of technology companies based in the city, holds monthly technology events for technology executives, and operates the Tech Alpharetta Innovation Center, a technology startup incubator. As of early 2020 about ten companies have "graduated" from Tech Alpharetta's incubator and were hiring employees in the North Fulton County region. Major companies Cynergy Data is headquartered in Alpharetta, as was NetBank when it existed. Government Alpharetta is governed by a city council composed of six members and a mayor. The mayor and council members serve staggered four-year terms. Mayor Jim Gilvin, 2018–present Transportation Major highways State Route 9 State Route 120 State Route 140 State Route 372 State Route 400 U.S. Route 19 Pedestrians and cycling There are plans for the creation of the Alpha Loop. The multi-use path will serve to connect residents of Alpharetta to activity centers, parks, and jobs by a network of multi-use trails providing safe alternatives to driving and offering recreational benefit. The Big Creek Greenway is a concrete multi-use trail that runs from Windward Parkway to Mansell Road. The concrete trail is approximately 8 miles and meanders along Big Creek parallel to North Point Parkway, from Windward Parkway at Marconi Drive on the north end to Mansell Road on the south end. A soft mulch trail encircles a large wetland between Haynes Bridge Road and Mansell Road. Wildlife such as blue heron, deer, ducks and Canada geese can be observed in this preserved water setting. Future plans are to connect the trail to Cumming. Mass transit Alpharetta is not directly served by MARTA trains, but is by multiple bus routes. Currently, there have only been plans to connect Alpharetta to the rest of Metro Atlanta via heavy rail. Attractions and events The Downtown Alpharetta Welcome Center is at 178 South Main Street and has more than 200 complimentary brochures providing information on the surrounding area. The center is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and a Virtual Information Kiosk is available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Alpharetta Family Skate Center (aka The Cooler) is at 10800 Davis Drive. It is also home to the Atlanta Sparks special needs hockey team. The Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest is held the first Saturday in October in downtown Alpharetta. The Scarecrow Harvest is held the first Saturday in October in downtown Alpharetta. The streets are lined with 100 scarecrows to celebrate its