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The past month in Gateway85 CID has been marked by incredible achievements that enhance our community and support local businesses! We celebrated the completion of the Oakbrook Parkway sidewalk on October 21, a project funded by the 2014 and 2017 SPLOST programs that improves pedestrian safety along a key business corridor. This initiative not only fosters a safer environment for residents and visitors but also encourages foot traffic, benefiting local businesses.

In addition, we partnered with the Atlanta Press Club for the International Media Mixer at Eagle Rock Distributing Company, where we recognized remarkable individuals in The Great American Dream Hall of Fame. This event provided valuable networking opportunities and highlighted the diversity and entrepreneurial spirit within our community—qualities that are essential for attracting new businesses and investors to the area.

We’re also thrilled to announce that Gateway85 CID was awarded $250,000 from the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Freight Cluster Plan Program. This crucial opportunity, along with our 20% match, will drive forward our efforts to promote sustainable freight movement and clean energy initiatives, benefiting the more than 3,000 businesses in our district. Together with our "Detailing Gwinnett's Gateway" beautification project, which enhances nearly 100 miles of roadway, these initiatives continue to elevate the district’s appeal, creating a more attractive environment for businesses to thrive.

As we approach the upcoming election, I encourage everyone to stay informed and make plans to vote early or on November 5. Your participation is vital for shaping our community's future. Thank you for your continued support, and be sure to keep reading for more updates and highlights from Gateway85!

Lewis Cooksey, Director of the Gwinnett County Department of Transportation, speaks at the Oakbrook Parkway sidewalk celebration event.

On October 21, Gateway85 CID celebrated the completion of the Oakbrook Parkway sidewalk, a significant project funded by the 2014 and 2017 SPLOST programs. This new sidewalk enhances pedestrian safety and accessibility along a key business corridor. The ceremony featured remarks from Gwinnett County DOT Director Lewis Cooksey, District 2 Commissioner Ben Ku, Gateway85 Executive Director Emory Morsberger and Gateway85’s Director of Operations Robert Michener, who led the project. Each speaker emphasized the importance of this initiative in improving mobility and fostering a safer environment for all.

From left to right in the photo: Hipolito Goico - Co-Founder/Managing Partner, Goico Bolet, P.C., Board Member, Gateway85 CID; Robert Michener - Director of Operations, Gateway85 CID; Ben Ku, District 2 Commissioner – Gwinnett County; Lewis Cooksey, Director – Gwinnett County Department of Transportation; Emory Morsberger, Executive Director – Gateway85 CID; Von Tran, Founder - First Senior Center; Alberta Waller, Vice President of Real Estate Management Services – Colliers International; Bruce Gaynor, City Councilman – City of Norcross; Edgardo Aponte, Assistant Director – Gwinnett County Department of Transportation

Oakbrook Parkway has been a vital part of Gateway85 CID since its inception. Eighteen years ago, the businesses along this street were among the first to unite against a proposed waste dump, an effort that not only protected the community but also laid the groundwork for what is now Gateway85 CID. The Oakbrook Parkway sidewalk represents the latest step in the ongoing growth of this essential corridor.

Thanks to the efficient use of SPLOST funds, the CID was able to use the remaining funds to prioritize the Oakbrook sidewalk as a necessary improvement. This initiative is part of Gateway85’s commitment to making the district more walkable and accessible, with over 20 miles of sidewalks now in place to benefit employees, residents and visitors.

Gateway85 CID extends its gratitude to the Gwinnett County DOT for being such incredible partners in this project and since the CID’s inception, as well as to the First Senior Center for hosting lunch following the ceremony.

Learn more about the event through 11Alive, Gwinnett Daily Post, Gwinnett Forum and Southwest Gwinnett Magazine.

Emory Morsberger, Executive Director of Gateway85 CID, presents the American Dream Series Hall of Fame honor to Abbie Park, Vice President of the Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce.

Gateway85 recently had the pleasure of partnering with the Atlanta Press Club to host a successful Global Media Mixer at Eagle Rock Distributing Company. The evening featured valuable networking opportunities and delicious cuisine from Happy Valley Dim Sum & Asian Cuisine, a local favorite within the Gateway85 district. Attendees also had the privilege of hearing from distinguished speakers, including Congressman Hank Johnson and Congressman Rich McCormick, with closing remarks delivered by Keith Pepper of Rough Draft Atlanta.

From left to right in the photo: Mike Reams -  Director of Studio Operations, OFS, Post 3, Gateway85 CID; Max Hannum, VP of Administration – Eagle Rock Distributing Company and Gateway85 Board Member; Hipolito Goico - Co-Founder/Managing Partner, Goico Bolet, P.C. and Gateway85 Board Member; Tim Le - Owner/Broker, Maxim Realty International, Post 1 Secretary, Gateway85 Board Member; Shiv Aggarwal - President, American Management Services, Owner, Global Mall, Post 6 Gateway85 Board Chairman; Olga Gorman, Community Growth Director - Gateway85 CID; Abbie Park, Vice President - Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce; Eduardo Moreno, Jr., President of Procurement and Manufacturing Services - Olé Mexican Foods; Patty Ardavin Thumann, Managing Partner - PBJ Media Holdings; Emory Morsberger, Executive Director – Gateway85 CID

This inspiring event celebrated remarkable individuals from Gwinnett County who embody the essence of the American Dream. Each inductee into The Great American Dream Hall of Fame hails from a diverse background, showcasing an exceptional journey. This year's honorees include Shiv Aggarwal, Owner of Global Mall; Olga Gorman, Community Growth Director of Gateway85 CID; Abbie Park, Vice President of the Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce; Veronica Moreno, Founder and President of Olé Mexican Foods; and Patty Ardavin, Managing Partner of PBJ Media Holdings.

