ROCKTENN BRINGS OVER 500 JOBS TO METRO ATLANTA

Fortune 500 Company Expands, Chooses Gwinnett County for Expansion

(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) August 4, 2011 –RockTenn, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, announced the consolidation of its Chicago and Metro St. Louis operations to Gwinnett County, Metro Atlanta. The company’s increased presence in Gwinnett will bring 500 new jobs to the community and represents five million dollars in capital investment for Gwinnett.

“We are grateful for the Governor’s leadership, the Mayor’s leadership and the hard work of their economic development teams to enable us to locate all these new jobs here in Georgia,” said Jim Rubright, Chairman and CEO of RockTenn. “Our continued growth in Georgia enables us to consolidate many of our corporate functions and focus on our primary objectives of providing superior paperboard and packaging solutions to our customers at very low costs, exceeding our customers’ expectations and creating long-term shareholder value. This expansion will help us continue to provide our employees with a great place to work.”

“RockTenn expanding its corporate headquarters here is big news - not only because 500 new jobs will be created, but also because this top Fortune 500 company has chosen Georgia as the best place to keep doing business for years to come,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “RockTenn currently employs more than 1,100 Georgians and helping to secure the future of those existing jobs with this investment is just as important as adding the new ones.”

“RockTenn’s choice to further expand its locally headquartered operations and continue to invest in Gwinnett County serves to solidify our community’s motto - success lives here,” said Gwinnett County Chairman Charlotte Nash.

RockTenn will lease approximately 68,000 square feet of space at their Duluth facility. Located at 3950 Shackleford Road, a Duke Realty Property, the building will house some of the new positions being created and some personnel will transfer from RockTenn’s Norcross corporate campus. All of the positions are professional service positions. Although not a Fortune 500 company this year, RockTenn’s acquisition will position them for the coveted corporate listing in 2012. This will make Gwinnett’s fourth Fortune 500 company to either expand or relocate in the last three years, behind AGCO, NCR and the relocation of Asbury Automotive’s headquarters from Manhattan in 2008.

“The announcement that RockTenn is continuing to keep its corporate headquarters in Norcross is the biggest news in the 140 year history of our city,” said Bucky Johnson, Mayor, City of Norcross. “On behalf of all of our citizens, I want to thank their Chief Executive Officer, Jim Rubright, for the decision to stay in Norcross.  RockTenn is a great community partner and we celebrate this news.”

“RockTenn is a strong model of business growth and development in Gwinnett,” said Jim Maran, President & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber. “The high-wage jobs it is bringing, coupled with the move’s contribution to a more balanced tax-base, represent a solid picture of increasing economic stability for Gwinnett and Georgia. We congratulate RockTenn and all of our economic development partners on this great achievement.”

RockTenn’s expansion in Gwinnett follows a series of job growth successes in Georgia’s leading community for job growth – according to preliminary reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Most of this growth can be attributed to the community’s award-winning economic development initiative, Partnership Gwinnett. Led by the Chamber and over 160 public and private investors, this initiative has attracted more than 12,000 new jobs in Gwinnett over the last five years. RockTenn’s announcement moves that number to just over 12,500.

Nick Masino, Vice President of Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett said, “RockTenn’s decision to consolidate and expand its existing Gwinnett location speaks volumes about our community’s pro-business environment and strong economic climate. We congratulate them on this growth and thank all of our investors and partners who support Partnership Gwinnett every day to make projects like this one possible.”

Charlie Gatlin, Director of Economic and Community Development for Electric Cities of Georgia said, “RockTenn’s commitment to the City of Norcross and Gwinnett County reflects favorably on the local talented workforce in the shared services industry.  Gwinnett’s economic development team is focused on industry recruitment and retention and this key retention was a proactive and collaborative effort that ECG was proud to be a part of.”

RockTenn (NYSE:RKT) is one of North America's leading integrated manufacturers of corrugated and consumer packaging and recycling solutions, with net sales of approximately $10 billion. RockTenn’s 26,000 employees are committed to exceeding their customer’s expectations – every time.  The Company operates locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and China. For more information on the company’s operations, visit www.RockTenn.com and to learn how you can relocate your business to Gwinnett, visit www.successliveshere.com.

