GOVERNOR-ELECT NATHAN DEAL TO ADDRESS FIRST-EVER GWINNETT CHAMBER GEORGIA LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON

Governor-elect Deal to Give State's Outlook at December 15 Meeting

Duluth, GA- The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will host Governor-elect Nathan Deal at its first-ever Georgia Leadership Luncheon Presented by Rocket IT on December 15 at 11:30 a.m. at the Gwinnett Center. Attendees will have the chance to hear the Governor-elect's vision and plan for the state of Georgia in 2011 and get an update on the state's efforts in education and workforce development, infrastructure, and small business growth and economic development. The Governor-elect will also begin laying out his plans to improve the overall quality of life for Georgia citizens.

"Gwinnett County continues to lead metro Atlanta and Georgia in the areas of infrastructure development, quality of life and economic development, through our strong partnership with the State. I look forward to Governor-elect Deal's outlook as he leads Georgia to a strong recovery in 2011," said Jim Maran, president and CEO, Gwinnett Chamber.

Born in Millen, Georgia, Governor-elect Nathan Deal obtained his B.A. from Mercer University and his J.D. from the Mercer School of Law in 1966. After serving two years in the United States Army, Deal settled into private practice, later serving as the assistant district attorney and a juvenile court judge. In 1981, Deal was elected to the Georgia State Senate, where he served for 12 years before being elected as a Democrat to the United States Congress. Deal changed his party affiliation in 1995 and served until his resignation in March 2010. Deal was elected Governor of the state of Georgia on November 2, 2010.

"As we slowly emerge from a devastating recession, the state of Georgia and Gwinnett County are in a transitional time that, for the first time in a while, looks more promising and hopeful," said Maran. "We look forward to working with Governor-elect Deal as we continue to carry out our public policy goals to improve upon the business climate and quality of life by growing job opportunities for the citizens of Gwinnett and the state of Georgia."

Additional sponsors for the Georgia Leadership Luncheon include Media Sponsor Gwinnett Daily Post and Gold Sponsor Merrill Lynch- David Cross. Platinum, gold, silver, and supporting sponsorships are still available. The event is open to the public and the cost to attend is $55 for Chamber members and $65 for non-members. Tables of 10 are available for $500. Advanced registration is required online by visiting the calendar of events page at www.gwinnettchamber.org. For more details, contact Abby Wilkerson, program manager, Gwinnett Chamber, at 770-232-2266 or abby@gwinnettchamber.org.