Mayor Gives Upbeat Report on City

presented his State of the City address Tuesday to members of the at their monthly luncheon.

Mathews, who is beginning as the city's mayor, said that keeping the city on track during a terrible economic year was a "team effort."

"By preparing for several years before the economic downturn, the city was able to weather the budget challenge with no furloughs, no service loss, and no decrease in quality of life," said Mathews, adding he feels good about where the city is headed in 2012.

He introduced city council members and city staffers and thanked them for their hard work in a tough economic climate. "While we don't always agree, we work as a team," said Mathews. "These are the people who make it happen."

Many local government, civic and business leaders were in attendance, including and Mathews' neighbor to the north, Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood. "This takes teamwork with the county, with the schools, and with KSU," said Mathews.

Mathews also serves on the Board of the Atlanta Regional Commission, the planning agency for the 10-county metro-Atlanta area, and has been with residents and government officials.

Mathews reminded the business association of two important events in 2012: The 150th anniversary of the Andrews Raid, better known as the to be celebrated on April 12; and the 125th anniversary of the city charter, which will be celebrated in September.

"Never forget that what makes this city so special is you," said Mathews. The full presentation, entitled "Pursuit of Excellence," can be found on the City of Kennesaw's website at www.kennesaw-ga.gov.

A long list of accomplishments in 2011 were mentioned by the mayor, including the following:

• The city hosted in 2011.
• Innovative businesses chose Kennesaw, including , a nano brewery for craft beer on Moon Station Road, and a $3.5 million forecast to open this year.
• announced the creation of an e-commerce fulfillment center which will add 700+ jobs over the next two years.
• Joint projects with , including U Club at Frey, scheduled to begin leasing in August, which will provide 450 beds of student housing for KSU.
• The latest reflect the lowest annual total in five years for reported major crimes.
• A four-acre is being developed through cooperation of a private property owner, KSU, and the city.
• Pro skateboarder Rob Dyrdek is helping the city design and build a world class, inside Swift-Cantrell Park.