Last month the Gwinnett Chamber led a delegation of business and community leaders on its fourth annual Strategic Leadership Visit to the metro Denver region of Colorado to study best practices in the areas of economic development, transportation, education, revitalization, arts and culture and regional collaboration.
The most striking observation was the fact that many of the region’s most successful initiatives that have been instrumental in Denver’s rise as one of the nation’s premier communities were spawned out of the economic crisis of the oil bust in the mid 80s. That revelation can serve as an inspiration to us here in Gwinnett and metro Atlanta as we weather one of the worst economic recessions in decades. In this current crisis, tomorrow’s greatest ideas can and should be born. Some of the best practices we learned included:
For our public school leaders: Denver Public School’s successful implementation of providing more autonomy for schools in exchange for heightened accountability. DPS’ ProComp “pay-for-performance” compensation plans also rewards teachers for meeting and exceeding expectations, links compensations to instructional outcomes and provides a bonus structure that helps the district meet staffing needs in specific schools. The result has been improving student achievement across all demographic groups.
For our business-education partnerships: The Adams County Consortium was created a few years ago in partnership between Adams County Economic Development and all local educational systems from K-12 to colleges. In less than five years, more than 5,100 students have attended its Career Expo and 1,000 went through its “Experience 9 to 5” mentoring program. The result has been increased overall successful completion rates for secondary and post-secondary students with increased access to career choices in local industry.
For our regional transportation leaders: Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) is an interesting model for us to consider. The governing body of the RTD includes representation from throughout the region, and no one area of the region (including the City of Denver) dominates the RTD. The RTD manages the financing, planning and implementation of transit throughout the region, and operates the transit system region-wide. There appears to be a great sense of pride and ownership of the RTD in the eight-county Metropolitan Denver area.
For supporters of transit and/or roads: There has been a history of supporting both roadway and transit improvements in the area. Unlike the Atlanta region, where quite often the opinions are that the two (roads and transit) cannot peacefully co-exist, we heard the following from one of our presenters, “While it is true that roads alone are not the answer, Roads are not the enemy.” This means that the region has moved beyond the “one or the other” mindset. This vision is critical to us solving our transportation problems in metro Atlanta and throughout the State of Georgia.
For statewide transportation leaders: Denver’s model for funding its FasTracks and T-Rex transportation initiatives are also worth considering as we debate how to increase state funding here in metro Atlanta and Georgia. Their process included the General Assembly statutorily giving the region the authority to hold its own referendum allowing a special local option sales tax that would be raised in and stay in the region. They added that the best plan should be clearly communicated with voters, should include increased road capacity as well as transit and projects should be under-promised and over-delivered.
For our arts leaders: Denver’s Scientific and Cultural Facilities District is a unique collaboration between rural, suburban and urban counties in the Denver region. The SCFD is funded by a small sales and use tax (one penny on every $10 of sales and use tax) approved by residents across the region in 1988 and reaffirmed with a renewal vote in 1994. The result has been the generation and distribution of more than $591 million in grants to more than 330 arts groups of all sizes resulting in an economic impact of more than $1.7 billion.
For our regional economic development leaders: Also spawned out of the deep recession of the mid 80s, what is now the Denver Metro Economic Development Council was formed as the nation’s first and only truly regional economic development entity in which many area economic development groups have joined together to represent, and further, the interests of an entire region. Its partners include 70 cities, counties, and economic development organizations in the seven-county Metro Denver and two-county Northern Colorado region. The result has been an increase in close rates on relocations between Denver and top competitors Dallas, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona from 20 percent in the late 80s to more than 50 percent today.
For our higher education leaders and those in the 316 corridor: The Anschutz Medical Campus and Fitzsimmons Life Science District is a model of collaboration between the University of Colorado Denver and local hospitals and research institutions. Literally built from scratch from an abandoned army base, employment has soared from 200 at time of closure in 1997 to 17,000 in 2008 and resulted in an estimated economic impact of $6 billion per year at completion.
