Gwinnett Technical College Life Sciences Center Celebrates Dedication & Grand Opening

Facility Will Train Region's Healthcare and Life Science Professionals; Sen. Isakson, Commissioner Jackson Joins College & Community Leaders for Event


The leadership and board of Gwinnett Technical College formally dedicated the college's new Life Sciences Center on Wednesday morning, Sept. 28, welcoming a host of civic, business and educational leaders to campus, including U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson and Commissioner Ron Jackson, Technical College System of Georgia.   Joining Gwinnett Tech President Sharon Bartels and these guests were students, alumni and faculty, plus many of the business, industry and private donors who contributed to the Life Sciences Center through Gwinnett Tech's Legacy of Lives campaign. The Legacy of Lives campaign is led by honorary chair Ed Bastian, president, Delta Air Lines, and campaign co-chairs Jim McGean, president (retired), Verizon Wireless, and Kim Ryan, chief executive officer, Eastside Medical Center.  


"This is exciting day for everyone in the Gwinnett Tech family and for all those throughout the community who supported the development of the Life Sciences Center. Visionary leaders from multiple sectors – healthcare, technology, business and education – plus key private donors worked in concert to make this center a reality," says President Bartels. "Now, our community and our region will benefit from the healthcare and life sciences professionals who will train here."   The Life Sciences Center is supported by donations from companies and individuals including the Scott Hudgens Family Foundation, Eastside Medical Center, Delta Air Lines, Gwinnett Medical Center, Clyde and Sandra Strickland, the CDC, McKesson, Cisco and the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia, among others. [More on the Legacy of Lives Campaign]   "Healthcare ...life care... is the industry of expansion for the coming decades. If you want to develop quality of life in your community, it makes perfect sense that you prepare people for the health sciences positions that are going to be needed," adds Bartels.


Gwinnett Tech's three-story, 78,000-square-foot Life Sciences Center is dedicated to educating and training those life sciences and healthcare professionals. Over the next four years, to serve residents, the region will need to add 27,000 healthcare jobs.   The Center, which opened for fall semester classes in August, will serve 3,000 students annually, enabling GTC to accept additional students and expand program offerings. The new Life Sciences Center is a LEED-construction building and anticipates LEED Silver certification. [More on building technology and LEED features.]   


"I believe that GTC's health sciences programs and new state-of-the-art Life Sciences Center will be integral to both economic development and to the development of thousands of qualified and trained medical professionals to meet the future healthcare needs across our entire Metro Atlanta region," says Legacy of Lives co-chair Jim McGean.   With more than a dozen health sciences programs, Gwinnett Tech serves the state's highest number of health science students. Combined with its existing facilities, GTC now has more than 140,000 square feet in two buildings dedicated to health science education. The college offers these associate degree, diploma and certificate offerings:   


New for Fall 2011:   Cardiovascular Technology Diagnostic Medical Sonography Health Information Technology Patient Care Assistant Expanding:   Bioscience Clinical Research Criminal Justice EMT/Paramedic Technology Medical Assisting Registered Nursing Radiologic Technology Existing:   Dental Assisting Dental Lab Technology Health Studies Respiratory Care Surgical Technology Veterinary Technology Planned for Future – bridge programs for:   Practical nursing to registered nursing Paramedic to registered nursing   


Get the latest news about Gwinnett Tech www.gwinnetttech.edu/news. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. ###

Rose Paving Relocates Division Office to Norcross

Metro Atlanta retains Industry Leader

(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) September 21, 2011- Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development celebrated the relocation of Rose Paving today at the company’s ribbon cutting ceremony.  The new location, now open for business at 4698 South Old Peachtree Road in Norcross, is managed by Brandon Graf, director of the Southeast Regional office. 

“Our move from Atlanta into a larger facility in Norcross was necessary to accommodate our growing staff,” said Brandon Graf, director of Rose Paving Company’s Southeast Regional Office.  “The new office is still centrally located, which benefits our clientele.  As newcomers, we intend to harness the energy of the City and actively participate in as many Chamber events as possible to increase our visibility and build relationships.”      

 “We are pleased to welcome Rose Paving to our community today,” said Gwinnett County District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard.  “We are confident our growing community and businesses both near and far will benefit from their valuable parking lot management solutions.”

Relocations and expansions, like that of Rose Paving, are tracked and often driven by Gwinnett’s internationally award-winning community and economic development initiative known as Partnership Gwinnett.  Since inception in 2007, Partnership Gwinnett has witnessed nearly 300 relocations and expansions in the community, despite the economic downturn.

