The economic downturn has forced many Americans to rent instead of purchase their own homes. In metro Atlanta areas like Duluth, homeownership is at a six year low of 65 percent. As a result, developers in the state are building thousands of new apartment units this year in an effort to take advantage of increased demand for rental units. Such an assumption should help restore some of the 90,000 construction jobs that have been lost in the state since 2007.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved a request by Southern Company, a utility conglomerate headquartered in Georgia, to expand Plant Vogtle by fitting it with twin 1,100 megawatt reactors. This is great news for job seekers, environmentalists, technical colleges, landowners and businesses providing print services and office supplies.

For the first time since 1992, visitors to the Gwinnett Center will be quenching their thirst with beverages not manufactured by the Coca-Cola Company. Pepsi Beverages Company is the new soft drink provider for the more than 1 million guests who frequent the Gwinnett Centers Arena and Convention Center each year.

Walking the streets of Duluth will likely be safer not to mention more attractive for residents and visitors now that the Davenport Road Project is complete. The city of more than 26,000 was recently presented with a Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Award for its efforts to make the city more pedestrian-friendly.