GWINNETT CHAMBER RECOGNIZES PUBLIC SAFETY PROFESSIONALS AT VALOR AWARDS CEREMONY

Gwinnett's Public Safety Professionals Receive Top Honors for Bravery at March 25 Ceremony

Duluth, GA- To recognize Gwinnett's public safety professionals for helping to strengthen our community, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Presenting Sponsors Mobile Communications of Gwinnett and Motorola presented the sixth annual Valor Awards on March 25, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. at the Atlanta Marriott – Gwinnett Place. The keynote speaker at the event was Atlanta Fire Rescue Chief Kelvin Cochran.

This special reception honored those in public safety by presenting awards to the men and women who have given the most to protect and serve the citizens of Gwinnett. There were six different award categories including the Medal of Valor Award, Lifesaving Award, Public Safety Person of the Year, Public Safety Unit of the Year, Communications Person of the Year and Medal of Merit.

"It is because of the heroic and courageous efforts of Gwinnett's public safety professionals that we are able to live, work and play in a safe community," said Abby Wilkerson, program manager, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.

The Medal of Merit is awarded to an outstanding public safety program for the community which included personal time given both on and off the job. Battalion Chief Eddie Myers' Gwinnett Fire FLAME Program was awarded the Medal of Merit. Firefighters Lunch and Mentoring Experience (FLAME) is a successful mentoring program started by Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services' Battalion Chief Eddie Myers. His vision was to have firefighters spend their lunchtime weekly with a youth who needs an adult who will take special interest in their development. The firefighters are a friend, a guide and a support to at-risk youth. Since the program's inception in early 2009, 30 elementary schools across Gwinnett have benefited from their relationship with their firefighter mentor. Most importantly, FLAME participants have consistently exhibited dramatic improvement in school attendance and personal development, including bolstered self-esteem and sense of discipline.

The Lifesaving Award, given to the public safety person/unit in recognition of acts taken in a life-threatening situation where an individual's life is in jeopardy was awarded to Gwinnett County Firefighter Dan Rimmer. In December of 2010, Rimmer was off duty and participating in a local 5k run. A race participant had just completed the run when he collapsed. Rimmer quickly rushed to the man's side and immediately ordered the activation of EMS and called for an automatic external defibrillator (AED). By the time the medic unit had arrived on scene the patient experienced a return of spontaneous pulse and respirations from the CPR and shock administered by Rimmer. Due to the quick response and smart judgment and decision, paired with the good sense of the local church to have purchased an AED, the patient is alive and well today.

The Communications Person/Public Safety Person/Unit of the Year is awarded to those who have performed their job with exceptional skill, expertise, innovation and results.

The Communications Person of the Year was awarded to Communications Officers Lauren Sullins and Daphne Vernold. On February 1, 2010, Lauren received a phone call from a female who was crying and stated that she had a gun and wanted to commit suicide. When Lauren asked the female for her location, she stated that she didn't know where she was located. For over an hour Lauren remained in contact with the female through dropped phone calls, long silences and many emotions eventually getting the female to reveal that she was in a restroom at Lake Lanier near Cumming. Not only did Lauren, remain in contact with the female, she also kept the female from harming herself or anyone else with the gun. With the assistance of Communications Officer Daphne Vernold, the female's subscriber information was obtained from the cell phone company and officers from Hall and Forsyth County were contacted. With Lauren's perseverance and determination to locate the female caller and with Daphne's assistance, the female was located and the situation was safely resolved.

The Public Safety Person of the Year was given to Detective Dennis Hennelly and Sergeant Edward Restrepo with the Gwinnett County Police (Criminal Investigations). Detective Hennelly and Sergeant Restrepo were the first police officers to respond to a fatal shooting of a 13 year old boy at a Lawrenceville apartment complex. Detectives and crime scene personnel located very little evidence at the crime scene; however, Detective Hennelly and Sergeant Restrepo were determined to pursue any and all leads. After deciding to focus their attention on residents of one particular unit in the apartment complex who had multiple run-ins with the law, the officers began to listen to hour after hour of jail phone calls whenever any of the friends or associates of that apartment unit were in custody. Through these phone calls, the officers learned of a very large drug dealing inside Gwinnett County and obtained a confession from the shooter. This was a case that could have easily gone unsolved had it not been for the persistence and tenacity of Detective Hennelly and Sergeant Restrepo. Both officers are to be commended for the work they did on this case and the outstanding work they do each and every day.

