North Georgia philanthropist and businessman Mike Cottrell admits he’s always had a soft spot for Junior Achievement since the days of his youth in Pennsylvania. Friday in Gainesville, Cottrell, with his wife Lynn by his side, demonstrated his affection for the organization — which teaches financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurial spirit — by signing over a $3.5 million donation to build a regional JA Discovery Center off of Lanier 400 Parkway in Cumming. The center will serve public schools from surrounding areas, including Hall County.