Charlie, representing the city's economic development department, provided a multi-part update on city economic activity.

Charlie said the previously approved $20,000 donation to Lights on the Loop has been executed: "the MOU has been executed and payment has been made to the Affolute Foundation," and the program runs Dec. 5 through Dec. 31. He reported Dogwood Square tax‑exempt bonds closed Sept. 19 with a $20,000,000 issuance, and that an Equifax bond issuance approved Sept. 2 is scheduled to close next Thursday. Charlie said renovation plans for Equifax have been submitted to the city and the project is moving forward.

Charlie also introduced a new community guide created for businesses, site selectors and brokers; staff distributed the guide digitally and printed a limited run of about 100 copies for targeted distribution. He credited Mandy for developing the brochure and said staff will use strategic channels—digital newsletters, broker outreach and in‑person meetings—to distribute the guide.

On business activity, Charlie said Ansell (Australia‑based PPE company) opened a 24,000 sq ft U.S. experience center on Great Oaks Way; 5Q opened a 12,000 sq ft headquarters on Founders Way with about 40 employees; and a Germany‑based firm named Piong expanded its Alpharetta facility by 30,000 sq ft (20,000 sq ft warehousing; 10,000 sq ft clean room), moving more production to the U.S. Charlie offered to answer members' questions on any of the items.

(Transcript spelling retained for some proper nouns where staff used the names as spoken.)