For our targeted industry marketing efforts: Denver’s light-hearted Colorado loves California campaign targeting CEOs and companies for expansion and relocation from the beleaguered, anti-business climate in California has resulted in a number of relocations and prospects while garnering positive national and international coverage. Seventy-two hours after the initial campaign went live on Valentine’s Day, 25 to 30 companies reached out to the Metro Denver EDC about possible expansion or relocation. Of that original 30, seven are currently in serious negotiations with the city.
For our CIDs and redevelopment leaders: At the Belmar redevelopment in Lakewood, strong public-private partnerships allowed for the conversion of a dying mall into a new urban downtown center. City officials had an attitude of “let’s make this work” rather than the normal “follow the rules” mentality of government. The importance of creating/allowing “out of the box” rules/regulations and tax increment funding were an important part of the equation that made Belmar and the Town Center at Aurora possible. The incorporation of green building and sustainable environmental elements such as solar and wind power was also impressive.
In closing, the value of regional thinking and cooperation was another best practice that all of metro Atlanta area should attempt to adopt. They truly realize that each one’s success is dependent on the success of the other.
Through the Chamber’s Partnership Gwinnett mindset, Gwinnett is taking the lead with this new way of doing business, both internally (by partnering with all of our local governments, CIDs and more) and externally (by creating Georgia’s Innovation Crescent Regional Partnership, supporting Get Georgia Moving and more). But more of this regional leadership and collaboration needs to come from downtown Atlanta (as it did in Denver) if our region wants to remain a world-class community.
Jim Maran,
President
Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
NCR Chairman and CEO Bill Nuti to Speak at Special Edition Success Lives Here on November 12
William (Bill) Nuti, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of NCR Corporation, has a knack for achieving and finding success. Nuti's ability to find success is what led him to relocate and expand the global technology company's headquarters to Gwinnett County.
Nuti was recently quoted on the relocation of NCR by saying that the decision to consolidate functions in Georgia and build a technology-focused corporate headquarters campus is right in line with their business strategy to drive growth, improve their innovation output, increase productivity and continually upgrade their focus on the customer.
By expanding the company's existing Southeastern presence, NCR will create 1,250 new jobs for the Gwinnett community. In addition, the expansion represents yet another project win for the Chamber's nationally-recognized, award-winning, community and economic development initiative, Partnership Gwinnett.
Gwinnett is proud to welcome NCR Corporation, a global technology company with 22,400 employees and 2008 revenue of approximately $5.32 billion, to a community where success lives. Join us for a Special Edition Success Lives Here on November 12 at Gwinnett Center where Nuti will discuss his early successes that prepared him for NCR, what led him to decide to relocate NCR's corporate headquarters to Gwinnett and how he is transforming NCR into a self-service giant.
Registration is at 8 a.m. and the program begins at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $45 for Chamber members; $55 for non-Chamber members. Pre-payment required. Deadline is November 9, 2009. No-shows will be billed. Walk-ins not guaranteed a seat. To RSVP, email Melissa Britt at melissa@gwinnettchamber.org. REGISTER ONLINE: gwinnettchamber.org/slhregistration.
Nuti was recently quoted on the relocation of NCR by saying that the decision to consolidate functions in Georgia and build a technology-focused corporate headquarters campus is right in line with their business strategy to drive growth, improve their innovation output, increase productivity and continually upgrade their focus on the customer.
By expanding the company's existing Southeastern presence, NCR will create 1,250 new jobs for the Gwinnett community. In addition, the expansion represents yet another project win for the Chamber's nationally-recognized, award-winning, community and economic development initiative, Partnership Gwinnett.
Gwinnett is proud to welcome NCR Corporation, a global technology company with 22,400 employees and 2008 revenue of approximately $5.32 billion, to a community where success lives. Join us for a Special Edition Success Lives Here on November 12 at Gwinnett Center where Nuti will discuss his early successes that prepared him for NCR, what led him to decide to relocate NCR's corporate headquarters to Gwinnett and how he is transforming NCR into a self-service giant.
Registration is at 8 a.m. and the program begins at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $45 for Chamber members; $55 for non-Chamber members. Pre-payment required. Deadline is November 9, 2009. No-shows will be billed. Walk-ins not guaranteed a seat. To RSVP, email Melissa Britt at melissa@gwinnettchamber.org. REGISTER ONLINE: gwinnettchamber.org/slhregistration.
