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May has been an exciting month for Gateway85 as we continue to grow our influence locally, nationally and globally! At the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C., we proudly represented our district and co-hosted an international tech event alongside Ukrainian innovators. We also met with key federal leaders —including Senator Jon Ossoff’s office and the U.S. Department of Commerce — to share our progress and explore new opportunities to bring investment and innovation to the district. Keep reading for more information.

Closer to home, major transportation improvements are on the horizon. After years of analysis and public input, GDOT and Gwinnett County have identified 16 potential projects along the I-85 corridor — four of which are in our district — to improve mobility and freight movement. At the same time, we’re continuing our work to make Gateway85 a more beautiful and welcoming place to live, work and visit. From fresh landscaping along Oakbrook Parkway to vibrant plantings throughout the district, our team is committed to keeping the corridor clean and inviting.

And we’re thrilled to celebrate five Gateway85 businesses named finalists at this year’s Movers & Makers Awards, hosted by Partnership Gwinnett. Their recognition is a testament to the talent, innovation and economic strength that define our district. Gateway85 is proud to support the people and projects shaping the future of Gwinnett!

After years of technical analysis, public input and collaboration with stakeholders, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Gwinnett County have identified 16 potential transportation projects to improve movement along the I-85 corridor between I-285 and I-985 — the second most heavily traveled stretch of interstate in Georgia, behind only the Downtown Connector.

The draft recommendations include adding one new managed lane in each direction, resulting in two express (HOT) lanes each way, along with a series of new intermodal connections, interchange upgrades, and interstate crossings — four of which are located within the Gateway85 district. See the map below.

These proposed improvements are designed to enhance safety, reduce congestion, support freight and commercial travel, expand multimodal options and strengthen the regional economy. Final recommendations are expected in June, after which Gateway85 will work with GDOT and Gwinnett County to help prioritize projects and identify funding opportunities. Stay tuned to future newsletters and our social channels for updates!

With spring in full swing and summer on the way, Gateway85 CID is continuing its efforts to enhance the look and feel of the district. Thanks to our partners at Gibson Landscape, you’ll start to see new flowers and refreshed medians blooming throughout the corridor — including along Beaver Ruin Road, where recent work is already turning heads.

Take a look at a few photos from the latest updates — and keep an eye out as more plantings come to life across Gateway85!

Gateway85 CID recently refreshed the landscaping along Oakbrook Parkway as part of its ongoing efforts to keep the district clean, safe and welcoming – check out the photos below. The seasonal plantings have already made an impact, with community members taking notice.

“The planting along Oakbrook looks great. It’s just one example of the incredible work Gateway85 CID does to keep our community looking clean, welcoming and well cared for.” - Chug Shafe, Operator at Chick-fil-A on Jimmy Carter Boulevard

This kind of feedback fuels our continued investment in a thriving district!

Construction is set to begin on a new 1,000-foot sidewalk along Financial Drive, bridging a critical gap between Brook Hollow Parkway and Jimmy Carter Boulevard. This addition will enhance pedestrian connectivity and safety in the district. This project is part of Gateway85’s broader commitment to improving walkability throughout the district. To date, the CID has added over 20 miles of sidewalks, mid-block crossings and pedestrian lighting, making the area safer and more accessible for everyone.

From left to right in the photo: United States Senator Jon Ossoff; Olga Gorman - Community Growth Director, Gateway85 CID; Emory Morsberger - Executive Director, Gateway85 CID

Gateway85 CID proudly represented Gwinnett County and Georgia on the global stage at the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. Emory Morsberger, Gateway85 CID’s executive director, and Olga Gorman, Gateway85’s Community Growth Director, joined state and local leaders, including the Georgia Department of Economic Development, to spotlight the region’s strength in infrastructure, logistics, advanced manufacturing and technology.

As co-host of the “Select Georgia: Taking Off from the U.S.–Ukraine Tech Launchpad” event, Gateway85 highlighted the district’s growing role in international innovation alongside partners DroneUA and Futurology. With over 1,200 businesses, 30,000+ jobs and strategic access to I-85 and Georgia’s innovation ecosystem, Gateway85 continues to position itself as a destination for global investment.

The CID also met with key federal leaders, including Senator Jon Ossoff, the U.S. Department of Commerce and SelectUSA officials, to share updates on critical projects and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Read the full event recap on the CID website.

Gateway85 is working to become a tech growth hub by leveraging its strategic location, robust logistics infrastructure and pro-business environment. With support from partners like Georgia Tech, Partnership Gwinnett and Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, the initiative is gaining momentum through targeted events and a soft landing program designed to help tech companies establish operations in the district. As part of this effort, Executive Director Emory Morsberger will travel to Ukraine in the coming month to strengthen U.S.–Ukraine economic partnerships. His meetings with government officials, business leaders and innovation hubs in cities including Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa aim to build a roadmap for future collaboration and attract Ukrainian companies to expand into the district.

If you're in real estate or have available space in the district for interested tech companies, please contact Olga Gorman at olga@gateway85.com.

