family expectations.
In closing, Rabbi Berg concluded, “The book of Miles Alexander is now complete.”
In local non-profit news, Park Pride has announced the addition of five new members to its Board of Directors as part of a new strategic plan following the success of its Parks for All campaign.
New members include Joe Bolling from Novelis, Alex Dileo from the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Sylia Obaji from the Winston Family Foundation, Jennifer Weizenecker from Jones Day, and Jennifer Winn from Georgia Power.
Chair Omari Henderson stated that the expanded board would influence the organization’s future direction and build on its recent successes.
As the organization evolves, several board members completed their service in June.
Excitement is building for the third annual Westside Stride block party, scheduled for Sunday, October 5, from noon to 6 p.m., along Howell Mill Road.
This event will transform Howell Mill Road into a vibrant space for live music, food, shopping, and family-friendly activities, allowing attendees to explore the area car-free.
The Upper Westside Improvement District is the event’s organizer, and festival-goers can anticipate multiple stages with performances, vendor markets, and attractions such as a pumpkin patch, bounce houses, and a petting zoo.
Visitors are encouraged to walk, bike, or roll throughout the area while ensuring roadways remain accessible for vehicle crossing.
Westside Stride showcases the importance of walkable communities and celebrates local businesses along the Upper Westside.
In real estate developments, Toro Development Company has appointed Justin Long and David Pugh as vice presidents to its leadership team amid the progress of the Medley construction project.
This $560 million mixed-use initiative, located in Johns Creek, is set to feature various amenities, including retail, office space, residences, and a plaza, preparing for its grand opening on October 29, 2026.
Long will oversee design and construction, while Pugh will focus on multifamily development, both of whom bring a wealth of experience from previous work on projects like Avalon in Alpharetta.
In arts news, the Atlanta Opera announced it has opened single-ticket sales for its highly anticipated 2025–26 season, which features six unique productions centered around themes of twilight and transformation.
Among the highlights is the East Coast premiere of Richard Wagner’s “Twilight of the Gods,” the concluding work in the company’s Ring cycle, scheduled for performance in late spring 2026.
The mainstage season events at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre will also include classics like “La traviata” and “The Marriage of Figaro,” alongside a new staging of “Turandot.”
The season will officially kick off on September 4 with the beloved musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” co-produced with Alliance Theatre, and wrap up on November 15 with “La Belle et la Bête.”
In youth outreach, District 1 Councilwoman Dr. Catherine Rowell is spearheading the annual Back-to-School and Family Wellness Fest on July 27, aimed at promoting health and well-being in the community.
This event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sandtown Park Field, offering free health screenings, fitness programs, and a backpack giveaway for students.
Rowell hoped that the fest would foster community togetherness while providing vital wellness resources, emphasizing its significance in promoting early intervention and physical activity among residents.
In another community-centered development, Lee + White in Atlanta’s West End has unveiled two new entertainment venues and three retailers as part of its adaptive reuse project.
The Game Show Challenge has made its Atlanta debut, complementing the launch of Atlanta Golf & Social, which offers golf simulator bays and a restaurant.
New retailers include Afrentic, Bloom Box Collective, and Joyful Jarra, enriching the local shopping experience and reflecting the communal spirit of the Lee + White area.
This development encompasses a food hall with 19 vendors, creative office spaces, and direct access to the nearby BeltLine, promoting community-focused retail and entertainment.
In health management, Lenbrook has collaborated with Emory Integrated Memory Care to deliver specialized dementia care directly to its residents, enhancing their quality of life.
Launched on June 20, the IMC in Community program provides comprehensive medical care, including in-home visits and ongoing support for individuals with dementia and their families.
The initiative aims to improve access to expert care while fostering community connections for residents in Independent and Assisted Living.
In dance, the Atlanta Ballet’s upcoming 2025–26 season promises excitement with the East Coast premiere of “Frida,” a work that honors the renowned artist Frida Kahlo, coinciding with Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin’s milestone anniversary.
The season will kick off with performances blending classical pieces and contemporary choreography, including the annual holiday classic “The Nutcracker.”
The ballet will also present classics like “Giselle” and “Snow White,” concluding with the much-anticipated “Frida” in May.
In culinary festivities, Buckhead Restaurant Week is returning from July 21 to 26, inviting diners to experience the luxurious dining options available in Atlanta.
Participating restaurants will offer exclusive menus and tasting experiences, with a variety of choices spanning casual to upscale dining.
This food-centric celebration, presented by Livable Buckhead, showcases the vibrant culinary scene, making it an enticing event for food enthusiasts throughout the city.
Additionally, Wild Heaven Beer is preparing for its third annual Crab Trap & Tap event on July 19, an opportunity for guests to relish steamed Maryland blue crabs and Low Country Boil amid a summer festival atmosphere.
This celebration will provide an array of local brews, live music, and communal seating, set in a backyard-style setting at the West End location.
Finally, Ponce City Market is set to introduce La Cueva, a new cocktail lounge and listening room, debuting in late 2025.
This venture promises to offer an immersive experience with a focus on mezcal cocktails and Mexican cuisine, alongside live performances to enhance the evening atmosphere.
The new venue aims to blend modern design with nostalgic speakeasy vibes, providing a unique social space for Atlanta’s nightlife.
In affordable housing developments, groundbreaking for the Sylvan Hills II project has occurred, funded without Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, aiming to deliver 233 new residences to Southwest Atlanta.
The $52.7 million initiative focuses on increasing affordable housing options, showcasing a public-private partnership designed to expedite timelines and foster growth in accessible living spaces.
Leadership from Atlanta Housing expressed urgent commitment towards meeting the community’s housing needs and presented the development as a framework for future inclusive housing solutions.
Lastly, the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia will celebrate its 40th anniversary this summer, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to philanthropic impact throughout the region.
With over $90 million in grants distributed to local nonprofits since its inception, the foundation will host a celebratory event on August 14, featuring a cocktail reception, live jazz performances, and a program reflecting on its decades of dedication to fostering philanthropy in Northeast Georgia.
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