Monday, October 12, 2009
ARC Chairman Charles "Chick" Krautler to Address Region's Infrastructure Challenges at Gwinnett Chamber Luncheon
Krautler to discuss his views on how infrastructure is critical to long-range viability of our region at the October 21 General Membership Meeting
Duluth, GA- The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Presenting Sponsor Rocket IT will host Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Director Charles “Chick” Krautler at its General Membership Meeting on October 21 at 11:30 a.m. at The 1818 Club. Krautler will discuss his views on how infrastructure is essential to long-range viability of our region and ways that the ARC is working to ensure that water supply, water quality and transportation systems are ready to handle the demands of the region’s growing population.
Krautler directs regional planning programs in the areas of transportation, air quality, the environment, land use, water supply and quality, along with aging services and workforce development. The ARC is the official metropolitan planning organization for the 10- county, 68 city Atlanta region.
General Membership Meetings are held once a month providing an opportunity for Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce members to stay abreast of important issues in Gwinnett and Metro Atlanta, network with other business professionals and have a chance to listen to renowned speakers from all types of industries.
Additional sponsors for the event include Media Sponsor Gwinnett Daily Post, Gold Sponsor Merrill Lynch- David Cross, and Silver Sponsor Olympus Media, LLC. The cost to attend is $45 for members and $55 for non-Chamber members. Advanced registration is required. Walk-ins at the event are not guaranteed a spot at the luncheon. RSVP to Melissa Britt at 678-957-4958 or melissa@gwinnettchamber.org or visit http://www.gwinnettchamber.org/gmmregistration.
Duluth, GA- The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Presenting Sponsor Rocket IT will host Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Director Charles “Chick” Krautler at its General Membership Meeting on October 21 at 11:30 a.m. at The 1818 Club. Krautler will discuss his views on how infrastructure is essential to long-range viability of our region and ways that the ARC is working to ensure that water supply, water quality and transportation systems are ready to handle the demands of the region’s growing population.
Krautler directs regional planning programs in the areas of transportation, air quality, the environment, land use, water supply and quality, along with aging services and workforce development. The ARC is the official metropolitan planning organization for the 10- county, 68 city Atlanta region.
General Membership Meetings are held once a month providing an opportunity for Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce members to stay abreast of important issues in Gwinnett and Metro Atlanta, network with other business professionals and have a chance to listen to renowned speakers from all types of industries.
Additional sponsors for the event include Media Sponsor Gwinnett Daily Post, Gold Sponsor Merrill Lynch- David Cross, and Silver Sponsor Olympus Media, LLC. The cost to attend is $45 for members and $55 for non-Chamber members. Advanced registration is required. Walk-ins at the event are not guaranteed a spot at the luncheon. RSVP to Melissa Britt at 678-957-4958 or melissa@gwinnettchamber.org or visit http://www.gwinnettchamber.org/gmmregistration.
General Manager/ CEO of MARTA Dr. Beverly Scott to Present at GLOW: Gwinnett's Leadership Organization for Women
October 16 Breakfast to Feature Presentation from Dr. Beverly Scott on How to Succeed in a Male-Dominated Industry
Duluth, GA- Jump off the platform and on the train of success that is now racing down the tracks of your career. Join Dr. Beverly Scott, general manager/CEO of MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), as she helps to conduct an empowering topic on “Big Things That Move: A Woman’s Perspective in a Male-Dominated Industry” at the October 16 GLOW: Gwinnett’s Leadership Organization for Women meeting Presented by Gwinnett Medical Center. The event will be held at 7:45 a.m. at The 1818 Club, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, Ga 30097.
“This seminar is a great chance to hear and learn from a woman who has won in a male-dominated industry,” commented Nicole Wright, program manager, Gwinnett Chamber. “Backed by her tremendous experience, Dr. Scott will address how to accomplish your goals by working together and reaching a consensus.”
