Award-Winning Partnership Gwinnett to Bring in More Jobs

Community and Economic Development Initiative Launches Next Five-Year Strategy

(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) December 2, 2011– Today, Partnership Gwinnett – the internationally award-winning community and economic development initiative for Metro Atlanta’s largest local community - unveiled its strategic plan to bring more jobs to Gwinnett over the next five years.  Gwinnett has led the core metro counties with the lowest unemployment rate for over two years, and continues to proactively seek out jobs and opportunities for wealth creation in the 805,000-person county.

“The past five years has brought a great deal of successes to Gwinnett in spite of the new economic climate,” said Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash. “Partnership Gwinnett’s public and private efforts play a fundamental role in making such successes possible. Today, our community celebrates the powerful impact that the initiative has had on the county.  We look ahead to the next five years with a collaborative strategic plan to ensure our continued success.”

With implementation of Partnership Gwinnett nearing the end of its five-year cycle, Gwinnett County stakeholders have once again come together to assess the community’s competitive position for jobs, investment, and talent. Much is different from the first time the County launched economic development strategic planning and implementation. Nearly five years of implementation success has raised expectations for the next phase of the Partnership Gwinnett plan; and, perhaps most importantly, the second iteration of Gwinnett’s strategic plan launches in one of the most challenging economic climates in recent U.S. history.

The Partnership Gwinnett initiative has been led by the Gwinnett Chamber and over 160 public and private partners for the last five years. Continued collaboration at this level is critical to ensure that the community employs its educated workforce and maintains the superior quality of life for which it is so well known.

Partnership Gwinnett Co-Chair, Randy Dellinger, District Manager at Jackson EMC, said, “Despite the economic downturn and nationwide unemployment crisis, Gwinnett County has had the lowest jobless rate in the core Metro Atlanta counties for the past 28 months. This is not by accident- it is through the partnership of dedicated individuals from the public and private sectors working in sync to generate results. This new economic development strategy for Gwinnett will confidently lead our community into the next five years to create more jobs and wealth in our county.”

Gwinnett County has experienced a net job gain in the Partnership Gwinnett initial target industries: Healthcare, Distribution and Trade, Corporate and Regional Headquarters, Professional Services, Information Technology, and Advanced Communications.   From 2009 to 2010, Gwinnett County added 1,925 jobs in these industries.

“The transformation of Gwinnett County’s community and economic development program is exemplary. Market Street often cites Partnership Gwinnett as one of the finest implementation efforts in the country.” said Mac Holladay, CEO of Market Street Services.

The 2012-2017 Implementation Plan supports a holistic vision for the prosperity of all Gwinnettians through the provision of good jobs, adequate housing, social opportunities, and a community that makes its residents proud. Through comprehensive economic development, cultivating world-class talent, and fostering community and leadership development, the plan seeks to bring economic growth to the next level amidst the community’s changing demographics.

This increasing diversity provides  opportunistic growth areas for Gwinnett, one of which is minority-owned and diverse businesses. Gwinnett County ranks among the top three percent of all U.S. counties in terms of minority business ownership, with more than 40 percent of county businesses being minority owned. And while most counties with high rates are heavily influenced by one or two large minority groups, Gwinnett stands out as being one of the few counties with three significant minority business communities. Gwinnett is one of just eight counties in the nation where Black, Asian, and Hispanic ownership rates each exceed nine percent. It is the only county outside of the New York, Washington, D.C., and Houston areas that meets such criteria.

“The Partnership Gwinnett initiative is a true success only because of the 160 public and private partners that dedicate their financial resources, time and energy to ensuring its development and in turn the continued growth of the economy, both in our community and in the region,” said Nick Masino, Vice-President of Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett. “Their support and collaborative dedication has brought more than 280 companies and 12,000 jobs to Gwinnett since the inception of the initiative in 2007. Today, we unveil to the community a plan created with their crucial collaboration to ensure that this success continues to multiply in the next five years.”