Gwinnett's Young Professionals get hYPed for Annual Anniversary Bash

Get connected with the region's business elite on July 14 at Purple Rain

hYPe, a premier organization for driven and savvy young Gwinnett professionals (ages 24-35), is hosting their Third Annual Anniversary Bash on July 14 at Purple Rain in Duluth. The free event, sponsored by Andersen Tate & Carr, P.C. and Grey Goose, will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and feature signature drinks, photos on the red carpet, live music, raffle prizes and much more.

The event is open all young professionals that live, work and play outside the perimeter (OTP) and offers opportunities for relationship building and professional development with local and regional community and business leaders. The organization's mission is to attract, establish and cultivate young talent within the community and build Gwinnett’s next generation of leaders. 

“hYPe has been an integral in my growth and development both professionally and personally for the past three years,” said Jared Burrell, member-at-large and former membership chair of hYPe. “With the expansion and focus hYPe has planned over the next year, I expect my professional knowledge and my network of friends and colleagues to continue to grow.”

As one of the largest and most successful law firms in Gwinnett, Andersen, Tate & Carr, P.C. is cognizant of the need to attract young professionals in the community. “We are committed to the ongoing engagement of Gwinnett’s young professionals,” said Jim Joedecke, attorney at Andersen Tate & Carr, PC., “In order to build a network of strong leaders for the future, our firm sees the investment of time, talents and treasures into the 

hYPe program an investment in the future of Gwinnett County.”

Register for this free event now on the Gwinnett Chamber at http://tinyurl.com/3ojt33w: register a guest with you and receive a free drink ticket.

Young professionals at hYPe are proud to live, work and play outside the perimeter. Join #hYPe and proudly #bOTP. For more information, you can tweet @hypegwinnett, email hype@gwinnettchamber.org or visit www.hypegwinnett.com. 

GWINNETT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH GLOBAL BIOTECH ORGANIZATION

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes connection between Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and Wuhan National Bio-industry Base (Biolake) in China

(METRO ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA) June 28, 2011  – At the annual BIO International Convention in Washington D.C., Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development signed an MOU with the Wuhan (China) National Bio-industry Base (Biolake). The agreement between the two parties is designed to foster business relationships that will further the exploration of potential foreign investment and trade opportunities between the business regions that each organization represents.

“Signing MOU’s, like this one with Biolake, lays an enabling foundation for accelerated global business development,” said Nick Masino, Vice President of Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett at the Gwinnett Chamber. “Our goal as a region is to enhance and broaden the life science and biotech industry; Global connection is a great first step to achieving this goal.”

Gwinnett continues to build strong relations with the Chinese global market. Other recent successes in the Chinese market include the location and expansion of Chinese electronics giant, SELF Electronics, to Gwinnett County and the expansion of one of China’s largest technology conglomerates, Hisense Corporation’s USA headquarters in Suwanee. The Gwinnett Chamber also set up its first international economic development office in Wuxi, China, just last year, providing a launch pad for trade and business expansion between Georgia and Wuxi.

“Georgia’s presence on the international stage is broadened through opportunities like this one that result from productive global relationships,” said Gretchen Corbin, Georgia Department of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce.  “In the work we do marketing Georgia to the world, we rely heavily upon partnerships formed abroad that ultimately benefit companies that invest in Georgia, and the communities throughout our state.  We are committed to working through these avenues to attract foreign investment to Georgia, and welcoming the diversity and economic benefits these projects bring.”

Wuhan National Bio-industry Base (Biolake), set up in 2007 as a biological industry base at the state level and located in one of the two nationally independent innovative demonstration zones, is a key engine for the biological industry of the Hubei Province and Wuhan City and one of the most important biological industry bases in China.

"We see Georgia and Gwinnett County as a strong potential market for the launch of Central Chinesebiobusiness into the  U.S. market,” said Jiakuan Chen, on behalf of Wuhan BioLake.

“As China continues to evolve, it is enlightening to see how they have studied the world's premiere economies and pooled numerous ideas and practices into one technology- this produces an environment that the world can avail.” said Thomas Heidelberg of North American Bio Products, who visited BioLake in Wuhan in 2009.

For more information on Gwinnett’s global business efforts and economic development activity, visit www.successliveshere.com. And be sure to follow @nickmasino on twitter this week for the latest out of Gwinnett from the BIO Convention floor.

Photo Caption: Gwinnett Chamber VP of Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett, Nick Masino, signs MOU with representatives from the Wuhan National Bio-industry Base (Biolake) on the BioGeorgia Pavilion at the 2011 BIO International Convention in Washington, D.C.

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.