Those interested in the October 16 meeting are encouraged to visit GLOW’s blog and write about how they thrive in their industry. “Every woman has her own tried and true ways to flourish,” said Wright. “We would love to hear your ideas. Make sure to check the blog regularly to read all the perspectives of your fellow women and peers.”
Dr. Beverly Scott is the first female general manager and CEO of MARTA with a seasoned and distinguished career in the public transportation field. She is known in her profession as a progressive leader with extraordinary skill and foresight. Dr. Scott was named the 2008 Woman of Excellence by the Atlanta Business Chronicle Magazine. She earned her doctorate in Political Science with a specialization in Public Administration from Howard University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Fisk University graduating Magna Cum Laude.
The event is also sponsored by Gold Sponsor Saint Leo University. The cost to attend is $35 for Chamber members and $45 for non-Chamber members. All no-shows will be billed. Walk-ins are not guaranteed a seat. To RSVP, please contact Nicole Wright at 770-232-8816; e-mail nicole@gwinnettchamber.org; or visit www.gwinnettchamber.org/glowregistration.
Duluth, GA- Jump off the platform and on the train of success that is now racing down the tracks of your career. Join Dr. Beverly Scott, general manager/CEO of MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), as she helps to conduct an empowering topic on “Big Things That Move: A Woman’s Perspective in a Male-Dominated Industry” at the October 16 GLOW: Gwinnett’s Leadership Organization for Women meeting Presented by Gwinnett Medical Center. The event will be held at 7:45 a.m. at The 1818 Club, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, Ga 30097.
“This seminar is a great chance to hear and learn from a woman who has won in a male-dominated industry,” commented Nicole Wright, program manager, Gwinnett Chamber. “Backed by her tremendous experience, Dr. Scott will address how to accomplish your goals by working together and reaching a consensus.”
Those interested in the October 16 meeting are encouraged to visit GLOW’s blog and write about how they thrive in their industry. “Every woman has her own tried and true ways to flourish,” said Wright. “We would love to hear your ideas. Make sure to check the blog regularly to read all the perspectives of your fellow women and peers.”
Dr. Beverly Scott is the first female general manager and CEO of MARTA with a seasoned and distinguished career in the public transportation field. She is known in her profession as a progressive leader with extraordinary skill and foresight. Dr. Scott was named the 2008 Woman of Excellence by the Atlanta Business Chronicle Magazine. She earned her doctorate in Political Science with a specialization in Public Administration from Howard University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Fisk University graduating Magna Cum Laude.
The event is also sponsored by Gold Sponsor Saint Leo University. The cost to attend is $35 for Chamber members and $45 for non-Chamber members. All no-shows will be billed. Walk-ins are not guaranteed a seat. To RSVP, please contact Nicole Wright at 770-232-8816; e-mail nicole@gwinnettchamber.org; or visit www.gwinnettchamber.org/glowregistration.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Gwinnett Student Leadership Team: A Community of Leaders
Each year, the Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, Inc. (GSLT, Inc.) graduates approximately 60 students into the community. While the student leaders are in school, they enhance and develop the function of leadership throughout their school in various roles spreading their knowledge and skills. Upon entering the real world, they go on to achieve great things.
One of many GSLT success stories is that of Captain Daniel Hwang who graduated with honors from South Gwinnett High School in 2002. Captain Hwang, who participated in GSLT from 2000-2002, went on to graduate in the top 3 percent of his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point. His rigorous work at West Point and in the military eventually landed him a promotion in January 2009 to captain for Charlie Company while serving in Samarra, Iraq.
Captain Hwang’s story goes beyond his high accolades with an act of kindness that reflects deep principles and strong leadership skills. While in Iraq, the U.S. Commander in Samarra requested commissioned officers to restore essential services. Captain Hwang chose education.
With deep ties to Gwinnett, Captain Hwang reached out to his home community for help in providing learning materials for 25,000 children. Gwinnett County Public Schools and Buford City schools responded to his challenge by collecting materials to fill 520 boxes which are now ready for shipment to Iraq.
