Innovative News For August 2026

Michelle Smith
Jul 31
7 min read

Welcome to the Innovation Spot, a flexible coworking solution less than a mile from Downtown Woodstock! This month's newsletter highlights some new members, announcements for upcoming events, updates on exciting happenings this month, and more!

Upcoming Events at The Innovation Spot:

Tuesday, August 4 - National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. Join us for a celebration of America's favorite cookie (for reals) in the Coffee & Tea Bar all day!

Friday, August 7 - Sure Connexions. Sure Connexions has moved to Fridays! Sure Connexions is an interactive faith-based networking organization that meets at 12:00 PM online through Zoom, and in-person with lunch at The Innovation Spot.

Event is free but reserve your spot HERE

Friday, August 14 -Back to School Supply Drive Deadline. We are collecting school supplies for the students of Cherokee and surrounding counties through Must Ministries! Please drop off your donations at the main building front desk area by August 14. Thank you for joining us is this worthwhile endeavor!

Welcome to the Inspiration Blog! We will occassionally have an article on our website that we want to share with you in our newsletter. In this section, you'll find an excerpt of the article along with a link to our website to finish reading it. We hope to provide helpful business practices and ideas, information about coworking and shared spaces, event planning advice, and many other useful topics!

To Sit or To Stand; That Is the Question

Standing desks might seem a bit trendy today, but they actually come from a long history of use. Artists and architects alike are known for their use of easels and drafting tables, both being forms of a standing desk. In fact, even though it doesn’t seem to be recorded in the annals of history anywhere, many still believe that Leonardo Da Vinci...read more here

Member Spotlight: Leif Owen [Summit Concrete Construction]

Established in 2017, Summit Concrete produces the best quality floors in the commercial concrete industry, all while providing unparalleled client service. The foundation of our business is built on lasting relationships.

Founder Leif Owen boasts more than 20 years of concrete place and finish experience. Adding our Turnkey division 3 years ago has allowed Summit to grow our operations and provide even more customer-focused initiatives. We pride ourselves in fostering strong connections with our clients and fellow contractors and providing superior workmanship in all we do.

For more information on Summit Concrete Construction, please visit their website: www.concretesummit.com

Saturdays April 18-December 19 Farm. Fresh. Market.

Find locally grown produce, jams & jellies, honey, locally raised meats, seafood from the Georgia coast, fresh baked bread and pastries, bath and beauty products, and much more.

Every Saturday 8:30 to noon

at Market Street and Reformation Brewery’s Backyard in Downtown Woodstock

Vendor's List and Vendor Info HERE

Thursday, August 6 Good Morning Cherokee Breakfast

6:30 - 7:30 AM: Registration & Pre-Event Networking

7:00 AM: Ballroom Opens & Buffet Breakfast Available

7:30 AM: Buffet Closes & Program Begins

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Post-Event Networking

Location:

Cherokee County Conference Center

1130 Bluffs Pkwy, Canton

Program:

Discovering Your Northstar

Speaker:

Dwight "Ike" Reighard, President & CEO

MUST Ministries

Cost:

If you do not have a standing reservation, pricing is as follows:

Chamber Member Advance Registration: $22

Chamber Member Registration: $30

Future Member Registration: $40

If you do not have a GMC standing reservation, you must register by 3 PM on the Tuesday prior to the event to receive a printed name tag and advance pricing. After the 3 PM advance registration deadline, you may register at the price below or pay at the event!

Chamber Member attendees may donate up to two door prizes per company.

Be sure to include your business card on the give away items!

Saturday, August 8 Woodstock Summer Concert Series - POP 2000 Tour.

At the fourth concert in the 2026 series, the Pop 2000 Tour with Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC, O-Town, and LFO will bring you right back to the early 2000s.

Time and Location:

7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater

101 Arnold Mill Rd, Woodstock, GA 30188

Click HERE to RSVP and for more details!

Wednesday, August 12 Cherokee Chamber Power Hour.

Join us for an hour of fast paced networking with fellow business leaders as well as the Chamber Board Chair, Debra Williams, and Chamber President & CEO, Pam Carnes!

Before the hour ends, you will have the opportunity to share about your business or organization for all to hear! You don’t want to miss this event as we are turning up the power on Power Hour with PowerPoints!

Your name will be entered into a drawing for each Power Hour you attend this year.

One lucky winner will be chosen in December who will receive a PowerPass --

free attendance (non-transferable) to every Power Hour in 2027!

Don't forget to bring promotional items from your business for the share table!

