Call to Action for Snellville Business Owners: Be Educated | Be Informed | Be Engaged

Be Educated | Be Informed | Be Engaged

The Evermore Community Improvement District, the City of Snellville, and the Economic Development department of the Gwinnett Chamber have teamed up to launch an initiative aimed at bringing renewed engagement with the business community in the city and CID.  We’d like to ask for your help.

The EIE Project is an exploratory effort to understand what small businesses in Snellville’s Highway 78 corridor need to succeed and thrive. Partnership Gwinnett and the Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development Department will meet with small business owners like you in hopes to:

Educate local businesses on the purpose, policies, goals and objectives of the Evermore CID.

Inform local businesses of resources, and initiatives, available to them through the City of Snellville.

Engage the businesses in an exploratory small business development dialog with Partnership Gwinnett, the Evermore CID, and Snellville.

Together, our goal in the EIE Project is to proactively strengthen relationships, share critical resources and information, and create valuable communication between businesses, CID and City.

To become a part of the project, contact Amanda Soesbe (CID) today at asoesbe@evermorecid.org or (770) 979-5800. A very brief survey will be distributed and personal consultation appointment set upon your initial contact. Thank you in advance for your commitment to the renewed engagement of our community!

Gov. Deal announces new Hyundai headquarters in Gwinnett

June 21, 2011 - Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas, Inc. (HCE) will locate its headquarters and warehouse facility in Norcross in Gwinnett County. This project will create approximately 100 jobs over five years and represents a $10 million investment.

“Hyundai Construction Equipment has a global reputation as a leader in providing its customers with innovative, high-quality equipment that serves all facets of the construction industry,” Deal said. “Georgia’s strategic resources create opportunities to attract well-known international companies like HCE and help broaden our presence in the global business community. It is my privilege to welcome HCE to our state, and I look forward to the company’s continued growth.”

HCE operates under its parent company, South Korea-based Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. The company was formed in 1991 to focus on the needs of Hyundai’s construction equipment market. HCE offers more than 18 different models of excavators, four models of forestry machines and six wheel loaders.

“I want to thank Gov. Deal and all those involved in the process that made our decision to move to Georgia an easy one,” said John Lim, president of Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas, Inc. “Given that this is the headquarters of the Americas, we needed a location that was strategically located not only for access to markets in the Southeastern United States but South and Central America as well. Georgia, Gwinnett County and the City of Norcross will be ideal as we grow our business for the future.”

HCE’s Gwinnett County operations will house the company’s headquarters and warehouse, and have office space for the company’s finance, sales, remanufacturing and service operations. As a key business hub in Georgia, Norcross was selected as the site of HCE’s headquarters and warehouse facility due in large part to the community’s access to major highways and other logistics benefits, proximity to the company’s customers’ distribution operations and an extensive pipeline of talent for this industry.

“Our partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development continue to work tirelessly to cultivate relationships with large brand name companies,” said Nick Masino, Vice President of Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett at the Gwinnett Chamber. “Hyundai Construction Equipment’s relocation of its North and South American headquarters to Gwinnett is completely in alignment with the Partnership Gwinnett Global Business Efforts and adds to the growing foundation of headquarter locations currently doing business and growing in Gwinnett County.”

“On behalf of the entire city, I welcome Hyundai Construction Equipment into the city of Norcross,” said Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson. “The expansion of this well respected international company will be an excellent fit for the location and provide access to a talented work force. We look forward to working with the leadership of the company to make them feel at home.”

The HCE facility is located at 6100 Atlantic Blvd. in Norcross, and expects to be fully operational by the third quarter of 2011. Georgia Department of Economic Development statewide project manager Yoonie Kim assisted the company with this project, in collaboration with the Gwinnett Chamber. HCE was represented in this transaction by Adam Richards and Tyler Fann with Resource Real Estate Partners. The seller was represented by Colliers International.

About Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas, Inc.

Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas, Inc. operates under parent company Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., which has invested a substantial amount time and effort into manufacturing construction equipment. Hyundai Construction Equipment is also invested in R&D and has constructed state-of-the-art production facilities in Ulsan, Korea to assure customers of our company’s commitment and dedication to the construction equipment market.

Brian Robinson

brobinson@georgia.gov

Stephanie Mayfield

smayfield@georgia.gov

(404) 516-5376

ArtWorks! Gwinnett Names Sally A. Corbett as Inaugural Executive Director

Duluth, GA -- The Board of ArtWorks! Gwinnett (http://artworksgwinnett.org), an organization  promoting and supporting arts opportunities in Gwinnett County, GA named Sally A. Corbett as its first executive director this month. Designed to enhance cultural and economic capital and enrich the County's residents and business community, Artworks! selected Ms. Corbett for her 15 years of experience in Georgia’s arts community.