Executive volunteers’ leadership from both the public and private sectors led the community in creating the new five year strategic plan for economic development in Gwinnett.  Hundreds of community volunteers participated over eight months in everything from a community survey, focus groups and interviews to numerous strategic roundtable meetings and engaging the county’s key leadership.

Partnership Gwinnett’s steering committee members include:

Partnership Gwinnett
Steering Committee Chairs

Carla Carraway
Precision Planning

Randy Dellinger
Jackson EMC

Dr. Dan Kaufman
Georgia Gwinnett College

Mike Levengood
McKenna, Long & Aldridge

Renee Byrd Lewis
Cisco

Partnership Gwinnett
Steering Committee Members
Joe Allen
Gwinnett Place CID

Houston Bass
BB&T

Brad Carr
Andersen, Tate & Carr
 

Norwood Davis
12Stone Church

Karen Fine
Primerica

Ellen Gerstein
Gwinnett Coalition of Health & Human Services

Michael Golden
Arnall Golden Gregory

Nancy Harris
Mayor, City of Duluth

Lynette Howard
Gwinnett County

Matt Hyatt
RocketIT

Demetrius Jordan
United Way

Jim Maran
Gwinnett Chamber

Sherwood McDuffie
SunTrust Bank

Dave McMullen
redpepper

J.K.  Murphy
Gwinnett Daily Post

Bill Myers
Gwinnett County

Charlotte Nash
Gwinnett County

Cathy Nichols
Mobile Communications

Prince Niyyar
Comdex Consulting

 BJay Pak
Georgia House of Representatives

Michael Paris
Council for Quality Growth

Louise Radloff
Gwinnett County Public Schools

Trey Ragsdale
Kaiser Permanente

Kim Ryan
Emory Eastside Medical Center

Raymer Sale
E2E Resources

Louise Scott
Georgia Power

Glenn Stephens
Gwinnett County

Chuck Warbington
Gwinnett Village CID

Judy Waters
Community Foundation for NE GA

Connie Wiggins
Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful

Alvin Wilbanks
Gwinnett County Public Schools

Preston Williams
GCVB, Gwinnett Center

 Kerensa Wing
Gwinnett County Public Schools

To learn more about Partnership Gwinnett’s new five-year implementation plan, please visit http://new.partnershipgwinnett.com/.

About Partnership Gwinnett
Partnership Gwinnett is Gwinnett’s economic and community development initiative. Led by the Gwinnett Chamber 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.

ATLANTA MUSIC ICON EDDIE OWEN FINDS A NEW HOME IN GWINNETT

Creator of Eddie’s Attic brings his passion for music and his rolodex to Downtown Duluth

Gwinnett, Metro Atlanta (December 2, 2011) – Partnership Gwinnett is pleased to join the City of Duluth in welcoming Atlanta music icon Eddie Owen to the Red Clay Theatre. Eddie Owen Presents will celebrate its opening night on Friday, December 2, in the theatres 14,000 square-foot venue, with seating capacity 250. The size is ideal, enabling Owen to continue to cultivate small-venue music experiences for Metro Atlanta.

Grammy-Award winning musicians such as Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, John Mayer, Ed Roland of Collective Soul and The Indigo Girls honed their early talent at the Attic, building solid relationships with Owen that he carries with him to Gwinnett. Owen’s move to Duluth’s Red Clay Theatre provides a significant redevelopment opportunity for the facility. The city is currently which is completing a series of renovations to accommodate its new use, an investment of $20,000. The City of Duluth acquired the property in 2004 for $1.8 Million and made $800,000 in extensive renovations in 2006.

“We are thrilled to welcome such an Atlanta music icon to our community,” said Gwinnett County Chairman Charlotte Nash. “The knowledge, connections and creativity that Eddie Owen will bring to Duluth will add to the already tremendous quality of life that our entire county has come to enjoy.”

Duluth has recently enjoyed a series of business additions to their historic downtown space, including popular Atlanta restaurant Pure Taqueria, and has received local recognition as Development of Excellence Award Winner by the Atlanta Regional Commission for the downtown’s bold innovation & exceptional community design. Plans are underway to develop the land next to the theatre to provide a restaurant that will also serve theatre patrons.

