Partnership Gwinnett Summit: Strong Vitals. Healthy Outlook.

With over 130 relocations and expansions accounting for over 7,500 jobs and over $360 million in capital investment since Partnership Gwinnett's inception, it is clear that the Gwinnett Chamber understands the essentials keeping its community vitals strong and what it takes to drive a healthy community and economic development initiative to promote jobs and wealth for Gwinnett and the Greater Atlanta community. On August 24th, T-Mobile will present the Partnership Gwinnett Summit where guests will learn about the key elements of a successful community and economic development plan – economic diversification and wealth creation, education and workforce excellence, quality of life enhancements, and marketing and outreach – and how Gwinnett is progressing in these areas.

"Gwinnett has become a powerhouse community for proactive economic development in metro Atlanta," commented Nick Masino, vice president of economic development, Gwinnett Chamber. "The Summit captures our collective success and drives our vision for the future, while providing an opportunity to recognize and thank all of those who make Partnership Gwinnett metro Atlanta's leader in community and economic development collaboration."

The Partnership Gwinnett Summit, which is an annual event, provides a unique opportunity to meet with leaders from both the public and private sectors guiding the economic and community development of Gwinnett. Panel presentations and discussions featuring leading local and state experts will address overall economic viability of Gwinnett County along with special sessions on workforce development, public policy, business recruitment strategy and more.

"Partnership Gwinnett provides a vehicle for affecting positive change in Gwinnett and the surrounding region while marketing to the world all that Gwinnett has to offer," said Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charles Bannister. "As other companies around the country and the world think about where they want to be in the 21st century, you'd better believe Gwinnett County is higher on their lists than ever before."

Partnership Gwinnett unveils its annual report at the Summit every year touting the community's achievements in business development, education and workforce, quality of life and marketing.

Some of this year's highlights will include:

• The relocation of two large corporate headquarters in less than a year with Asbury Automotive and NCR
• Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation was recognized as the number one park agency in the nation receiving the coveted Grand Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management from the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration
• The launch of a regional comprehensive entrepreneurial development initiative, the Metro Atlanta Council for Entrepreneurship, attracting more than 380 small businesses to the program. Its goals are to identify, enable and promote all innovative, high-growth, high-impact companies and to foster and accelerate the region's entrepreneurial culture
• After three years of coming close to achieving the top legislative priority, transportation, for the Gwinnett Chamber/Partnership Gwinnett Legislative Agenda, the Georgia General
• Assembly voted to allow referendums throughout the state on transportation funding. The historical legislation, recently signed into law by Governor Sonny Perdue, creates 12 regional districts across the state (including Gwinnett in the ARC region). "Regional roundtables" comprised of local elected officials (Chairs and a Mayor from each county) will develop a project list to be voted on by citizens in the 2012 general primary and be funded by a one penny sales tax.

Commenting on the Partnership Gwinnett Summit, Ann Brooks, spokesperson, T-Mobile, said that they are thrilled to be partnering again with the Gwinnett Chamber in presenting the Summit. "Wireless technology is an integral part of the 21st century and economic development," said Brooks. "We are looking forward to highlighting wireless as an essential element of economic development to Gwinnett and metro Atlanta's leaders at the Partnership Gwinnett Summit."

With the support of investors and partners, like you, we are connecting Gwinnett with the world and creating an even higher standard of excellence than ever before! With more than 200 business, community and elected leaders, the Partnership Gwinnett Summit on August 24th from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Gwinnett Technical College, is the perfect opportunity to get involved and build connections to strengthen your organization. For sponsorship and registration information, contact Lindsay Myers at 678-957-4944 or Lindsay@gwinnettchamber.org.