By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA – May 21, 2024

The Empire Board of Realtists Commercial Council recently hosted a dynamic town hall-style discussion on conducting business within DeKalb County, Georgia. 

The moderator for the evening was Ms. Beverly Echols, a Commercial Real Estate Agent with Ruhill Commercial. After informing the audience of the rules for participation and the flow of the evening, Echols introduced the main speaker, Michael Thurmond, Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County. Mr. Thurmond, provided some basic background information then delved into the county’s burgeoning prospects for commerce, emphasizing pivotal infrastructure advancements, strategic capital investments, and the ongoing transformation and development around Metropolitan Area Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) transit stations.

The event, held at the Privi Event Center situated in the revamped former Sears building at Stonecrest Mall, drew an engaged audience very interested in exploring DeKalb County’s economic tapestry. Thurmond, in his address, underscored the county’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to business growth, underscoring infrastructural enhancements and system upgrades tailored to improve the county’s operational efficiency.

The Empire Board of Realtists®, Inc.(EBR), a distinguished 501(c)6 professional real estate trade organization, and the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) were the hosts for this insightful meeting to initiate meaningful dialog surrounding real estate development and doing business in DeKalb County. Founded in 1939, the organization stands as one of the oldest minority trade associations in the United States, steadfast in its mission to champion equitable housing opportunities for all.

Ms. Archie Emerson, President of the Empire Board of Realtists, articulated the organization’s unwavering commitment to community activism and safeguarding stakeholders’ interests. Emphasizing the imperative of delivering high-quality real estate services, Emerson affirmed the pivotal role of the EBR in fortifying the economic bedrock of metropolitan Atlanta and the state of Georgia.

Following Thurmond’s illuminating presentation, attendees engaged in a spirited Q&A session punctuated by inquiries regarding Thurmond’s political aspirations. When pressed about a potential gubernatorial bid, Thurmond reflected on his nearly four decades of public service, expressing openness to future endeavors while affirming his enduring dedication to community betterment. Vaughn Irons, Privi Owner/Developer, capped off the evening by unveiling plans for “Friday Night Live,” an immersive community engagement initiative slated to kick off on June 14, 2024.

Set to run for eight weeks, finishing the summer program on August 2, 2024, Friday Night Live promises an eclectic fusion of youth educational experiences, live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, and much more, encapsulating the vibrant spirit of DeKalb County. As the curtain fell on this riveting conversation, the EBR remains steadfast in championing democratic housing ideals, underscoring the enduring legacy of advocacy and service that defines its illustrious history.