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.

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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.

Gwinnett-Grown Healthcare Research Company Consolidates and Expands Operations

The Myers Group doubles size of call center operations in Duluth, creates 50 new jobs

In partnership with the Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, The Myers Group, leading healthcare survey administrator and organically grown Gwinnett company, will expand and relocate their operations from three office buildings to one large one, doubling in size. The expansion includes the lease of a 33,000 square foot building that will house all facility operations including their call center, mail services, survey administration, marketing and sales. This expansion will bring up to 50 new jobs and additional capital investment to the community.

"Our company was founded in 1993 based on a vision to serve the healthcare community through valid and reliable survey research and superior customer service," said A.C. Myers, III, CEO and Founder of The Myers Group. "The success and continued growth of our organization has been built by the people and resources of Gwinnett County, and we look forward to continuing to create jobs and opportunities for Gwinnettians."

"The Myers Group has a long standing history of success in Gwinnett County," said Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Vice-Chair, Shirley Lassester. "Our county works together with leaders from the community to make sure we are not only recruiting companies but growing those Gwinnett-born businesses like, The Myers Group."

The new facility, located at 1965 Evergreen Boulevard in Duluth, includes a corporate office, a state-of-the-art call center, and operations.

"The Gwinnett Chamber awarded The Myers Group our Pinnacle Small Business award in 2009," said Lauren Salas, senior business development manager for corporate and regional headquarters at the Gwinnett Chamber. "Their success and this expansion are a testament to the outstanding business environment we have in Gwinnett."

Named to the INC 500 list of fastest-growing privately held companies in the country for 2003, The Myers Group has maintained their status, ranking 124 on the list with a five-year sales growth of 1,266 percent. The new location and expansion will allow for future plans of full-service healthcare fulfillment for clients. For more information on The Myers Group please visit www.themyersgroup.net and to read about other Gwinnett-based company expansions, visit www.successliveshere.com.

North American Design Firm Anchors Georgia Presence in Gwinnett

Stantec acquired Gwinnett-Based Street Smarts

In partnership with Gwinnett Chamber economic development North American design firm Stantec announced it had acquired the assets of Street Smarts, a 60-person transportation and civil engineering company headquartered in Duluth. The acquisition will anchor Stantec's multi-office presence in Georgia and serve as the state's regional hub. Growth plans for the office anticipate generating dozens of high wage engineering and planning services jobs over the next five years, with staff occupying the existing 24,000 sq ft office space available. The facility is located in downtown Duluth at 3160 Main Street.

"Street Smarts has a strong and diversified 20 year track record in Georgia spanning commercial development and statewide transportation projects," said former President & CEO of Street Smarts, Marsha Anderson-Bomar. "This acquisition is mutually beneficial; it will dramatically increase Stantec's transportation practice in Georgia and gives our local team the ability to better serve our clients."

Stantec provides professional consulting services in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, survey, environmental sciences, project management and project economics for infrastructure and facilities projects.

"Street Smarts have been a strong asset to Gwinnett's business community and I am certain that Stantec will only enhance that," said Nancy Harris, Mayor, City of Duluth. "Our goal is to continue to drive job growth and spur business development in Duluth and Gwinnett County. We are excited to see Stantec join our team."

Stantec is one of North America's leading sustainable design firms. Stantec has been involved with the design of more than 115 LEED certified buildings and includes more than 500 LEED accredited professionals. To date, more than half a million square feet of company's more than three million square feet of owned or leased office space has been built or renovated to LEED standards; fifteen Stantec offices are LEED registered or certified.

"Stantec is incorporating the goals and objectives that align with the Partnership Gwinnett strategy, job growth and sustainable best practices," said Nick Masino, Vice President of Economic Development & Partnership Gwinnett, Gwinnett Chamber. "We look forward to working with a company that has a laundry list of services they provide to local companies and the business community."

Stantec has more than 150 offices throughout North America, the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Looking forward, Stantec intends to develop its presence in Georgia in all discipline areas and sectors, including building design, environmental infrastructure and management, and transportation with a focus on sustainable consulting and design services for the public and private sector.

To learn more about Stantec please visit www.stantec.com. For more information about the community and economic development strategy, Partnership Gwinnett visit www.partnershipgwinnett.com or visit www.gwinnettchamber.org.

Gwinnett and Georgia leaders Welcome New Statewide Job Growth Leader Chris Cummiskey

New Commissioner of Economic Development honored at reception hosted by Gwinnett and several key partners across the state

video news release

Duluth, GA- Over 200 business, community and economic development professionals from across Georgia recently attended the Georgia Leadership Welcome Reception put on by the Gwinnett Chamber and a host of economic development partners. The event featured honored guest and new Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Chris Cummiskey and offered a unique opportunity to network with the new job-growth leader as well as partners and peers in economic development throughout metro Atlanta and the state.

"Our communities play a critical part in attracting new business investments, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses and positioning the state as a top location for tourism and business relocation projects," said Commissioner Cummiskey. "I look forward to working with Gwinnett and communities across the state as we continue to promote Georgia in the global marketplace."

Partnership Gwinnett, the community and economic development initiative led by the Gwinnett Chamber and over 160 public and private investors, drives a continual strategy of promoting regional and statewide assets as key business attraction. Through supporting statewide efforts and partnering with economic development organizations across the metro Atlanta region and Georgia, Gwinnett has witnessed overwhelming success in job and wealth creation, having recorded over 9,200 new jobs to the community in the last three years.

"With the help of strategic partners like the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Gwinnett has become a leader in the area of job creation in the state of Georgia," said Jim Maran, president & CEO, Gwinnett Chamber. "We look forward to working with Commissioner Cummiskey in achieving the Gwinnett Chamber's top priority of attracting high-wage jobs to Gwinnett and the state of Georgia."

The Chamber's vice president of economic development and Partnership Gwinnett, Nick Masino, believes regional and statewide marketing is key to the success of the internationally recognized and award-winning metro community. "It is only with the collaboration of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Power, GEDA, the EMCs and other valuable partners that Partnership Gwinnett has been so successful. I believe I can speak for everyone at this event when I say that we are excited about continuing to work with our partners at the State and look forward to what the future holds for all of us."

The Georgia Leadership Welcome Reception was co-hosted by Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and a host of economic development partners, including the Cobb Chamber, Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA), Georgia Power, Jackson County Chamber, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber. Additional sponsors include Platinum Sponsor Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG), and Gold Sponsors AGLResources; Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Foundation, Inc.; Oconee County Economic Development Department; Pattillo Industrial Real Estate; and Wakefield Beasley & Associates.

For more information on the Gwinnett Chamber's job creation efforts, please visit www.gwinnetteconomicdevelopment.com.

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