"There can be no recovery in this current economic situation without jobs," said Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood during his State of the City Address Thursday at the Acworth Busineess Association Luncheon.

Allegood's State of the City this year is themed "What Makes Us Different," focusing on the unique qualities of Acworth that carry this city through tough times and encourage its people in a new year.

The Mayor spoke to more than 300 people at NorthStar Church, reflecting on the accomplishments Acworth achieved in 2011 as a community and outlining the city's plan for this year.

Here are some of the key community achievements in 2011 presented by Allegood:

• More than 50 new businesses came to Acworth in 2011, bringing in 500 jobs.
• Acworth Business Association has a major impact on the economic development and creation of jobs in Acworth.
• Every single department of the City of Acworth was under budget in 2011, thanks to the effort of an A+ management team and an A+ city staff.
• Education is a key to the quality of life in this city. Acworth wouldn't be the same without its outstanding schools, principals, teachers and students.
• Local church leaders have had very positive influence on the community, bringing people together.
• Hometown heros such as Cpl. Todd Love and Lt. Cameron West set great examples and inspire others to make a difference.
• Special-needs children and those who support them make Acworth the most loving community. The Horizon League program has attracted children from not only Acworth, but communities all over the Metro Atlanta Area.
• The Acworth Police Department raised $23,000 for special-needs children and was named the FBI Agency of the Year in 2011.
• SPLOST dollars at work: Nance Road project solves traffic congestion.

Here are some of the 2012 plans addressed by the Mayor:

• Hwy 41 and Mars Hill Road interection project and School Street project, both funded by SPLOST, will be completed in 2012.
• Legacy at Walton Overlook senior housing will open this summer.
• A master plan is in place to make Acworth the No.1 trail system in Georgia.
• Pro Wakeboard Tour will come back to Acworth in May.
• Bring more businesses to Acworth and create more jobs in the city.

Here at Patch, we would also like to thank Mayor Allegood for acknowledging our effort in telling true stories about Acworth and its great people in his State of the City presentation.