“The City of Duluth and Eddie Owen share the same vision for Duluth.  We all want Duluth to be a destination that offers quality entertainment, shopping and dining.  Eddie brings his vision of having the perfect venue for music lovers to enjoy and appreciate hearing artist perform in an acoustically designed theatre.” said Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris. “The Red Clay venue will become a place where artists enjoy performing because this stage is perfect for live entertainment.  The streets in historic downtown Duluth are alive again.”  

“Eddie is a master at creating such buzz around a venue that it becomes a must-see spot for a city and a cornerstone for a creative community.” Said Sally Corbett, Executive Director of ArtWorks! Gwinnett.  Eddie’s interest in joining the Gwinnett arts scene is a strong signal for the future growth of performing arts and entertainment in the County. His presence is a welcome addition. His concerts will widen the variety of artistic offerings that add to the quality of life in Gwinnett.”

Owen launched Eddie’s Attic, one of the southeast’s premier venues for Southern folk music, 20 years ago in Atlanta; this new venture builds on the legacy that Owen has created in the region.  His vision for Duluth includes educational components for the future, bringing artists together with aspiring musicians to teach them about the industry: from music management, budgeting, booking, and technical instrument skills- creating a school wherein students of all ages have an opportunity to learn firsthand from professionals.

“This type of venture is only possible through a solid public and private partnership,” said Chris McGahee, economic development Manager for the City of Duluth.  “it proves that the collaboration and core-value investment that our stakeholders have in this opportunity is tangible. We are just scratching the surface of the potential that this addition will bring to our city and to Metro Atlanta- with continued community enthusiasm, the sky is the limit.”

Joe Allen, Executive Director of the Gwinnett Place CID and Quality of Life Chair for Partnership Gwinnett, added, “Eddie Owen bringing his rich experience and resume of successes to Gwinnett is a real win for our community and our quality of life efforts. We strive to be a county wherein citizens can spend evenings and weekends, engaged with one another and with superior options for entertainment. Eddie brings all of that, and more.”

“I love songs and songwriters. The authentic interaction between an audience and the songwriter in this intimate listening room brings people together in a way that nothing but music can.” said Eddie Owen. “I brought Jennifer Nettles here a few weeks ago, and as she stepped onstage, she immediately saw and understood the vision. I chose Duluth for a reason- this is a very special place. We have an incredible opportunity here to bring and bind people together through a unique music experience.”

For more information on Eddie Owen Presents at Red Clay Theatre, please visit http://www.eddieowenpresents.com/. For more information on the arts in Gwinnett, please visit http://artworksgwinnett.org/. For more information Gwinnett’s rich quality of life and overarching economic development efforts, please visit www.partnershipgwinnett.com. 

Analysts, Inc. Expands in Gwinnett

Growing company creates 20 new jobs in Metro Atlanta

(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) November 18, 2011- Analysts, inc., in partnership with Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and  the City of Suwanee, celebrates its expansion in Gwinnett.t The company, currently employing 22 highly-trained employees, will add 15-20 jobs. The company is currently preparing to expand to a new 12,000-square-foot facility that it purchased at 3385 Martin Farm Road in the City of Suwanee.

“Analysts chose to stay in Gwinnett County for three primary reasons:  It offers a very favorable business climate which, in spite of current economic woes,  is very hard to find these days.  The City of Suwanee runs its operations like a business not as a traditional  bureaucratic entity.  This was very refreshing and appealing to us as we searched for a larger facility.   Being approximately seven miles from our original laboratory in Norcross we are able to make the move while maintaining employment for our current workers.   As we expand and add to our ranks the area offers a pool of qualified candidates from the local community.  Doing business in Gwinnett County since 1984 we feel like family, and you don’t leave your family.” commented Michael Forgeron is the President of Analysts, Inc.