The Public Safety Unit of the Year Award was given to the Gwinnett County Sheriff Department's Sex Offender Registry. The Sex Offender Registry Unit consists of Lt. Jeremy Brown, Sergeant Michael Oakes, Corporal Sheila Thomas, and Deputy Bobby Chapman, and one civilian employee, Casey Duffield, who handles the majority of the administrative duties. These five employees of the Gwinnett County Sheriff Department are responsible for enforcing the Sex Offender Registry laws in Gwinnett County. Those assigned to this unit must become an expert at answering questions about the law, and be able to discuss it in laymen's terms with the public. In addition, the sex offender laws in Georgia are very complex and are constantly changing requiring the deputies to learn new procedures on a constant basis. Their hard work and dedication keeps the citizens of Gwinnett County safer and more informed than they otherwise would be from child predators and sexually violent offenders.

The Silver Medal of Valor, the second highest award for bravery and heroism, is awarded in situations when a public safety official/unit knowingly exposes himself/herself/themselves to great personal risk in the performance of an official act. The Silver Medal of Valor was awarded to Officer J. Bailey and Officer D. Mitchem with the Gwinnett County Police (South Precinct). On July 12, 2010, Officers Bailey and Mitchem responded to a residential fire on Stone Mountain Hwy. The officers arrived to the house that was consumed by heavy smoke and large flames before the Gwinnett County Fire Department. The homeowner advised the officers that her husband was still trapped inside the house and was unable to escape because he was disabled. The officers made the decision to enter the house to rescue the disabled and elderly man. After locating the elderly man sitting in a chair, the officers pulled him to safety. By the time the officers reached the porch, it was on fire and the victim had to be taken to the yard for safety. The officers made it out safely just at the roof started to collapse. Officer Bailey and Mitchem's valiant display of teamwork saved a man's life and are to be commended for their bravery, professionalism and willingness to go above the call of duty.

The Gold Medal of Valor, the highest award for bravery and heroism, is awarded in cases in which the public safety official/unit knowingly placed his/her/their life/lives in peril of death or serious bodily harm while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. The Gold Medal of Valor was awarded to Master Patrolman Bobby Johnson with the Duluth Police Department. On Saturday, November 20, 2010, officers were dispatched to a call of domestic dispute from a caller who heard yelling and glass breaking from a nearby residence. Several officers rushed to the scene, although nothing could have prepared them for what they saw next or the danger they were about to be in. As Officers Baker, Parrish and Johnson approached the house, they noticed thick smoke billowing from the windows and a distraught man holding a limp woman in his arms in the front lawn. The officers also saw two small children in the front yard, unharmed and unaware of the gravity of this situation. When the officers asked the man if there was anyone in the house, the husband frantically said his 10-month old boy was still inside. As the fire department had not yet arrived, the officers quickly sprung into action first approaching the front door which proved impassable which led them to the side of the house where Officers Baker and Johnson climbed on a very small ledge discovering the baby through a window. Officers Parrish and Baker were able to hold Officer Johnson up to the window to reach through the smoke and grab the baby. After rescuing the lifeless baby that Officer Johnson described as being hot to the touch and covered in soot, Officer Baker began giving the baby chest compressions and continued to do so in the ambulance that awaited them. Sadly, the baby lost his battle against the fire and smoke.

"Officers aren't expected to fight fires or pull people out of burning building. They don't have the equipment, training or experience to deal with it," said Duluth Police Department Lt. Jackie Hood who nominated Officer Johnson. "These officers went above and beyond the call of duty, without regard for their personal safety to save a small baby's life. For that, they make us proud. For that we call them heroes."

ALTANTA MAYOR KASIM REED TO ADDRESS NORTH METRO ATLANTA BUSINESSES

Mayor Reed will discuss Regional Cooperation on Water and Transportation at March 2nd Gwinnett Chamber Luncheon

Duluth, GA- In a continued effort to support strategic collaboration for business growth from local to international, the Gwinnett Chamber, Presenting Sponsor Rocket IT, and several partners will host Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed at the March 2nd General Membership Meeting at Gwinnett Center. Mayor Reed will present "Regionalism in Motion", focusing on key issues, including water and transportation.

"As we continue to grow and develop our regional efforts with the ultimate goal of bringing high-wage jobs and a strong business community to Gwinnett and metro Atlanta, reaching across borders and working with leaders like Mayor Reed to find solutions to our most pressing issues is key to our future's success," said Jim Maran, president & CEO, Gwinnett Chamber.

Mayor Reed was inaugurated as the City of Atlanta's 59th Mayor on January 4, 2010. Since taking office, Mayor Reed has worked to improve public safety, create new opportunities for the City's youth, restore fiscal stability to the City and provide faster and more efficient customer service to residents. Prior to his election, Mayor Reed established a track record of leadership during his 11 years as a member of the Georgia General Assembly. He was first elected in 1998 as a state representative and served two terms. From 2002-2009, he served in the Georgia State Senate, where he was Vice Chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

"A strong relationship between the City of Atlanta and successful communities like Gwinnett is vital to solving regional issues such as water and transportation," said Mayor Reed. "These strategic partnerships will help us create a stronger future for business and economic development in Atlanta, Gwinnett and throughout the metropolitan area."

