The cards were on the table — and several local businesses went all in for the kids.
On September 11, the Smyrna Business Exchange chapter of BNI hosted its sixth annual Casino Night benefiting Fair Oaks Elementary School in Marietta. The evening included casino-style table games, food and drinks, raffle drawings, a silent auction and a grand prize, but the real payoff was the opportunity to support students right here in our community.
Fair Oaks is a Title I school, serving many students from economically disadvantaged households. Leading the school is Principal Cathie Seibert, an Army veteran whose adventures once included driving tanks and rappelling down mountains. These days, she channels that same fearless energy into building a strong school community and making sure her students have every opportunity to succeed.
Through the BNI Foundation’s Business Voices initiative, the Smyrna Business Exchange has made supporting Fair Oaks an important part of its community involvement. This year’s Casino Night was also made possible by five premier sponsors who may work in very different industries, but clearly share something in common: a willingness to show up for their community.
OTG TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS
Technology may be complicated, but Richard Hunt has spent more than 35 years proving that it doesn’t have to feel that way.
Richard founded OTG Technology Partners to help businesses find smart, practical technology solutions that actually fit the way they work. His approach is simple: listen first, solve the right problem and make technology easier to understand. That client-first mindset has helped OTG become a trusted resource for businesses looking to grow without getting lost in the tech weeds.
RIDDLEY COMMERCIAL CLEANING
Some businesses are built overnight. Riddley Commercial Cleaning definitely wasn’t.
Its story began in 1976 on the Jersey Shore and has since grown across Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and North Carolina. Under the leadership of Jim Raps, Riddley serves clients ranging from medical offices to property management groups, with decades of experience behind every job.
Reliable, professional and consistent may not be flashy words — but when it comes to commercial cleaning, they’re exactly the ones you want.
riddleyllc.com | 770-609-9446
KPI GIFTS
A good thank-you should feel, well, thoughtful.
For more than 28 years, Kirk Woody has helped businesses recognize employees and thank loyal clients in a way that feels personal rather than predictable. KPI Gifts offers customizable gift catalog programs that let recipients choose something they’ll actually enjoy.
No minimums. No complicated process. Just a simple way to make appreciation feel a little more meaningful — and a lot more memorable.
KPIgifts.com
DIAMOND CHICK CONSULTING
Insurance can get complicated quickly, and Stephanie Diamond has built her business around making it feel a lot less overwhelming.
As owner of Diamond Chick Consulting, Stephanie helps individuals, families and small businesses navigate health insurance and employee benefits. Because she works independently with multiple carriers, she can focus on finding coverage that makes sense for each client rather than forcing everyone into the same box.
That people-first approach extends beyond insurance, too. Stephanie is also active in business networking, leadership development and local partnerships that help strengthen the community around her.
diamondchickconsulting.com | 404-916-9077
ELM HVAC
When your air conditioning decides to quit in Metro Atlanta, you want someone who knows exactly what to do.
Ernest Harris, owner of ELM HVAC, leads a locally owned company serving residential and commercial customers throughout the area. ELM handles HVAC repair, installation, maintenance, indoor air quality and mechanical contracting, with an emphasis on honest service, upfront pricing and quick response times.
The goal is pretty straightforward: keep homes and businesses comfortable, efficient and running the way they should.
elmhvac.com | 404-717-2963
ABOUT FAIR OAKS
Fair Oaks Elementary is a Title I school in Marietta serving a diverse community of students, many from economically disadvantaged households. Led by Principal Cathie Seibert, an Army veteran, the school is focused on creating a strong, supportive environment where students are encouraged, equipped and given every opportunity to succeed.