Analysts, Inc. is an analytical testing organization and the leading provider of industrial diagnostic evaluations and maintenance solutions. Using the most advanced lab and data processing equipment, Analysts, Inc. performs tests and gathers information about equipment condition, contamination and lubricants. The company’s testing results allow equipment owners to see and understand the physical properties of any lubricated component.

“Manufacturing support companies like Analysts, Inc., are crucial to the further advancement of a variety of industries in Gwinnett and in Georgia,” said Gwinnett County Chairman Charlotte Nash. “Analysts provides a wide range of laboratory tests and customer services that assists equipment owners in understanding how to best maintain and care for their machinery, resulting in greater productivity and profitability.”

The company’s announcement comes at a time when many companies in Gwinnett County are announcing their choice to expand their operations within the community. This is the fourth existing-industry expansion announcement in the past three weeks for the county.

“Analysts, Inc.’s choice to expand in Suwanee and stay in Gwinnett is great news for our community,” commented Dave Williams, Mayor of the City of Suwanee. “We support growing businesses at every stage in their development, and Suwanee is proud to be the new home of a company that is committed to cultivating their success here.”

"This is an important project win for Gwinnett. The high-wage jobs that Analysts, Inc. brings to the community are a perfect fit for our quality educated workforce." said Nicole Wright, Business Development Manager, Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development & Partnership Gwinnett. "This announcement is just another excellent example of a local industry expansion- a trend that is making a significant economic impact on our community."

Analysts, Inc. was represented by John Cobb of Grubb & Ellis in the purchase transaction for the company’s new location while Mark Elliott of Jones Lang LaSalle serves as the project lead to ensure that the company enters its new building on schedule, the last week of December 2011. 

Analysts, Inc., which celebrated its 50th year of innovation in oil analysis in 2010, currently operates five regional laboratories in the U.S., in addition to labs in Tokyo, Japan and Monterrey, Mexico. Its services impact the production machinery, manufacturing equipment, power generation, marine, heavy construction, mining, trucking, transit and aircraft industries. 

For more information on Analysts, Inc., please visit www.analystsinc.com. For more information on Partnership Gwinnett, the internationally award-winning  community and economic development initiative, please visit www.partnershipgwinnett.com.

About Partnership Gwinnett

Partnership Gwinnett is Gwinnett’s economic and community development initiative. Led by the Gwinnett Chamber 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.

GWINNETT CELEBRATES ANNUAL JOB GROWTH & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

New & recently expanded companies honored at Partnership Gwinnett reception

(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) November 10, 2011- Partnership Gwinnett, the community and economic development initiative led by the Gwinnett Chamber and over 160 public and private investors, honored its relocated and expanded businesses for 2011. Eighteen companies were recognized and celebrated for their significant success in business development and job growth this past year.

Companies such as Hisense, Peak 10, Hire Dynamics, I-Tech Staffing, Graham Field, Primerica and Elesys gathered to celebrate their growth and network with community business leaders.

“We are very happy to welcome all of these growing companies to our community,” said Gwinnett County Chairman Charlotte Nash. “Their choice to expand within or relocate to Gwinnett makes a great statement about their confidence in the strength of our business environment and rich quality of life; we look forward to supporting and participating in their continued success.”

The celebration comes in the wake of numerous major expansion announcements in Gwinnett over the past several weeks including NanoLumens, Mitsubishi, Ricoh Electronics, and Primerica - all making significant investments into the community. Partnership Gwinnett’s internationally award-winning efforts have recorded over 285 expansions and 12,500 jobs since its inception in 2007.

“Our public and private community partners that have led the tremendously successful economic development efforts in Gwinnett,” said Nick Masino, Vice President of Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett at the Gwinnett Chamber. “Their vision and leadership fuel Partnership Gwinnett and enable us to collectively welcome and celebrate with these growing companies to Gwinnett.”

Gwinnett County has maintained the lowest unemployment rate of the five core Metro Atlanta counties for 28 consecutive months as a direct result of such relocated and expansions. In June, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its 2010 Q4 County Employment preliminary estimates. The numbers revealed that Gwinnett County is leading Georgia in employment growth, with a significant wage increase in 2010. Additionally, the report identified that Gwinnett’s employment growth was almost double the national average (0.9%) between December of 2009 and December 2010. The robust wage growth year-over-year was identified at 3.7%, the second-highest among large counties in the state and 0.7 percentage points above the national average. Large counties are defined by the BLS as those with employment of 75,000 or more as measured by 2009 annual average employment.