GSLT Executive Director Nancy Ward said that Captain Hwang has inspired the students and adults alike who are involved in GSLT. Ward reported Captain Hwang specially arranged his annual leave from the military so that he would be in Gwinnett during GSLT’s Fall Retreat to speak to the current class. Ward said that Captain Hwang told students at the Retreat that he traces his success back to Gwinnett and GSLT. He left the students with a special message to explore the world, but to come back to Gwinnett, which is where he plans to return one day.
GSLT, with graduates including Captain Hwang and many other like him, began by chance or by fate when Nancy Ward, Gwinnett County Public Schools, and David Seago, Georgia Power, were seated next to each other in their first class of Leadership Gwinnett in 1993. During the program, they both discussed the fact that there was a leadership program for every community member with the exception of students. After they graduated from Leadership Gwinnett in 1994, Ward contacted Seago and said, “Let’s begin a class for students.” From there, GSLT was born.
The Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, Inc. (GSLT) is a two-year student leadership program that provides a learning experience for high school juniors and seniors in Gwinnett County Public Schools and Buford City Schools. The program is sponsored by the Gwinnett County Public School System and Buford City Schools in conjunction with other community agencies, institutions, and businesses. GSLT, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt initiative, is under the direction of a ten-member Board of Directors: David Seago, President, of Georgia Power Company; John Upchurch, Vice-President, of Scholastic Images/Balfour; Randy Dellinger, Treasurer, of Jackson EMC; Nancy Ward, Executive Director, of Gwinnett County Public Schools; Peter Boyce, Attorney-at-Law; Thomas Boyce, Innovative Outdoors; Renee Byrd-Lewis, Cisco; Dr. John Green, Gwinnett County Public Schools; Gail Macrenaris, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce; and Dale Robbins; Gwinnett County Public Schools.
“GSLT provides an opportunity for students to develop personal and organizational leadership skills and an awareness of issues facing the community in which they live,” said Ward.
“The success of the program is truly measured by the success of the students upon entering the real world,” said Ward. “Their accomplishments say it all.”
Although GSLT began in 1995, the program is just now beginning to see dividends. “Many of the students who went through the programs in the early 90’s are just now getting settled into the workplace after completing post-graduate and medical degrees,” said Ward. “The payoff we are seeing is truly amazing. You can find GSLT graduates all over the country and the world. They are running businesses, producing award-winning films and operating non-profits in third world countries.”
From the fall of 1995 to June of 2009, 13 GSLT classes have completed the two-year leadership development experience with 379 graduates. During 2005-2009, over 18,000+ students participated in 700+ leadership development sessions designed and led by GSLT students and high school principals.
“Our hope is that students go back to their schools and communities to spread their knowledge and skills. The numbers show that this is occurring and that it is paying off in so many different ways,” said Ward.
Whether producing films, serving our country, attending acclaimed universities, starting businesses, or leading communities, GSLT graduates are leading the way and achieving greatness in Gwinnett County and beyond.
For more information on how you can support and get involved with the Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, contact Gail Macrenaris, Director of Leadership and Education, Gwinnett Chamber at 770-232-8803 or gail@gwinnettchamber.org.
One of many GSLT success stories is that of Captain Daniel Hwang who graduated with honors from South Gwinnett High School in 2002. Captain Hwang, who participated in GSLT from 2000-2002, went on to graduate in the top 3 percent of his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point. His rigorous work at West Point and in the military eventually landed him a promotion in January 2009 to captain for Charlie Company while serving in Samarra, Iraq.
Captain Hwang’s story goes beyond his high accolades with an act of kindness that reflects deep principles and strong leadership skills. While in Iraq, the U.S. Commander in Samarra requested commissioned officers to restore essential services. Captain Hwang chose education.
With deep ties to Gwinnett, Captain Hwang reached out to his home community for help in providing learning materials for 25,000 children. Gwinnett County Public Schools and Buford City schools responded to his challenge by collecting materials to fill 520 boxes which are now ready for shipment to Iraq.
GSLT Executive Director Nancy Ward said that Captain Hwang has inspired the students and adults alike who are involved in GSLT. Ward reported Captain Hwang specially arranged his annual leave from the military so that he would be in Gwinnett during GSLT’s Fall Retreat to speak to the current class. Ward said that Captain Hwang told students at the Retreat that he traces his success back to Gwinnett and GSLT. He left the students with a special message to explore the world, but to come back to Gwinnett, which is where he plans to return one day.