Additional sponsors for the March 2nd General Membership Meeting include Media Sponsor Gwinnett Daily Post and Gold Sponsors Comcast and Gwinnett Center. Platinum, gold, silver, and supporting sponsorships are still available. The event is open to the public and the cost to attend is $45 for Chamber members and $55 for non-members. Tables of 10 are available for $450. Advanced registration is required online by visiting the calendar of events page at www.gwinnettchamber.org. For more details, contact Rachel Jeffers, program manager, Gwinnett Chamber, at 770-232-8816 or rachel@gwinnettchamber.org.

Put Your Best Foot Forward!

Get Your Shoes Shined & Repaired at the Gwinnett Chamber

First impressions are critical in the business world. For this reason, the Gwinnett Chamber wants to help you put your best foot forward. Mr. Lawrence Hardnett is available for shoe shines at the Gwinnett Chamber on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. In addition, drop offs for shoe shines and repairs may be made at the Chamber front desk during non-service hours.

Prices include:
$6 shine
$8 spit shine
$8 boot shine
$8.50 clean & shine golf shoes
$8 clean & shine two-tones (other than golf shoes)
$10 ladies heels
$17 rubber heels
$45 half sole & heels
$60 full sole & heels
$10 clean/shampoo suede shoes
$12 dye leather shoes

For additional services and prices contact Mr. Hardnett at 678-887-9162.

Gwinnett's State Delegation members provide statewide leadership

News from Gwinnett Chamber Public Policy

Sen. Don Balfour chosen as chairman of the Rules Committee by Senate Committee on Assignments. He will also serve on Appropriations, Health and Human Services, Insurance, and Reapportionment.This will be Sen. Balfour's ninth year to serve as Rules Chairman and his 19th year as a state senator. He is the longest serving Republican in the State Senate.

Sen. Fran Millar has been appointed Chairman of the Senate Education Committeeby the Senate Committee on Assignments. Sen. Millar will also serve on the Health and Human Services, Government Oversight, Retirement, and Economic Development committees.

Join us in congratulating the following honorees at the 63rd Annual Dinner! And the winners are...

Celebrating Gwinnett's Success
Become Part of One of the Most Talked About Events of the Year!

Friday, February 4, 2011
Cocktails at 6 p.m.
Dinner and Program at 7:30 p.m.
The Gwinnett Center, Tommy P. Hughes Ballroom
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 30097

Presented by Gwinnett Medical Center

This black-tie-optional spectacular is more than a celebration of Gwinnett Chamber stewardship for the county's success. It's an awe-inspiring sensation recognizing the accomplishments of 2010 and anticipating the wonders to come in 2011. Be a part of Gwinnett's finest who attend this event to celebrate the people of Gwinnett who have made significant contributions to enhance our quality of life.

In an effort to further recognize Gwinnett's outstanding citizens and organizations, the Gwinnett Chamber would like to announce the winners of the 63rd Annual Dinner Awards. These awards honor those who have made significant contributions to enhance our quality of life, make Gwinnett a better place to live, and improve education, medical and public service communities.

And the winners are...

Citizen of the Year
David Seago - Georgia Power

Public Service Award
Georgia State Senator Don Balfour

Dr. Robert McClure, M.D. - Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery
Gwinnett County Board of Education, District IV Representative and 2010 Vice Chairman

Tammy Shumate - Corporate Development, Brand Mortgage

Rep Melvin Everson - Workforce Development Director for the State of Georgia
Former State Representative

Nancy A. Ward - Gwinnett County Public Schools, Staff Development
Executive Director Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, Inc.

Hudgens Award
Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation

R. Wayne Shackelford Legacy Award
Forrest L. Adair, II

Sponsorship & Ticket Opportunities:

Diamond Award Sponsor at $7,500 -Three available - one each for Public Service, Humanitarian and Citizen of the Year Awards

• Recognition in Chamber FOCUS newsletter
• Logo recognition in program
• Company representative to welcome attendees at reception
• ten (10) complimentary seats at the dinner
• Thirty (30) complimentary drink tickets

Platinum Sponsors at $3,000 - Multiple available

• Recognition in Chamber FOCUS newsletter
• Logo recognition in program
• Verbal recognition during event
• Six (6) complimentary seats at the dinner
  

Gold Sponsors at $2,500 - Multiple available

• Recognition in Chamber FOCUS newsletter
• Logo recognition in program
• Verbal recognition during event
• Four (4) complimentary seats at the dinner
  

Silver Sponsors at $2,000 - Multiple available

• Recognition in Chamber FOCUS newsletter
• Logo recognition in program
• Verbal recognition during event
• Two (2) complimentary seats at the dinner

Individual Pricing

• Individual Seats - $150 per person
• Table(s) of 10 - $1,500 per table
  

Full table requests receive preferential seating. Less than full tables will be assigned as received. Tickets will be assigned upon receipt of remittance and mailed the week of the event. Register online at www.gwinnettannualdinner.com. Reservations due by 1/28/11 (no refunds after this date).

