Decide DeKalb Celebrates Economic Development Week with Local Business Giveaways and Educational Resources
DECATUR, GA (May 6, 2025) — In celebration of Economic Development Week, Decide DeKalb Development Authority will host a series of events across DeKalb County from May 12–16, 2025, highlighting the power of partnerships, small business success and community-driven growth.
Established by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Economic Development Week (EDW) is an annual opportunity to spotlight the work of economic development professionals in building more vibrant, inclusive and resilient communities. This year, Decide DeKalb is showcasing small businesses, vital resources and more in a series of community-focused events in partnership with local businesses.
“Economic development isn’t just about big deals and buildings, though those are certainly important. It’s also about people,” said Dorian DeBarr, President of Decide DeKalb. “This week is a celebration of the small business owners, community leaders and residents who contribute to DeKalb’s strong, connected and welcoming environment for growth and investment.”
Celebrating What Makes DeKalb Thrive
The week’s programming reflects Decide DeKalb’s mission to drive growth, equity and innovation by supporting local businesses and advancing redevelopment opportunities across the County. By recognizing the diverse players that make DeKalb a great place to do business, Decide DeKalb is not only celebrating: They’re investing in a vision of prosperity with opportunity for all
Monday, May 12: “Make You Love Monday” Kick-off
The week kicks off with free coffee and dessert with local businesses. The first 100 visitors across all locations will enjoy a specialty coffee or sweet treat.
Morning Coffee:
Refuge Coffee Co. 4170 E Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Clarkston, GA (7–9 a.m.)
Gilly Brew Bar 5329 Mimosa Dr. Stone Mtn. Village, GA (9–11 a.m.)
Dope Coffee 5360 Snapfinger Woods Dr #134, Decatur, GA (9–11 a.m.)
Afternoon & Evening Sweet Treats:
The Cereal Lab 335 W Ponce de Leon Ave Ste D, Decatur, GA (2–4 p.m.)
Lil Rhody’s Frozen Lemonade 3592 Flat Shoals Rd, Decatur, GA; New Life Community Alliance parking lot (4–6 p.m.)
Munster Cravings 2323 Main Street Tucker, GA (6–8 p.m.)
May 13: Business Retention 101 – Clarkston Community Center
On Tuesday, May 13 (2-4 p.m.), Decide DeKalb will host a Business Retention 101 session at the Clarkston Community Center, offering entrepreneurs practical insights and tools to thrive in today’s economy. It’s also a chance for new and established businesses to connect directly with the Decide DeKalb team and learn about available resources.
May 14: Virtual Brownfields Visioning Session
On Wednesday, May 14 (12 p.m. via Zoom), Decide DeKalb invites community members, developers, and stakeholders to a virtual Brownfields Visioning Session focused on transforming underutilized properties into catalysts for economic growth.
Led by Diana Pitcher-Williams, Manager of Redevelopment & Strategic Initiatives at Decide DeKalb, the session will feature expert insights from:
- Jacob Vallo, Chief Development Officer, DeKalb County
- Rachel Bragg and Andrea Folgherait, DeKalb Planning & Sustainability Department
Attendees will explore real sites in DeKalb County, discuss actionable revitalization strategies, and learn how brownfield redevelopment can drive long-term prosperity. RSVP here
May 15: Leadership DeKalb Economic Development Day
Decide DeKalb is proud to partner with Leadership DeKalb as they host Economic Development Day for their Class of 2025 on May 15. While no public event is scheduled, participants will have an exclusive Walking Tour of Lulah Hills and will experience firsthand this transformative development, a dynamic mixed-use project in the heart of DeKalb. The tour, led by EDENS, will highlight the site’s progress, vision, and economic impact on the region.
Media Contact
Terra Washington | [email protected] | 404.277.5958