“We are glad to have Sally on board and look forward to embarking on a series of new  projects that will serve the arts organizations and artists of Gwinnett County, and in turn make the community even more vibrant for area residents and our visitors,” says Caryn McGarity, executive committee co-chair, ArtWorks! Gwinnett.

“The businesses, schools and libraries of Gwinnett are eager for more involvement in the arts. As Sally and our board work to develop those synergies we are encouraged by the early support of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and the Partnership Gwinnett Initiative which are providing office space for ArtWorks!,” says co-chair Matt Hyatt.

Ms. Corbett is a 2010 graduate of the Metro Atlanta Arts & Culture Coalition’s Arts Leaders of Metro-Atlanta (ALMA) business and arts leaders’ class. Her work in the arts includes seven years at the High Museum of Art and more than nine with the arts programs of Emory University. She has volunteered for national, regional and local arts organizations including the American Association of Museums and Fulton County Arts Council.  She received the Public Relations Society of America’s Georgia Chapter June 2011 Chapter Champion Award for her volunteer service to the Chapter. (Additional biographical information is available upon request.)

            “I am happy to be a part of ArtWorks! Gwinnett and a new phase of development for the arts of Gwinnett County,” says Sally Corbett. “Over the years I took note as arts organizations and venues launched and transformed in Gwinnett. I remember my first visit to the Hudgens Center in Duluth when it was brand new and when Aurora Theatre’s new space opened in Lawrenceville. In recent weeks I have experienced the SculpTour project in Suwanee Town Center, the Duluth Arts Walk and art by Buford’s Tannery Row artists. I look forward to exploring the diversity of arts offerings throughout Gwinnett and to meeting with arts groups and supporters. ArtWorks! is here to invite and inspire area residents, businesses and civic organizations to engage in more artistic exploration.”

Over the next few weeks, Corbett will meet with various organizations, businesses and entrepreneurs to bring the expansive arts community together to develop initiatives. For information, visit http://artworksgwinnett.org or email info@artworksgwinnett.org. To view a list of Gwinnett County arts events, visit http://www.gcvb.org/visitors/calendar-of-events/.

# # #

About ArtWorks! Gwinnett

ArtWorks! Gwinnett is a consortium for all who appreciate and support the arts and recognize that the arts are an essential and enriching part of every community, economy, education and life. To join, support or volunteer with ArtWorks! and to learn about the more than 200 arts groups and entities in Gwinnett County, GA email info@artworksgwinnett.org to be added to the email list and look for new information as it develops online at http://artworksgwinett.org.

Global Manufacturer Expands US Headquarters in Metro Atlanta

Graham-Field spends nearly two million in third-phase “Made in USA” initiative

Gwinnett County, Metro Atlanta, Ga. (May 12, 2011) – In partnership with Gwinnett Chamber economic development, GF Health Products, Inc. (“Graham-Field”) – one of the world’s leading manufacturers and distributors of medical products – announces the relocation of its Lumex® Recliner Production operations from Taiwan to Gwinnett County, Metro Atlanta, Georgia. The relocation represents $1.75 million in capital investment and 17 new jobs for the community. The relocation of this latest production line marks the third phase in the company’s “Made in USA” Initiative.

“We began our Made in the USA initiative to provide our customers with a more unique and “Only from Graham-Field” product,” said Ken Spett, GF’s President & CEO “Producing and assembling products in the States provides several advantages such as streamlined logistics and qualified workforce – both of which we found to be very strong in Gwinnett and the Metro Atlanta region.”

“We’re seeing more and more companies like Graham-Field make the decision to return their manufacturing to the U.S., and we’re pleased they’re coming to Georgia. Our access to international markets and our workforce are competitive with any country in the world, and we fully intend to keep them that way,” said Chris Cummiskey, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

As one of the pioneers in the global sourcing of healthcare products, Graham-Field works to provide the highest quality products at the right price.  Utilizing existing and new manufacturing facilities where they can in the United States, Graham-Field works to be competitive in a global market.  By utilizing high quality components from international supply partners, in combination with its in-house engineering and manufacturing expertise, the company has initiated an aggressive manufacturing and assembly program here in the United States.

Gwinnett County Commission Chairman, Charlotte Nash, commended Graham Fields for their decision to stay and expand in the community. “It is always good to see existing industry growing in our community. Not only does it contribute to our collective economic well-being, but it also a strong testament to the solid environment Gwinnett offers for business stability and growth.”

 “Partnership Gwinnett has a strong focus on global business development and Graham-Field marks the second global company in the last month to announce expansion or relocation in our community,” said Brittany Holtzclaw, manufacturing & logistics business development manager, Gwinnett Chamber. “We have a diverse business environment, an inclusive educational system and a solid infrastructure to support global advanced manufacturing operations like what Graham-Field has brought to our community today.”