From left to right in the photo: Ellen Kraft - Managing Director, Georgia's Europe Office; Emory Morsberger - Executive Director, Gateway85 CID; Yulia Myronenko - Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service; Valerii Iakovenko – Founder, Futurology and DroneUA Group; Pat Wilson - Commissioner, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Olga Gorman - Community Growth Director, Gateway85 CID; Oleksii Hichko - Counselor, Embassy of Ukraine in the United States; Oleksandra Afanasieva - Co-Founder and CEO, BEETLESS; Mariia Poliakova - Managing Partner, INCHKYIV; Oleg Naumenko - CEO and Founder, Hideez Group; Taras Slyvka - RiverAtlas

Big changes are happening at one of Gateway85’s most iconic high-tech hubs. OFS, a global leader in fiber optic manufacturing, is now Lightera — a new name that unites Furukawa Electric’s fiber operations around the world under one visionary brand. The name reflects a renewed focus on clarity, speed and connection.

The Norcross facility first opened its doors in 1969 under Western Electric and helped pioneer fiber optic cable technology in the early 1970s. That innovation changed the world — and it happened right here in Gateway85!

Lightera continues to lead the charge in global telecommunications and high-speed connectivity, all while creating jobs and driving economic growth in our district. We’re proud to be home to a company that’s not only shaping the future but also built the foundation for it.

Gateway85 CID businesses continue to prove they’re among the best in Georgia! At this year’s Movers & Makers Awards, hosted by Partnership Gwinnett, five incredible companies from our district were named finalists—recognized for their leadership, innovation and impact in manufacturing and supply chain.

Congratulations to CIC Floors, LLC, Renova Technology, beMatrix USA, Office Creations and ULTRAVIEW Archery for earning a spot among Gwinnett’s industrial elite. Your work is not only driving growth in the region — it’s helping put Gateway85 on the map as a hub for top-tier talent, technology and industry!

Read more about the event here.

Gateway85 CID executive director Emory Morsberger recently penned an op-ed in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution spotlighting the vital role Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) play across Georgia. From infrastructure upgrades and mobility enhancements to beautification and redevelopment, CIDs are driving meaningful change in the communities they serve. He shares how these public-private partnerships are fueling smart, strategic investment, and why they’re more essential than ever as our state continues to grow.

Check out the op-ed here.

Gwinnett County wants your input on the next phase of the Norcross to Lilburn Multiuse Trail Study — and Gateway85 CID encourages all business owners and commuters to get involved.

Join the discovery workshop series on Tuesday, June 10, and Thursday, June 12, from 5:30–7 p.m. at the Norcross Senior Center to share your feedback on how to improve pedestrian safety, connectivity and mobility along Indian Trail Lilburn Road and the surrounding area.

Can’t make it in person? You can still participate by taking the community survey. Your opinion help shape a safer, more accessible future for our district.

In a major win for Georgia businesses, Georgia Power has reached an agreement with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) to freeze base rates for the next three years, providing stability at a time when energy costs are rising nationwide.

This agreement, supported by PSC staff, delays any new rate case filings until at least 2026 and helps balance affordability for customers with continued investment in Georgia’s fast-growing economy. The only exception will be for storm-related costs from Hurricane Helene, which Georgia Power may seek to recover beginning next year.

At Gateway85, we know reliable, affordable energy is critical to business growth. We're proud to partner with Georgia Power as they continue to support infrastructure, innovation and job creation across the state. Watch Governor Kemp's press conference here.

Special thanks to Kelley Balkcom, Region Executive – Metro North, and Deven Cason, Area Manager – Gwinnett, for their continued partnership and commitment to our community.

The Norcross Police Department has once again demonstrated its commitment to the highest standards of law enforcement by earning its third official accreditation: the Excellence in Policing (EIP) Certification. This recognition underscores NPD’s unwavering focus on transparency, accountability and exceptional public service.

The EIP program is a rigorous, standards-based certification that evaluates departments across 12 critical areas of modern policing, including vehicle operations, search and seizure, arrest procedures and evidence handling. To achieve certification, agencies must provide documented proof of compliance for each standard and successfully complete a thorough on-site audit.

This latest achievement—building upon NPD’s existing CALEA and State certifications—reaffirms the department’s leadership in professional, community-centered policing and its ongoing mission to serve with integrity and excellence.

Learn more here.

Peachtree Corners, one of the nation's first smart cities powered by connected infrastructure and 5G, has partnered with Esri, the global leader in GIS technology, to deploy ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Velocity for enhanced city management and IoT analytics. This integration will allow the city to visualize, analyze and consolidate real-time data from its smart city technologies, delivering actionable insights.

ArcGIS Velocity will aggregate data from IoT devices to provide real-time insights on everything from traffic flow to crowd movement. Combined with ArcGIS Online, which supports mapping, spatial analysis, and digital twin capabilities, the tools will improve decision-making, optimize city operations and enhance quality of life for residents through data-driven insights.

Learn more here.

Pickleball Against Hunger

May 30, 6 – 9 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Lifetime
Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Open Networking at the NETT

May 30, 9 – 10 a.m.
Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce
Learn more and register here.

Peachtree Corners Farmers Market

May 31, 8 – 11 a.m.
5215 Town Center Boulevard, Peachtree Corners
Learn more here.

City of Norcross Summer Concert Series: The Soul Cartel Band

June 6, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Thrasher Park
Learn more here.

Coffee & Conversations with the Council
June 18, 9 – 10 a.m.
Council for Quality Growth
Learn more and register here.

Gateway85 CID is 14-square mile district along the I-85 corridor about one mile north of I-285. This area contributes over $16 billion of Georgia’s and Gwinnett County’s economy.