Sustainable Community

Sustainable Community. . . Is this enlightened development or sound business practice? Tom Matia, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Public Affairs and Communications for The Coca-Cola Company makes the case that Sustainable Community should be included in every company’s business plan. “Do good for society by entering a market as a supporting function of the market, not just a seller of a product.”

This concept is demonstrated by many top builders and support companies in the Atlanta real estate industry. Here are some prime examples of builders, developers and marketers giving back:

Monastra Foundation - When she’s not helping her clients at Full Circle, Senior Account Manager Pamela Monastra is likely to be found raising money for pancreatic cancer research. Monastra’s father died of the disease just four weeks after his diagnosis in the spring of 2002, and while pancreatic cancer research is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths, the family was unable to locate an organization dedicated to its cure. Working with John Hopkins Medical Institutions, the family founded the Joseph C. Monastra Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research in his memory. Since its inception in 2002, the JCM Foundation has raised more than a half million dollars, partially through an annual black tie fundraiser in Chicago, a 5K run in Ohio, a golf tournament in Alpharetta and motorcycle rides in Atlanta. All funds go directly to research at John Hopkins.

Essentials for Young Lives - Currently celebrating 25 years in the home building industry, Jolly Development and its’ subsidiary The Providence Group are currently participating in HomeAid Atlanta’s sixth annual Essentials for Young Lives Drive, a community-wide effort to collect much needed items such as diapers (newborn to toddler, including training pants), baby wipes, baby food and formula for homeless infants and toddlers. Those who are interested in donating items for the Essentials for Young Lives Drive may drop off items from now through November 16 at any of The Providence Group’s communities throughout metro Atlanta including: Abberly Towneship and Merrimont in Johns Creek; Enclave at Milton Park and Jamestown in Alpharetta; Sterling of Dunwoody; Alderwood on Abernathy, Promenade at NorthPlace and Highlands in Sandy Springs; Three Bridges in Suwanee; Bristol at Briarcliff in Atlanta; Eastland Gates Condominiums in East Atlanta; Villages at Huntcrest in the Sugarloaf/Lawrenceville area; and Woodbridge Crossing in Smyrna. Donations may also be dropped off at the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association’s Housing Center in Tucker. For more information about The Providence Group and direction to communities, please visit www.tpghomes.net.

Our Pick of the Litter - Real estate public relations agency Flammer Relations creates newsletters, news releases and online media opportunities for this Atlanta based animal rescue group.

As builders, developers and participants in the industry, we leave our mark on society daily. Let’s be forward thinking in our approach and “teach a man to fish” vs feeding him for just one day. Create networks that can support schools, hospitals and businesses while moving society forward. Sustainable community is where civil society, government and business come together for the greater good. With the boom of Live, Work, Play and Traditional Neighborhoods all over Atlanta, we are well on the way to creating sustainable community.