GSLT, with graduates including Captain Hwang and many other like him, began by chance or by fate when Nancy Ward, Gwinnett County Public Schools, and David Seago, Georgia Power, were seated next to each other in their first class of Leadership Gwinnett in 1993. During the program, they both discussed the fact that there was a leadership program for every community member with the exception of students. After they graduated from Leadership Gwinnett in 1994, Ward contacted Seago and said, “Let’s begin a class for students.” From there, GSLT was born.
The Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, Inc. (GSLT) is a two-year student leadership program that provides a learning experience for high school juniors and seniors in Gwinnett County Public Schools and Buford City Schools. The program is sponsored by the Gwinnett County Public School System and Buford City Schools in conjunction with other community agencies, institutions, and businesses. GSLT, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt initiative, is under the direction of a ten-member Board of Directors: David Seago, President, of Georgia Power Company; John Upchurch, Vice-President, of Scholastic Images/Balfour; Randy Dellinger, Treasurer, of Jackson EMC; Nancy Ward, Executive Director, of Gwinnett County Public Schools; Peter Boyce, Attorney-at-Law; Thomas Boyce, Innovative Outdoors; Renee Byrd-Lewis, Cisco; Dr. John Green, Gwinnett County Public Schools; Gail Macrenaris, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce; and Dale Robbins; Gwinnett County Public Schools.
“GSLT provides an opportunity for students to develop personal and organizational leadership skills and an awareness of issues facing the community in which they live,” said Ward.
“The success of the program is truly measured by the success of the students upon entering the real world,” said Ward. “Their accomplishments say it all.”
Although GSLT began in 1995, the program is just now beginning to see dividends. “Many of the students who went through the programs in the early 90’s are just now getting settled into the workplace after completing post-graduate and medical degrees,” said Ward. “The payoff we are seeing is truly amazing. You can find GSLT graduates all over the country and the world. They are running businesses, producing award-winning films and operating non-profits in third world countries.”
From the fall of 1995 to June of 2009, 13 GSLT classes have completed the two-year leadership development experience with 379 graduates. During 2005-2009, over 18,000+ students participated in 700+ leadership development sessions designed and led by GSLT students and high school principals.
“Our hope is that students go back to their schools and communities to spread their knowledge and skills. The numbers show that this is occurring and that it is paying off in so many different ways,” said Ward.
Whether producing films, serving our country, attending acclaimed universities, starting businesses, or leading communities, GSLT graduates are leading the way and achieving greatness in Gwinnett County and beyond.
For more information on how you can support and get involved with the Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, contact Gail Macrenaris, Director of Leadership and Education, Gwinnett Chamber at 770-232-8803 or gail@gwinnettchamber.org.
Business After Hours: Put Your Networking Skills to Work
Networking is all about being a good listener, according to veteran Business After Hours attendee David Brackman who is the president of Self Defense ATL. Brackman advises business owners to listen to what other people say about their business and personal lives and to also share your story when time permits.
“It is important to put yourself out there and expose your business as much as possible,” said Brackman. “You never know who you may meet that could develop into a personal relationship that could help you personally and professionally.”
Brackman puts his networking skills to work at the Chamber’s Business After Hours where he purchases a display booth almost every month. “By having a booth at Business After Hours, I have been able to make a tremendous amount of contacts who have provided me with business leads,” said Brackman. “By having a display booth and just by attending the monthly networking events, I have increased the amount of people to share my product with while also learning about other people’s businesses.”
Business After Hours, Gwinnett’s largest networking event with an average of 250 people in attendance, offers the perfect opportunity to develop business relationships and sharpen your networking skills in an atmosphere that is new, fun and ever-changing.
For Brackman, Business After Hours allows him to meet as many people as possible, learn about other businesses, and share his business with fellow business professionals. “I always look forward to Business After Hours,” said Brackman. “Being involved in Business After Hours and in the Chamber makes a difference for me personally and professionally.”