Troels Adrian, Business Development Manager of Advanced Manufacturing/Logistics with Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett, stated: “Our community is built to suit the needs of companies that are growing and expanding.  Gwinnett County’s location provides a logistics infrastructure with many benefits; companies located here can reach 80 percent of the U.S. Market within a two-day truck haul.  With access to rail, road, land and sea, companies that relocate to Gwinnett can easily manage efficient and cost-effective operations.”

With one of the largest infrastructures in the industry, Rose Paving is well equipped to handle parking lot maintenance for clients from coast-to-coast.  The office in Norcross will serve as a hub for the company in the Southeast, easing logistics and, in turn, perpetuating a long-standing company tradition of exceptional customer experience through personal service and prompt attention. 

For more information on Rose Paving, or on the Norcross office, please contact Brandon Graf at 678-303-2500 or visit www.rosepaving.com.  For more information on Partnership Gwinnett, please visit www.partnershipgwinnett.com.

Primerica announces International Headquarters Relocation in Gwinnett County

Company Remains Committed to the community and Metro Atlanta 

(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) September 19, 2011- Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development celebrates with Primerica today, as they announce their agreement with Duke Realty to lease a 344,476 square foot build-to-suit new International Headquarters, to be located in the center of Gwinnett County, Georgia, with convenient access from Interstate 85. The state-of-the-art facility will be located on “Primerica Parkway”, and expects the building to be complete and ready for occupancy in April, 2013.

Primerica (NYSE:PRI) is the fourth largest private employer in Gwinnett, with approximately 1,800 employees. Primerica’s Headquarters have, since 1985, been located in Gwinnett County at 3100 and 3120 Breckinridge Blvd.  The current campus includes leases on 10 separate buildings, covering 385,217 square feet.   The new facility will consolidate all of Primerica’s numerous business areas and functions from the current 10 buildings into one three-story building with two connected wings, which will serve to streamline business operations and greatly enhance logistical efficiencies.

John Addison, Chairman of Primerica Distribution and Co-Chief Executive Officer said, “This announcement marks a new day for Primerica.  The new building will allow us to provide enhanced service to our ‘one of a kind’ financial services distribution system.  It will be in a great location for members of our sales force across North America when they come to visit Atlanta and their Home Office.  Our new location is at the hub of the Gwinnett County business, sports and entertainment community, and the thoughtfully designed building will be a centerpiece for our company and our employees and a showcase for our more than 90,000 representatives across North America.  We wish to thank our partners at Duke Realty, Gwinnett County, Gwinnett Chamber and government officials for being so helpful and supportive of our move.”

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal said, “We are elated that Primerica, a company that is economically vital to the great state of Georgia, will remain here where it was founded some 35 years ago.  I want to personally thank John Addison and Rick Williams and all of the other Primerica employees for the continued commitment and pride in Gwinnett County.  They are great neighbors and are a company that really believes in giving back to their community, both through charitable contributions and the great spirit of their hundreds of employees who volunteer their time to help those in need.”

Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Rick Williams commented, “It’s a customized ‘build-to-suit’ plan that has been well-designed to maximize business efficiencies and enhance the many services we provide for both our sales force and our clients.  We have also provided space for additional employees over the years, if needed, to be prepared for changes in the business and economic cycles.  After 25 years in our existing location, the current economic environment provides an opportune time for us to move into a significantly improved facility with only a modest change in our underlying economics The move will allow us to consolidate our associate base from 10 buildings to one streamlined facility.” 

“We are delighted that Primerica, one of the largest private employers in the county, has chosen to stay and expand within our community.  This company has been a valued member of our community for years---we are pleased that Gwinnett’s business environment, amenities and overall quality of life persuaded Primerica that Gwinnett was where they wanted to be.” said Gwinnett County Chairman Charlotte Nash.

“Primercia has certainly found their permanent home in Gwinnett County,” said Gwinnett County District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter. “They could have moved their new expanded facilities virtually anywhere- but they have truly become woven into the fabric of our community; through businesses relationships, philanthropy, and providing excellent service to our citizens.”

Chris Brown, Senior Vice President of Duke Realty’s Georgia Operations, said, “Duke Realty is excited that Primerica selected Legacy for its new corporate headquarters. Our development team has commenced pre-construction activities and looks forward to partnering with Primerica, Gwinnett County, Wakefield Beasley and all of our design consultants to create Primerica’s new home.”

"Primerica's investment to remain and expand in Gwinnett speaks to the vibrant and pro-business atmosphere that enables the development of its business community," said Jim Maran, President and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber. “We congratulate Primerica, Gwinnett and the State of Georgia on this great success, pointing to a solid future in economic growth and stability for us all."

"I'd like to thank our Partnership Gwinnett investors and partners for their vision and leadership to support economic development efforts that produce solid results like these,” said Nick Masino, Vice President of Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett.  “It was a pleasure working with Primerica, Duke Realty, Gwinnett County and our partners at the State of Georgia Department of Economic Development. The investment by Duke Realty will add millions of dollars of value to the Gwinnett County and Public Schools tax base, and this new building will allow Primerica to expand their headcount. ”added Masino, who represented Gwinnett on this project.

