A little more than 50 years ago, a group of Kennesaw residents recognized the importance of investing in their community and banded together to promote the area’s future. These leaders formed the Kennesaw Business Association (KBA) in the 1970s, and, half a century later, it continues to advocate for local investment.
Though discussions about creating a business association seem to have begun in the early 1970s, the group was not officially established until March 15, 1975. Its first president was Dr. Frank Boone, a veterinarian who moved to north Cobb in 1969. A native of Virginia, Boone became very active in his adopted hometown, staying involved until his death in 2010.
Of the business associations across Cobb County, Kennesaw’s is one of the oldest. The Smyrna Business Association was founded in 1983, and while there might have been an Acworth Business Association as early as 1976, the current group was officially founded in 1984.
Being formed relatively early proved to be a major benefit for the KBA. Just a year after the group’s creation, the United States celebrated its bicentennial. KBA members used the celebrations for this national event to draw attention to their cause. In particular, they were able to create a new flagship event: Trade Days.
The idea originated with several founding members, including Carol Thompson, Jean Guess, Gayle DeSpain and Lynda Spence. In 1976, the event was held in the city hall parking lot and featured locals dressed in 19th-century costumes, several bands and vendors, many of whom sold antiques. During the first year, Trade Days was used to spotlight improvements around city hall, done in conjunction with the bicentennial. A mid-April date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the Great Locomotive Chase. The festival has been held in April ever since and has continued to grow.
For decades, starting in 1977, the Civil War reenactments were a popular attraction for festivalgoers. Early events also included a Great Locomotive Road Race. Eventually, the festivities moved to the heart of downtown Kennesaw.
In 1984, the event was renamed the Big Shanty Festival, chosen at the suggestion of Carol McDonald, head of the Big Shanty Museum (now Southern Museum). Forty years later, it’s the city’s largest annual event. In 1995, it was joined by a sister event, the Taste of Kennesaw.
Since its formation, the KBA has worked closely with Kennesaw’s government leaders. In fact, Boone was on the city council about the same time he served as the KBA’s first president. The group’s second president, community leader Dale Burrell, also helped foster a close relationship between the organization and the city.
Just as important is the way the KBA has helped inform the area’s residents. In the 1980s, as people were growing curious about the new Town Center Mall, the KBA held public meetings to give residents a chance to learn about the new development. Through the years, the group also has sponsored public forums and council candidate debates and currently helps host and promote the mayor’s State of the City address.
Looking at prominent KBA members over the years provides a small window into the community’s business leaders. Boone has already been mentioned. Burrell owned BurrellCo, Kennesaw’s first manufacturing plant, and also owned and promoted several local businesses in the area. Burrell died in 2020, and the building that houses the Kennesaw Public Works Department was named in his memory.
Since its creation 50 years ago, the KBA has worked to create a strong business community in Kennesaw. Arguably, its most successful endeavor has been the Big Shanty Festival, which now brings around 60,000 people downtown each year. This year’s event, held April 12-13, will have more than 250 vendors and 25 food booths. In addition, the Taste of Kennesaw now attracts 25,000 visitors.
The KBA has had a long-lasting impact on the community and plans to do so for years to come.
Since its creation 50 years ago, the KBA has worked to create a strong business community in Kennesaw.