For more information please contact Rachel at 770-232-8816 or rachel@gwinnettchamber.org, or visit www.gwinnettannualdinner.com.

Governor-elect Nathan Deal Shares His Vision for Georgia

Newly elected leader addresses over 700 Georgians at Gwinnett Chamber event

Click here to view the video news release

Duluth, GA- The Gwinnett Chamber, metro Atlanta, and the state of Georgia recently welcomed Governor-elect Nathan Deal to the Georgia Leadership Luncheon Presented by Rocket IT. The first-of-its-kind event was created in an effort to showcase the strategic collaboration between local, regional and statewide entities. Over 700 business and community leaders who were in attendance got the chance to hear Governor-elect Deal'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 also gave insight on his plans to improve the overall quality of life for Georgia citizens.

"Support from local communities, such as Gwinnett County, is what makes this state a strong and vibrant option for business growth and overall quality of life," said Governor-elect Nathan Deal. "It is through this unified mindset that Georgia will be able to come out of the recession and once again maintain the stability, strength and rapid growth it has witnessed before."

This luncheon marked the beginning of a strong relationship with the governor-elect to support statewide legislative priorities through the Chamber's 2011 public policy initiatives including job creation, education, water and transportation.

"Collaboration at the local, regional and state level is essential in order to grow job opportunities and create wealth in Gwinnett and the state of Georgia," said Jim Maran, president & CEO, Gwinnett Chamber. "This luncheon presented a wonderful opportunity to join forces with Governor-elect Nathan Deal and our statewide partners to achieve the goal that we all share which is the economic success of our state."

As a follow-up to the Georgia Leadership Luncheon, the Gwinnett Chamber along with several statewide partners will present the Georgia Leadership Welcome Reception featuring the new Department of Economic Development Commissioner Chris Cummiskey on January 18. The Reception will be held at The 1818 Club from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities are available and reservations can be made online at www.gwinnettchamber.org/glwr. The reception will be followed by Gwinnett Day at the Capitol February 23 and the Public Policy Summit in May.

Additional sponsors for the Georgia Leadership Luncheon included Platinum Sponsor Cisco; Gold Sponsors Gwinnett Center, Merrill Lynch- David Cross, and Verizon Wireless; Silver Sponsors Allgood Pest Solutions, Atlanta Gas Light, Enterprise Rent A Car, Gas South, Georgia Gwinnett College, Georgia Power, Russell Landscape Group, Inc.; and Media Sponsor Gwinnett Daily Post.

For more information on the Gwinnett Chamber's Government Relations efforts, visit www.gwinnettgovernmentrelations.com

Related Stories:

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/home/headlines/111946484.html?storySection=story

http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/deal-state-government-workforce-778417.html

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-15/gov-elect-deal-ga-government-must-be-downsized.html

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/deal-layoffs-coming-in-state-government-121510

Help Gwinnett Become a Certified Work Ready Community

Earn Your Work Ready Certificate on Nov. 18 and 19 at the Gwinnett Chamber

What will you get in return? Employees and job seekers strengthen their resume. Employers boost their bottom line. Gwinnett becomes known as the best workforce in Georgia.

As part of Georgia's Work Ready initiative, if 800 private sector employees or job seekers pass a simple assessment by Dec. 31, Gwinnett will become known as a Certified Work Ready Community, a designation showing we have the talented workforce that business demands and the means to drive economic growth and prosperity. Do your part to assure Gwinnett's quality of life by attracting high paying jobs for our workforce by obtaining a Work Ready Certificate and allowing your employees to do the same.

For your convenience, a Workforce Bus will be at the Gwinnett Chamber Thursday, November 18 and Friday, November 19 with computer stations available for you and your employees to take the Work Ready Assessments. Each assessment takes 45 minutes to complete and can be taken individually or at the same time. There is no charge to take the assessments and all results are confidential, known only by the assessment-taker. Stations will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

In addition, the assessments are available at Gwinnett Technical College anytime. To schedule an assessment to obtain your Work Ready Certification, please go to www.gwinnetttech.edu; click on Quick Links, which is about two-thirds down the page on the right; scroll down to the last option and click on Work Ready Registration; complete the information on that page and select the day that you would like to take the test and click on submit.

For more information, visit www.gaworkready.org. For more information on Gwinnett's effort to become a Certified Work Ready Community, contact Gail Macrenaris at 770-232-8803 or gail@gwinnettchamber.org.

Become Georgia Work Ready...and Open the Door to New Opportunities!