Primerica was represented by Travis Jackson and Sam Hollis with Cushman & Wakefield. Duke Realty was represented by Vice President Craig Flanagan.

Primerica, Inc. headquartered in Duluth, GA, is a leading distributor of financial products to middle-income families in North America.  Primerica representatives assist clients in meeting their needs for term life insurance, mutual funds, loans and other financial products. In addition, Primerica provides an entrepreneurial full or part-time business opportunity for individuals seeking to earn income by distributing its financial products. Primerica insures approximately 4.3 million lives and more than 2 million clients maintain investment accounts with the company. For more information on Primerica, please visit www.primerica.com.  

About Partnership Gwinnett

Partnership Gwinnett is Gwinnett’s economic and community development initiative. Led by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and a host of public and private partners, the initiative targets the retention and expansion of existing Gwinnett businesses in addition to the development of new business in five key market segments: Healthcare; Advanced Communications; Information Technology; Trade & Distribution; and Regional/Corporate Headquarters. The ultimate goal is to promote economic wealth & diversification, increase education and work force excellence, improve quality of life and heighten visibility through marketing and outreach programs for the entire Gwinnett community.  For more information on Partnership Gwinnett, the internationally award-winning community and economic development initiative, please visit www.partnershipgwinnett.com. 

Treetop Quest Opens at Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center

Adventure park attraction brings education and exercise to Metro Atlanta

VIDEO NEWS RELEASE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBgkGhTML3U

(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) September 12, 2011- Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development celebrated on Friday, September 9,  its partnership with Treetop Quest and their expansion to the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, in a ribbon cutting announcing the community’s first Canopy Adventure Attraction. As one of the most unique, family-friendly adventure courses in Georgia, Treetop Quest is touted as a new genre of educational, adventurous, and environmentally responsible recreation.

“The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Foundation is very excited about the additional programming opportunities this exhibit brings to the community with its ability to explore nature’s magnificent tree canopy,” said Hank Houser, chairman of the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Foundation. “This exhibit, funded by Treetop Quest, is a major benefit to the community in that it will create a regional eco-tourism destination, generating economic opportunities and job growth.”

Treetop Quest integrates educational quizzes, instructional tour guides, and environmental stewardship into its unique experience. Categorized by the genre’s newly coined term, “edutainment”, Treetop Quest’s integral differentiator is their strict environmentally sustainable construction codes. Parent company Altiplano, specializing in outdoor recreational parks, brought in an expert design and construction crew from France to construct the series of platforms, zip lines, monkey bridges, and Tarzan swings. Constructed from untreated wood, the courses are built without drilling or puncturing the tree trunks. At heights up to 55 feet above the ground, and zip lines stretching more than 200 feet, Treetop Quest boasts ample adrenaline spikes for the thrill seekers, with specialized preliminary training, ultra security harnesses, and experienced guides to reassure the most apprehensive.

Sharing goals of environmental preservation and stewardship, their partnership with the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center allows excellent exposure for the new exhibit, as well as economic stimulus to the area.

“Treetop Quest’s decision to build and fund a U.S. based adventure/educational exhibit in Gwinnett is due in large part to the demand of its citizens for continued quality of life activities in the community,” said Antoine Buliard, U.S. development manager for Treetop Quest. “Our decision to partner with the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Foundation on this project is a demonstration of the company’s goal to respect the environment in which the exhibit is built and use the natural surroundings as part of the overall educational experience to be gained through use of the exhibit.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Treetop Quest to our community today,” said Gwinnett County District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter. “We look forward to how this unique attraction will bolster tourism in Gwinnett and draw our neighbors from throughout Metro Atlanta to experience firsthand our dedication to sustainability and excellent quality of life.”

“Partnership Gwinnett has a strong focus on enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Gwinnett,” said Nick Masino, Vice President of Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett at the Gwinnett Chamber. “This exhibit is an investment directly into the community, which is line with our overall effort to further develop a resource and amenity-rich county. We are pleased that they have chosen Gwinnett in which develop this attraction- and we are grateful to Rose Catherin and Matthew McBride of ERIA for introducing Treetop Quest to Gwinnett.  We look forward to watching them grow in Gwinnett and Metro Atlanta.”

Treetop Quest opened officially on September 3, and is available for tours on weekends through November. For more information and ticket reservations, visit www.treetopquest.com. For more information about the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, please visit www.gwinnettehc.org . For more information on Partnership Gwinnett, the internationally award-winning community and economic development initiative, please visit www.partnershipgwinnett.com.