Location:

Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce

3605 Marietta Hwy

Canton, GA 30114

10:00 - 11:00 am

Cost: Chamber Member: $5; Future Members: $10

Advance registration by 12 PM on 8/11 is appreciated but not required; onsite registration is available.

Click HERE to register!

Thursday, August 13 2026 SchmoozaPalooza.

Looking to connect with local businesses, discover incredible services right in your backyard, and sample some of the local eats Cherokee County has to offer? Look no further!

SchmoozaPalooza is our community's largest networking event and business expo. Whether you are looking to support local businesses or simply love great food and community vibes, this event is for you!

Location:

Woodstock City Church

150 Ridgewalk Pkwy., Woodstock

4:00 - 7:00 pm

Why You Can't Miss This Event

Meet Your Local Businesses: 68 vendors from across Cherokee County will be under one roof. From local financial and medical providers, home services to tech companies and wellness experts, come see what makes our local economy thrive.

Support the Business Leaders of Tomorrow: Featured at Schmooza will be the NextGen Exprepreneurial Experience! Six talented young entrepreneurs will be showcasing and selling their incredible products at their very own tables, generously sponsored by Farm Bureau Bank. For more information, Click Here. *NexGen tables will be open from 4-6pm.

The Taste of Cherokee (FREE Samples): Come hungry! Your entry includes access to Taste of Cherokee, featuring complimentary food and beverage samples from the county's restaurants, caterers, and bakeries. Support your old favorites and discover your next go-to dinner or dessert spot.

Door Prizes & Giveaways: The fun doesn't stop at networking and eating. We will be giving away door prizes and raffles throughout the evening. Be sure to stop by the Chamber booth to enter to win!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a ticket to attend? Nope! Admission is 100% free for the public. Just bring yourself, your family, and your appetite.

Is there on-site parking available? Yes, Woodstock City Church has a large parking lot so there is plenty of space for all attendees.

Can I bring my kids? Absolutely! This is a family-friendly community event.

Cherokee Chamber invite everyone to come out, enjoy, and sample! Please keep in mind that outside business solicitation and flyer distribution are reserved exclusively for our registered exhibitors. Thank you for respecting our vendors and keeping this a fun community event!

Details HERE!

Thursday, August 20 Downtown Woodstock Family Fun Night: Under the Sea.

Fun-Filled Summer Thursdays

The Family Fun Night series returns for its fourth season of themed night goodness throughout Summer 2026. This event series takes place on the third Thursday of the month – May through August – from 5pm to 9pm. Activities take place throughout Downtown Woodstock, culminating in a movie on the Woodstock Arts Event Green.

The 2026 Family Fun Night season concludes with the excitement of the beach & ocean in Downtown Woodstock on this special summer night! Tropical fun-filled activities will make this a celebration to remember. The beloved animated movie “Moana” will be the featured film on the Woodstock Arts Event Green.

More information HERE

Thursday, August 27 City of Woodstock Walking Tours: Creative Woodstock.

The Creative Woodstock Walking Tour will delve into the creative, artsy side of Woodstock! The tour will explore public art currently on display throughout downtown, talk about future plans for more public art, and learn about the thriving creative economy in Downtown Woodstock with a visit to Made Mercantile to hear the behind the scenes story of this home to local makers.

Participants will meet at the Woodstock Visitors Center and depart on their walking journey from there; comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Tours begin at 6pm and run every half hour until 7:30pm. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Tickets are $5 each

For tickets click HERE.

Friday, August 28 Morning INfluence by IN WDSTK.

Morning Influence is a networking event which includes breakfast and a brief presentation that focuses on updates given by Greater Woodstock on important issues or services offered that affect the community as a whole.

BRING A GUEST and you will be instantly entered in our raffle to win some great prizes and giveaways!

Event registration is required.

Location:

Chamber at City Center

8534 Main Street

Woodstock, Georgia

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Event registration is required.

Welcome to our newest members of the Innovation Spot team!

Payton Kays

Christopher Reece

John Pehr

CareConnect Consulting

We L♥VE Reviews!

We appreciate you and your partnership with The Innovation Spot! Leaving positive reviews on Google really helps small businesses more than you know. Every review helps, and we thank you in advance.

Click Here to Leave Us a Review!

💡 Change is always coming. We can help you embrace and adapt.

The Innovation Spot partners with some great local businesses!

See more information below...

It'll Buff Detailing offers a variety of services that will transform your vehicle. They have three fully functioning bays utilized to offer services such as paint correction, ceramic coating, and full vehicle details.

Visit their website by clicking HERE or call 714.714.1325.

You can also visit their new shop location at

195 Stockwood DriveWoodstock, GA 30188

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Check Out: www.mdvirtualassist.com