Held on usually the third Thursday of every month, Business After Hours is the perfect event to generate exposure for your company and is ideal for promoting new locations and grand openings. It provides a way to develop new business contacts and gather business ideas and network with fellow Chamber member. It is also the perfect opportunity to show off a new business and gain valuable leads in a relaxed, after-work setting.
BAH is hosted by various members around the county at a different location each month from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. The member company that hosts the event provides food, beverage and entertainment for Gwinnett Chamber members and guests.
A limited number of display booths are also available for members to purchase for $125 to display their products and services to the attendees.
For additional information on attending a Business After Hours or to help sponsor one, contact Kim Jones at 770-232-8805 or kim@gwinnettchamber.org
“It is important to put yourself out there and expose your business as much as possible,” said Brackman. “You never know who you may meet that could develop into a personal relationship that could help you personally and professionally.”
Brackman puts his networking skills to work at the Chamber’s Business After Hours where he purchases a display booth almost every month. “By having a booth at Business After Hours, I have been able to make a tremendous amount of contacts who have provided me with business leads,” said Brackman. “By having a display booth and just by attending the monthly networking events, I have increased the amount of people to share my product with while also learning about other people’s businesses.”
Business After Hours, Gwinnett’s largest networking event with an average of 250 people in attendance, offers the perfect opportunity to develop business relationships and sharpen your networking skills in an atmosphere that is new, fun and ever-changing.
For Brackman, Business After Hours allows him to meet as many people as possible, learn about other businesses, and share his business with fellow business professionals. “I always look forward to Business After Hours,” said Brackman. “Being involved in Business After Hours and in the Chamber makes a difference for me personally and professionally.”
Held on usually the third Thursday of every month, Business After Hours is the perfect event to generate exposure for your company and is ideal for promoting new locations and grand openings. It provides a way to develop new business contacts and gather business ideas and network with fellow Chamber member. It is also the perfect opportunity to show off a new business and gain valuable leads in a relaxed, after-work setting.
BAH is hosted by various members around the county at a different location each month from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. The member company that hosts the event provides food, beverage and entertainment for Gwinnett Chamber members and guests.
A limited number of display booths are also available for members to purchase for $125 to display their products and services to the attendees.
For additional information on attending a Business After Hours or to help sponsor one, contact Kim Jones at 770-232-8805 or kim@gwinnettchamber.org
This Chamber is in Business For You
Each fall marks the beginning of our volunteer-driven total resource campaign for the Gwinnett Chamber and we are excited to have nearly 40 teams and more than 200 volunteers participating this year. These volunteers are being led by our 2009 Campaign Co-Chairs Ron and Laurie Garrard with Garrard Construction and will be recruiting new members and sponsors to the Chamber as we continue our successful efforts to enhance Gwinnett and metro Atlanta’s reputation as one of the best places to live and work in the U.S.
Considering Gwinnett averages more than 20,000 new residents each year and there are more than 400 new firms that are members of the Chamber since January alone, it’s important from time to time to share what many may not know about their Chamber and our vision for the future.
So, if you’re reading this and not a member, we hope you’ll join us and invest in your business growth and the community in which you live or do business. If you already are a member, we hope you enjoy what you’ve helped to create and we look forward to our continued partnership.
The Gwinnett Chamber’s vision is simple – it’s about success. To help you as an individual succeed, help your company succeed and help our community succeed. That’s why our community’s motto is “Success Lives Here.” And the Chamber’s servant-leadership role in creating opportunities for success is evident in our motto, “In Business For You.”
Named one of the top three metro chambers in the United States by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Gwinnett Chamber is one of the largest and most dynamic business and regional economic development organizations in the Southeastern United States. In fact, the Gwinnett Chamber is the 6th largest Chamber in the Southeast.
With more than 2,500 companies representing a combined employment of more than 750,000 employees and more than $200 billion in revenue, the Gwinnett Chamber is a leader in job creation and retention, community development, and in growing local businesses for Gwinnett County, metro Atlanta and the Innovation Crescent regions of Georgia.
Unlike most Chambers our size, we are focused on entrepreneurial and growth-stage companies and nearly 85 percent of our members are small businesses with less than 50 employees. We are also regional in scope with approximately 32 percent of our members headquartered outside of Gwinnett County.