As 2011 comes to a close, so do the first five-years of Partnership Gwinnett. However, Gwinnett is only weeks away from taking its award-winning economic development success to the next level, preparing to unveil Partnership Gwinnett II in January 2012. Watch for more information on this much anticipated launch and for more information on the existing initiative, visit partnershipgwinnett.com.

About Partnership Gwinnett
Partnership Gwinnett is Gwinnett’s economic and community development initiative. Led by the Gwinnett Chamber 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.

PRIMERICA CELEBRATES GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS GROUNDBREAKING IN GWINNETT

Largest financial services marketing firm in North America expands in Metro Atlanta

(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) November 4, 2011- Governor Nathan Deal joined Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and local officials for Primerica’s ground breaking ceremony in Gwinnett County, Metro Atlanta, Georgia. This will serve as the financial firm’s future global headquarters site. The new 344,476 square foot state-of-the-art facility is expected to be ready for occupancy in April 2013 and will be located on the newly renamed “Primerica Parkway”. The new space will also have the capacity to hold an additional 200 employees.

John Addison, Chairman of Primerica Distribution and Co-Chief Executive Officer said, “This groundbreaking 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 Governor Nathan Deal for his support, as well as our partners at Duke Realty, Gwinnett County, Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, and government officials for being so helpful and supportive of our move.”

Primerica (NYSE:PRI) is currently the fourth largest private employer in Gwinnett with approximately 1,800 employees. Since 1985, Primerica’s Headquarters have 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 facilities and operations into one three-story building with two connected wings that will streamline business operations and greatly enhance logistical efficiencies.

“Primerica is one of Georgia’s outstanding corporate citizens, and its commitment to Georgia is deeply gratifying. The company’s experience here over the last 34 years has helped it understand how our logistics infrastructure and our deep well of talent can keep it growing and successful into the future,” said Governor Nathan Deal.

“We are very happy that Primerica, one of the largest private employers in the county, has chosen to stay and expand within our community.  Today, we are celebrating the impact that this company has made in our community for years.  We are proud to have been able to assist them in making a move that will aid their continued success.” said Gwinnett County Chairman Charlotte Nash.

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.  After 25 years in our existing location, the current economic environment provides an opportune time for us to move into a significantly improved facility.” 

“Duke Realty is excited to begin construction of Primerica’s new corporate headquarters and is committed to delivering a first-class facility,” said Chris Brown, Senior Vice President of Duke Realty’s Georgia Operations. “Having such a strong, well-known company select Legacy is a plus for Duke Realty and Gwinnett County. Now that construction is underway, we believe that the increased activity and emerging buildings will attract more businesses to the area.”

Business relocation and expansion efforts in this North Metro Atlanta community are cultivated and supported through Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, led by Nick Masino, Vice-President of Economic Development, and Jim Maran, CEO and President of the Gwinnett Chamber.

“The Gwinnett Chamber congratulates Primerica on its remarkable success,” said Gwinnett Chamber President and CEO, Jim Maran. “Primerica’s commitment to the Gwinnett business community over the last several years exemplifies the value and essence of what it means to be a true corporate citizen. We are excited for them and look ahead to the growth and development they will realize through this strategic move.”

Supporting local business expansion efforts, such as those of Primerica, are the public and private partners of Partnership Gwinnett, the community economic development initiative. Partnership Gwinnett’s internationally award-winning efforts have recorded over 285 expansions and 12,500 jobs since its inception in 2007.

“Without the seamless, collective efforts of Primerica, Duke Realty, and Gwinnett County, this success would not be possible,” said Nick Masino, Vice President of Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett. “The investment by Duke Realty will contribute significantly to a more balanced tax base in Gwinnett while affording Primerica the space it needs to add headcount. I’d like to thank Partnership Gwinnett’s public and private investors and partners for their vision and leadership to support economic development efforts that produce solid results like these.”

