The Cobb Chamber will host the 2026 Economic Development Summit, presented by Huntington National Bank, on Wednesday, August 26 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The Summit will explore Cobb County’s growing impact on the global economy and celebrate the international companies choosing Cobb for investment, expansion, and innovation.
This year’s Summit will spotlight the power of international business in Cobb County – from companies onshoring operations and creating new opportunities locally, to the collaborative workforce development initiatives preparing students for careers with global companies doing business right here in Cobb and around the world.
The program will also highlight the critical role transportation and infrastructure initiatives play in supporting economic growth, global connectivity, talent access, and business expansion. From regional connectivity to infrastructure investments that strengthen access to jobs, education, and international commerce, transportation continues to be a key driver of Cobb’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Attendees will hear directly from industry leaders, educators, transportation partners, and economic development professionals as they share insights on international investment, workforce readiness, infrastructure planning, and the future of global business in our region. The 2026 Summit also shares how Cobb County continues to position itself as a premier destination for international growth, advanced industries, and workforce excellence.
Featured speakers include:
- Global Companies Made in Cobb featuring Cynthia Reichard, EVP of Arylessence and Bert Nappier, EVP & CFO at Genuine Parts Company
- Power of International Businesses in Cobb featuring Clarence Penge, President of Heidelberg USA and Christian Zeigler, Sun-Wa Technos America, Inc.
- Connecting Cobb throughout the Globe featuring Erick Allen, District 2 Cobb County Commissioner, Tracy Styf, Executive Director of the Town CenterCommunity Improvement District, and Kim Menefee, Executive Director of the Cumberland Community Improvement District
- Creating the Workforce for an International Future featuring Dr. Tiffany Barney, Executive Director of the Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy, Rob Garcia, III, CEO of the Marietta College and Career Academy, and Sonya Grant, President & CEO of WorkSource Cobb
Registration is now open at https://tinyurl.com/2ryfx2dy. Tickets are $80 for Cobb Chamber members and $110 for non-members.
The 2026 Economic Development Summit is presented by Presenting Sponsor, Huntington National Bank; Lunch Sponsor, Comcast; Visionary Sponsors, Atlanta Braves, Chattahoochee Technical College, CDH Partners, Cumberland Community Improvement District, Freeman Mathis & Gary, Georgia Power, JE Dunn, Kennesaw State University, MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service, Town Center Community Improvement District, and Wellstar Health System; Innovator Sponsors, Axis Infrastructure, Brasfield & Gorrie, Cobb EMC, Council for Quality Growth, Delta Community Credit Union, Gateway Marietta CID, and Genuine Parts Company, and Partner Sponsors, BRPH, Croy Engineering, Elevate Architecture Studio, Georgia Association of Manufacturers, Georgia Commute Options, and Metro Atlanta Chamber.
For more information about the Economic Development Summit, contact Stephanie Cox at scox@cobbchamber.org or 770-859-2337.