BUSINESS
FORECAST 2022 15
As Cobb economy recovers from
COVID-19, businesses have their
eyes on the workforce
By: Chart Riggall
Coming out of 2020, Cobb County businesses
looked forward to a strong year when
they could put the concerns of the pandemic
behind them.
It didn’t quite work out that way, but it still
looks to have been a banner year for business
in Cobb.
Businesses and venues that had been shuttered
or remote for months were able to
finally welcome customers back in. Marquee
locations like the Cobb Energy Performing
Arts Centre conducted outdoor performances
of classics like “Carmen” and “The Threepenny
Opera.”
Then later last year, CEPAC and other landmarks
like the Strand Theatre finally enjoyed
guests under their roofs, declaring, “Intermission
is over.”
The year also saw the return of Braves
baseball, with stands and The Battery Atlanta
packed from opening day to the final pitch
of the 2021 World Series. Economic development
was another major hit for the county,
with thousands of new jobs added (for more,
see our economic development section).
Economists from the University of Georgia’s
Terry College of Business said last month
they expect growth in Georgia to outstrip the
nation’s next year.
“We’ve made tremendous progress getting
back to normal,” said Benjamin Ayers of Terry
College. “By late 2022, Georgia’s economy will
fully recover from the COVID-19 recession.”
But, while some sectors surged this year,
others were less lucky. In early 2021, creditors
foreclosed on the Town Center Mall, as
in-person retail shopping continues to decline
amid the pandemic and the hegemony of
e-commerce.
Other retail locations, however, are seeing
new investment with an eye toward creating
walkable, all-purpose locations for shopping
and entertainment. The Battery is Cobb’s most
famous example of that model, but North
American Properties announced last summer
it would give a facelift to the popular Avenue
East Cobb shopping center, complete with
several major retail locations.
As businesses race to compete for workers, lucrative signing
bonuses and generous benets have risen to previously
unheard-of levels. e Starbucks at Dallas Highway and
Barrett Parkway in west Cobb is oering a slate of perks
including a 401(k) plan, adoption assistance, and even free
Spotify subscriptions. - Chart Riggall