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.  

For more information on how to get involved in local economic development efforts, please visit www.partnershipgwinnett.com.

South Korea & Gwinnett County Expand Thriving Partnership

Global Business and International Relationships thrive in Metro Atlanta’s most diverse county

November 3, 2011- The Gwinnett Global Business Council, in partnership with Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett, welcomed today Gwinnett’s sister-community Gangnam-Gu, South Korea, Mayor Shin, and the Seoul Gangnam-Gu SMI Trade Delegation for a day of business to business networking to further solidify the significant relationship. Events such as a ribbon cutting ceremony, Global Business Connections Luncheon, proclamation signing, and formal dinner celebrated the relationship between Gwinnett County and the Gangnam-Gu District, endorsing the goals of Partnership Gwinnett and fortifying Gwinnett County as an economic center for global business.

Gwinnett County Chairman Charlotte Nash said, “Today, we welcome our sister community of Gangnam-Gu, South Korea, not only to our county, but to Georgia and to the United States.  It is our pleasure to extend hospitality and the promise that we will continue to work with them in tandem to create more opportunities for local business relationships in the global market.”

Council members and local business leaders at the Global Business Connections luncheon welcomed the trade delegation. The luncheon also featured Craig Lesser, Managing Partner of the PendLeton Consulting Group and former Commissioner of Economic Development for the State of Georgia, discussing the potential local impact of the pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with South Korea.

The Gwinnett Global Business Council was formed by Partnership Gwinnett to help Gwinnett Economic Development increase foreign investment into the Metro-Atlanta area, as well as support the recruitment and expansion of internationally based companies. The Global Business Council currently supports over 500 international companies located in Gwinnett County.

“We are honored and excited to partner with Gangnam-gu, an economically strong, international community, and welcome the Mayor and delegates to Gwinnett County,” states Jay Eun, President of Golden Stella, Inc and member of the Global Business Council. “The development of this relationship promotes the efforts of Partnership Gwinnett to increase foreign direct investment and accelerate global business growth in the Gwinnett area.”

The former mayor and delegates for the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea, first visited Gwinnett County in January 2008. This successful visit led to the signing of a sister-community agreement between the Gwinnett County Commission and Chamber and the Gangnam-gu district at Gangnam government offices in June 2009.

Nick Masino, Vice President of Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett commented, “The goal of our efforts is simple: we want to increase foreign direct investment into Gwinnett County while seeking opportunities for our existing industries to expand. Developing relationships with our partners in Gangnam not only provides international business opportunities, but also leverages two thriving economies to support overall economic stability.”

The first of its kind for Gwinnett County, the union will enable Gwinnett businesses to expand their global industries and network. The partnership with Gangnam-Gu District, located in the Republic of South Korea, the 13^th-largest economy in the world, will present Gwinnett County opportunities for increased economic growth. Gangnam-Gu is one of the 25 Gu’s (local government districts) which make up the city of Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the most affluent areas of Seoul and is located in the southeast of the city, with a population of approximately 563,000.

“Global business development, especially in Asian communities, is all about establishing and building relationships,” said Jim Maran, President and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber. “Through Gwinnett’s sister-community agreement with Gangnam, we now have a direct connection out of which the Gwinnett Chamber can offer relevant business-to-business trade and investment opportunities as we have done here today. It’s a great partnership and we look forward to its continued growth in 2012.”

To learn more about the Gwinnett Global Business Council, future Global Business Mission trips how to get involved in local economic development efforts, please visit www.partnershipgwinnett.com. 

Ricoh Electronics, Inc. Expands in Metro Atlanta, Creates 70 Jobs

Leading electronics manufacturer announces plans for major expansion in Gwinnett County

(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) November 1, 2011- Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and the Georgia Department of Economic Development will join Ricoh Electronics, Inc., in celebrating the expansion of its local facilities in Lawrenceville- bringing 70 jobs to Gwinnett County and Metro-Atlanta at a groundbreaking ceremony tomorrow. More than half of the computer and electronic manufacturing jobs in Georgia are located in Gwinnett County, with the proportion of jobs in this sector nearly double the national average.

