GWINNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSION CHAIRMAN CHARLES BANNISTER TO KEYNOTE THE ANNUAL STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS

Chairman Bannister to Give Community's Outlook at February 10 Joint Meeting

Duluth, GA- The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and the Council for Quality Growth will be hosting Gwinnett County Board of Commission Chairman Charles Bannister and the Board of Commissioners for the annual State of the County Address Presented by Comcast and SKANSKA on February 10, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. at the Gwinnett Center. Attendees will have the chance to hear the Chairman's vision and plan for the county in 2010 and get an update on the County's efforts in economic development, revitalization, public safety and transportation. The Chairman will also show how the county is working to improve the overall quality of life for Gwinnett citizens.

"Gwinnett County continues to lead the region in infrastructure development, quality of life and economic development. I look forward to Chairman Bannister's outlook as he leads Gwinnett to a robust and prosperous 2010," said Michael Paris, president and CEO, Council for Quality Growth.

2009 was a year with a manifold of economic and revenue issues affecting personal, private and public entities. Gwinnett County, its cities and the State of Georgia are still weathering this complicated fiscal storm. At the address, members and guests will have the opportunity to hear from Chairman Bannister on how Gwinnett County has proactively managed the enormous, historic economic challenges by forming the citizen-led initiative, Engage Gwinnett: Citizens Committee for the Future of Gwinnett County. Attendees will also hear about the adoption of the final 2009 millage rate by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, which represents an increase of 2.28 mills to fund much needed services including libraries, parks and public safety. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity as Chairman Bannister reviews the County's 2009 achievements and lays out his vision for 2010 and beyond.

"Gwinnett County is in an exciting time with a future that is promising and hopeful. The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners is working hard to create and maintain prosperity," said Jim Maran, president and CEO, Gwinnett Chamber.

"We are pleased to welcome and hear Chairman Bannister speak at the State of the County Address."

For more information on the State of the County Address, visit www.gwinnettstateofthecounty.com.

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About the Gwinnett Chamber

Named one of the top three metro 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 from more than 2,500 firms, the Gwinnett Chamber is the Southeast's 6^th largest chamber and focuses on creating and growing quality job opportunities while enhancing the community's quality of life.

About the Council for Quality Growth

The Council for Quality Growth works to ensure continued growth and economic success for generations to come by providing advocacy, information and education to its members. The Committed to the mission of promoting balanced and responsible growth, the Council is proactively involved in the formulation of policy and legislation critical to the growth and development industry. The Council addresses, head-on, strategic economic planning, infrastructure needs and tough quality-of-life issues throughout the metro Atlanta region and state.