For more information on Graham Field Health Products, please visit http://www.grahamfield.com. For more information on Gwinnett Economic Development, please visit www.successliveshere.com. For the video news release, visit http://youtu.be/Ugp_OGkDhxo. 

Gwinnett Businesses Plan Their On-Screen Debut

Business Leaders unite to bring the film industry to the thriving community

Ready for its close-up, Gwinnett is now more equipped than ever to offer streamlined assistance to filmmakers and producers. At a meeting hosted by Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development on April 20, local business-owners and community leaders assembled to learn more about how to make their big and small screen debuts by becoming camera-ready.

"The unique situation provided a supportive legislature via the Georgia Entertainment Industry Tax Credit has enabled Crawford Media Services to work on major Television and Feature Film productions.  These business opportunities have brought numerous expansion benefits to Crawford as well as to our production partners.” commented David Warner, Director of Post Engineering at Crawford Media Services, Inc. “We continue to look forward to increasing the reputation of Georgia as a particularly hospitable location for film production and post production as well as partnering with the very epitome of Southern Hospitality found in Gwinnett County."

Matt Silva, Owner and Artistic Director of PD Productions in Duluth, has previously worked on major projects including special makeup effects on AMC’s The Walking Dead, and just wrapped the most recent Georgia Lottery commercial with AFX Studios. “The film industry coming to Gwinnett brings opportunity for artists and their creative small businesses to grow, create jobs, and develop into a reliable source of tax revenue for the state.”

As a camera-ready community, Gwinnett County is ready to offer key advantages to filmmakers like location variety, permitting assistance, hotel/restaurant options, and a point of contact ready to answer questions and provide direction to inquiring production companies. Businesses, individuals and organizations are highly encouraged to get involved now to give the county even more of an edge in attracting production companies to selecting Gwinnett as a location.

“We cannot over-communicate the importance of businesses taking advantage of this incredibly exciting opportunity. The film and television industries bring with them a rich opportunity for substantial economic development and jobs in Gwinnett County,” said Business Development Manager Nicole Wright with Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development. Wright led the April 20 meeting that welcomed over 30 businesses, cities and organizations from the fastest-growing large county in the state of Georgia- all signing up in hopes to make their debut in future productions.

Craig Dominey, Senior Film Location Specialist/Camera Ready Program Manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, was also on-hand to inform businesses and provide a call to action for them to submit their locations. “Georgia’s film industry is thriving. In fact, more than 335 productions were shot in Georgia in FY2010, ranking the state No. 1 in the Southeast and among the top five states in the nation for film and TV productions.  All together, these productions brought in more than $759.3 million in investment to Georgia, representing $1.4 billion in economic impact to the state.”

Gwinnett has already seen several cameras around the town, on location, filming for both large and small screen projects. Recent TV Series filmed in Gwinnett include Drop Dead Diva and Teen Wolf; while films include Due Date, For Colored Girls, Hall Pass, Road Trip and Wanderlust. To submit a location, find local resources, and get more information about the initiative, businesses and organizations should visit gwinnettentertainment.org.

Cadillac Jack Expands North American Headquarters in Metro Atlanta

Entertainment company adds 40 new jobs, employs a total of 170 people in Gwinnett

Duluth, GA, March 17, 2011 – Cadillac Jack, a leading developer of games and technology for the global gaming industry – in partnership with Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development - celebrated the expansion of its new North American headquarters during a March 17 Ribbon Cutting ceremony and Open House. The new 103,000 square foot facility will house more than 170 employees, 30-40 of which represent new jobs for Gwinnett and the state of Georgia in 2011.

"Gwinnett and the metro Atlanta region foster an excellent business environment and highly talented local workforce needed to support our business growth over the next few years," said Gene Chayevsky, Chairman and CEO of Cadillac Jack. "We are excited to demonstrate how we use cutting edge technology to produce high quality entertainment and look forward to working with our community leaders to strengthen the gaming and technology sectors in metro Atlanta."

As part of the ribbon cutting ceremony, Cadillac Jack welcomed local and state officials and business leaders to its headquarters to learn more about the company and its offerings.

"Gwinnett County maintains a strong foundation in the technology industry," said Shirley Lasseter, Vice Chair, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. "Cadillac Jack's choice to remain and expand in our community is a strong testament to the pro-business environment we have to offer and we are excited to see them growing and enhancing Gwinnett's technology industry even further."