The Gwinnett Chamber works in six key areas: economic development, small business and entrepreneurial development, education, public policy, membership development and communications. Community development efforts also include programs to promote the arts, revitalization, law enforcement and leadership development.
The Gwinnett Chamber leads what has been recognized nationally as one of the best job creation efforts in the nation, the community’s long-term, public-private economic and community development strategy called Partnership Gwinnett. Since its launch, more than 100 companies relocated or expanded major new facilities in Gwinnett including the corporate global headquarters for two Fortune 500 firms – NCR and Asbury Automotive. These announcements accounted for more than 6,000 new high-wage jobs and hundreds of millions in new capital investment in spite of the current recession.
The biggest benefits to membership include networking opportunities, community involvement, image enhancement, political advocacy, information access, numerous discounts, and heightened credibility. Most of the 200+ programs offered each year to members are focused on these areas.
All of this could not have been accomplished without the voluntary investments of our members and as a non-profit all revenue is re-invested back into membership or community development programs.
More detailed information about the Chamber can be found on our award-winning Web site at www.gwinnettchamber.org. We hope you’ll take the time to explore and discuss new opportunities to become engaged with your Chamber with our staff or campaign volunteers.
Join the Chamber, get engaged, and let us help you become Gwinnett’s next great success story.
By Jim Maran
Considering Gwinnett averages more than 20,000 new residents each year and there are more than 400 new firms that are members of the Chamber since January alone, it’s important from time to time to share what many may not know about their Chamber and our vision for the future.
So, if you’re reading this and not a member, we hope you’ll join us and invest in your business growth and the community in which you live or do business. If you already are a member, we hope you enjoy what you’ve helped to create and we look forward to our continued partnership.
The Gwinnett Chamber’s vision is simple – it’s about success. To help you as an individual succeed, help your company succeed and help our community succeed. That’s why our community’s motto is “Success Lives Here.” And the Chamber’s servant-leadership role in creating opportunities for success is evident in our motto, “In Business For You.”
Named one of the top three metro chambers in the United States by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Gwinnett Chamber is one of the largest and most dynamic business and regional economic development organizations in the Southeastern United States. In fact, the Gwinnett Chamber is the 6th largest Chamber in the Southeast.
With more than 2,500 companies representing a combined employment of more than 750,000 employees and more than $200 billion in revenue, the Gwinnett Chamber is a leader in job creation and retention, community development, and in growing local businesses for Gwinnett County, metro Atlanta and the Innovation Crescent regions of Georgia.
Unlike most Chambers our size, we are focused on entrepreneurial and growth-stage companies and nearly 85 percent of our members are small businesses with less than 50 employees. We are also regional in scope with approximately 32 percent of our members headquartered outside of Gwinnett County.
The Gwinnett Chamber works in six key areas: economic development, small business and entrepreneurial development, education, public policy, membership development and communications. Community development efforts also include programs to promote the arts, revitalization, law enforcement and leadership development.
The Gwinnett Chamber leads what has been recognized nationally as one of the best job creation efforts in the nation, the community’s long-term, public-private economic and community development strategy called Partnership Gwinnett. Since its launch, more than 100 companies relocated or expanded major new facilities in Gwinnett including the corporate global headquarters for two Fortune 500 firms – NCR and Asbury Automotive. These announcements accounted for more than 6,000 new high-wage jobs and hundreds of millions in new capital investment in spite of the current recession.
The biggest benefits to membership include networking opportunities, community involvement, image enhancement, political advocacy, information access, numerous discounts, and heightened credibility. Most of the 200+ programs offered each year to members are focused on these areas.
All of this could not have been accomplished without the voluntary investments of our members and as a non-profit all revenue is re-invested back into membership or community development programs.
More detailed information about the Chamber can be found on our award-winning Web site at www.gwinnettchamber.org. We hope you’ll take the time to explore and discuss new opportunities to become engaged with your Chamber with our staff or campaign volunteers.
Join the Chamber, get engaged, and let us help you become Gwinnett’s next great success story.
By Jim Maran
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