“This expansion of our thermal media operations enhances our capability to meet our customers’ increasing demands and expectations for high-quality products and affirms our commitment to investing for the future.  We look for this facility to play a key role in meeting the needs of the North American market and expanding into new markets,” explains Jeff Briwick, president of Ricoh Electronics, Inc.  “We are extremely grateful for the tremendous support provided by the city, county, and state agencies that have helped make this expansion possible,” adds Frantz Pierre, Vice President and Group Manager, Georgia Operations Group.

Ricoh Electronics, Inc. is one of over 272 domestic and overseas companies that comprise Ricoh Company, Ltd., a $21-billion global corporation and a leading supplier of advanced office automation equipment. Ricoh produces highly-advanced digital copiers, peripherals, printed circuit boards, SecureFax™ machines, thermal media, toner, parts, recycled toner cartridges, and customer-configured products at facilities in Orange County, California, and Lawrenceville, Georgia.

“Ricoh’s decision to expand here in Georgia makes a great statement about the company’s confidence in the strength of our business environment, logistics infrastructure and highly-skilled workforce among other competitive advantages,” said Gretchen Corbin, Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce for the Georgia Department of Economic Development.  “This expansion clearly illustrates Ricoh’s commitment to Georgia, and I am glad to work with our partners in Gwinnett County to help create opportunities for Ricoh and the people of this community.”

“Ricoh Electronics has had a home in Gwinnett County for many years.  We are excited that they have decided to expand their operations here locally, increasing their presence in our community and creating jobs for Gwinnett residents.” said Gwinnett County Chairman Charlotte Nash.

Ricoh Electronics utilized the services of Georgia Quick Start, a program that has proved to be among the state’s key assets for supporting new and expanding industries. Quick Start delivers workforce training in classrooms, mobile labs or directly on the plant floor, wherever it works best for a company.

“As the nation’s oldest and most successful state job training program, Georgia Quick Start has been proud to support the continuing success of Ricoh Electronics  by providing customized workforce training for numerous past expansion projects,” said Jackie Rohosky, Technical College System of Georgia assistant commissioner of economic development programs, and head of Quick Start. “This new facility marks another milestone in Ricoh’s growth, and we are proud to be partners with the company in their growth and the job creation that they are bringing to Gwinnett and the State of Georgia.”

Local dignitaries and elected officials will be on hand to celebrate the announcement and groundbreaking of Ricoh Electronics.

“As part of the Chamber’s ongoing mission to create jobs, strengthen the community and grow business, it is a privilege to see these objectives being realized with Ricoh Electronics’ expansion in our community,” said Jim Maran, President and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber. “It’s with the collaboration of regional and local partners that we can celebrate such tremendous success. Thank you to all of our Partnership Gwinnett investors for your continued support of benchmark standards in Gwinnett’s economic development efforts; and congratulations to Ricoh on this historic achievement.”

Supporting local business expansion efforts, such as Ricoh Electronics, are the public and private partners of Partnership Gwinnett, the community economic development initiative. Partnership Gwinnett’s internationally award-winning efforts have facilitated over 285 expansions and 12,500 jobs since its inception in 2007.

“Ricoh Electronics’ choice to remain and expand their facilities in Gwinnett County is a testament to the pro-business environment and strong support system we have in Gwinnett,” commented Nick Masino, Vice President of Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett. “The manufacturing expansion and the jobs created with that investment contribute significantly to the continued growth that Gwinnett County has seen, despite the current economic climate. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Charles Stallworth with Georgia Power Economic Development for his tremendous assistance in this project.”

For more information on how to get involved in local economic development efforts, please visit www.partnershipgwinnett.com.

About Partnership Gwinnett
Partnership Gwinnett is Gwinnett’s economic and community development initiative. Led by the Gwinnett Chamber 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.