Nicole Wright, technology business development manager for the Gwinnett Chamber added, "Cadillac Jack is a great example of businesses that Gwinnett seeks to attract, retain and expand in our community. From the development of new technology to offering high-wage job opportunities for the qualified workforce in Gwinnett, Cadillac Jack truly brings a solid package of economic strength to the table and we are pleased to have them growing in Gwinnett and Metro Atlanta."

Cadillac Jack designs, manufactures and markets innovative and entertaining electronic games for the US and international markets. The company employs 300 people globally, with 170 engineering, game design, customer service, marketing, and finance professionals located at the Duluth headquarters.

The company anticipates having 30-40 new jobs hired over the next year with plans for continued growth in the coming years. For more information, please visit www.cadillacjack.com.

###

About Cadillac Jack
Cadillac Jack is a leading supplier of products and technology for the global gaming market. Recognized as a pioneer of server-based gaming, Cadillac Jack provides games and systems to the Native American, and commercial markets in the US, the Mexican gaming market, and other select international jurisdictions. The company designs, manufactures, and markets a comprehensive range of products that include server-based and stand-alone electronic video reel games, wide area and multi-level progressives and VLTs. In addition to its North America headquarters, Cadillac Jack maintains international sales and service locations throughout Mexico. For more information about Cadillac Jack, please visit www.cadillacjack.com.

About Partnership Gwinnett and the Gwinnett Chamber
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. www.partnershipgwinnett.com

Named one of the top three large chambers in the United States by ACCE, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce's membership varies from FORTUNE 1,000 companies to innovative startups, and stretches across the Atlanta region, from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to UGA in Athens. Representing more than 7,200 members, the Gwinnett Chamber is the Southeast's 6th largest chamber and focuses on creating and growing quality job opportunities while enhancing the community's quality of life.

FedEx Ground plans Norcross distribution facility

New site will be FedEx Ground's fourth distribution center in metro Atlanta

ATLANTA— Gov. Nathan Deal joined with officials from the Gwinnett Chamber and the City of Norcross today in a ground breaking ceremony for FedEx Ground, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, at the future site of its new distribution facility. The company will invest $55 million in the construction of this facility. The company's initial workforce for the new facility is projected to include 240 full-time and part-time employees and 75 independent contractor opportunities, drawn from the existing Norcross workforce.

"As a global logistics hub, Georgia provides FedEx Ground with a high performing, interconnected logistics infrastructure that helps the company provide the superior level of service to which its customers have become accustomed," said Gov. Deal. "FedEx Ground will find Gwinnett County is a strategic home for its distribution operation as the company seeks to expand and thrive in Georgia."

FedEx Ground's Norcross distribution center will be a 215,000-square-foot facility on Atlantic Avenue near Jimmy Carter Boulevard. The facility is slated to open in the fall of 2012, and will feature the latest automated material-handling technology, designed to process 15,000 packages per hour, with the capacity to dispatch as many as 75 pickup and delivery vans each day.

"Enhancing FedEx Ground's distribution capability in the Southeast is critical to increasing the size, speed and efficiency of our network," said Robert E. Holcombe, vice president of the southern region for FedEx Ground. "This new facility is evidence of the Southeast region's increased presence in the distribution and logistics business, and the growing confidence of local shippers that we are their best choice for their ground shipping needs."

As a key business hub in Georgia, Norcross was selected as the site of the distribution center due in large part to the community's access to major highways and other logistics benefits, proximity to the FedEx Ground's customers' distribution operations, and an extensive pipeline of talent for this industry.

"FedEx Ground is a strong representation of companies in Gwinnett that are choosing to remain and expand in the metro Atlanta region," said Jim Maran, President and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber. "Bringing jobs and capital to the community is a collective goal for Gwinnett and Atlanta, and we appreciate FedEx Ground and their contribution to our community's vision and goals for the future."

Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson added, "The fact that FedEx Ground chose Norcross for its consolidation and expansion is a reflection of strong partnerships from the city and Chamber to the Gwinnett Village CID and the State of Georgia. Norcross welcomes FedEx and we look forward to a future with them as part of our community."

Georgia's logistics and transportation network is one of its most formidable assets, supporting all industry in the state. Georgia's advanced system of logistics enables companies to quickly and seamlessly reach domestic and international markets through interconnected airports, seaports, rail and roads. Companies in the state can reach 80 percent of the U.S. market within a two-day truck haul or a two-hour flight, and the port of Savannah is the fastest-growing container port in the country. This industry is a strategic focus for the state, and is uniquely backed by the Georgia Center of Innovation (COI) for Logistics, which provides the statewide framework, connections, and university resources to address the constant challenges of a complex industry. As an industry focused component of the Department of Economic Development, the COI for Logistics provides Georgia companies with the industry expertise, information tools, and assistance in creating new products and services to help fuel logistics competitiveness.