We are truly honored to be part of Georgia's most diverse county, where individuals continually uplift the community through service, job creation and economic development—making a lasting impact on our shared future.

Gateway85 has been awarded an exciting $250,000 from the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Freight Cluster Plan Program, with an additional 20% match from the CID, bringing the total to $312,500. This game-changing funding will drive efforts to transition the freight industry to sustainable fuels and boost transportation access for workers in one of metro Atlanta’s busiest freight hubs.

In a trailblazing collaboration between Gwinnett and DeKalb counties, the plan will target key corridors like Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and Beaver Ruin Road, home to major freight operators such as UPS and Amazon. This project not only aims to enhance freight flow but also advances clean energy initiatives, making Gateway85 CID a leader in sustainable freight solutions.

With big plans on the horizon, including cutting-edge clean energy demonstrations and strategies to reduce truck emissions, Gateway85 is setting the stage for a greener, more efficient future. Stay tuned as the CID moves forward, with the planning process kicking off in early 2025!

Gateway85 CID recently partnered with Gibson Landscape for its largest cleanup effort since its founding in 2006. Last month, in celebration of National Cleanup Month, Gateway85 launched "Detailing Gwinnett's Gateway," a beautification project spanning nearly 100 miles of roadway throughout the district. This initiative is a complement to the CID’s ongoing work and significantly enhances the streetscapes, further elevating the district’s appeal as a thriving business hub. Nine crews, totaling 40 people, worked across 20 different locations, including major roadways and entrance areas off I-85.

“Detailing Gwinnett's Gateway is a wonderful way of expressing our attention to detail and how important curb appeal is in our community,” said Robert Michener, Gateway85’s Director of Operations. “We’ve undertaken this giant project to detail every major roadway within the 14 square miles of Gateway85 CID, and we’re committed to making improvements that benefit the entire community.”

By partnering with Gibson Landscape, Gateway85 CID continues to foster an environment that attracts businesses and drives economic growth. These beautification efforts support the CID’s broader mission of transforming the area into one of Georgia’s most dynamic business corridors.

Read more in the Gwinnett Daily Post.

Guardian Sports, based within the Gateway85 CID in Peachtree Corners, is at the forefront of athlete safety innovation, particularly in football. Founded in 2011 by Erin and Lee Hanson, the company developed the Guardian Cap, a soft, padded helmet cover designed to reduce the impact of collisions and the risk of head injuries. The NFL introduced Guardian Caps for use during practices in 2021 and, after extensive testing, expanded their use to games in the 2024 season.

The NFL reports that Guardian Caps have led to a nearly 50% reduction in concussions for certain positions during practices. The caps are now worn by over 500,000 athletes nationwide, including players from all NFL and CFL teams, as well as numerous colleges and high schools.

Guardian Sports’ innovative designs continue to evolve, ensuring that athletes are protected while pushing the boundaries of sports equipment technology. We are proud to have them in the Gateway85 CID, contributing to our thriving business community.

Written by Stephen Bridges, OnPace Partners

The Gateway85 CID is located within the Doraville and Norcross Industrial Real Estate Submarkets, and we have updates on both areas. The industrial real estate sector has outperformed many other sectors, driven by population growth that demands more warehouse and manufacturing facilities, challenges in securing industrial-zoned property and sustained consumer spending.

In Norcross, leasing activity has slowed, with only a few major deals in the past year. Beauty Plus leased 103,385 square feet on Pacific Drive in August and Spoke Custom Products secured 107,000 square feet on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in March. Although this decline in leasing has increased available space, the limited construction of new properties has kept vacancy rates below the Atlanta-wide market's 7.4%. Norcross' vacancy rate of 4.2% is also lower than its 10-year historical average of over 6%.

Continue reading on the Gateway85 website.

The Gwinnett Transit Referendum will be on the November 5 ballot, asking voters to decide on a 1% sales tax for 30 years to fund up to 75 transit projects. Currently, only 11% of residents live within walking distance of transit stops. If approved, the measure will significantly enhance mobility with expanded local bus services, microtransit, an airport shuttle, high-capacity systems and additional transfer facilities, excluding MARTA and heavy rail.

The continuation and potential expansion of the Gateway85-Norcross microtransit service will depend on the outcome of this referendum. Since the launch of the Gateway85-Norcorss Microtransit Pilot Program, hundreds of riders have already taken advantage of its flexibility and affordability.

The ballot question will read: “Shall a special one percent sales and use tax be imposed in the special district consisting of Gwinnett County for a period of time not to exceed thirty (30) years and for the raising of funds for transit projects?”

Learn more about Gwinnett County’s Transit Referendum here.

From everyday essentials to clothing and groceries, none of it would reach us without the trucks and logistics that keep Gateway85 moving. Recently, a potential disruption was avoided when the dockworkers’ union strike was suspended following a new contract agreement, giving us relief until January 15. Initially, the U.S. Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) missed their October 1 deadline, but a tentative deal on wage increases ended the strike on October 3.

A prolonged walkout could have led to supply shortages, impacting businesses across our district. Experts warn that every day of a port strike adds four to six days of recovery time. Fortunately, this short disruption is not expected to significantly affect Gateway85’s supply chain.

Logistics and truck drivers are key to keeping our district’s businesses running smoothly. National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, celebrated by the Georgia Ports Authority the week of September 16, highlighted the important role truck drivers play. At Gateway85, we recognize how crucial they are to the success of our manufacturers, distribution centers, retailers and consumers.

Our district’s prime location near Atlanta’s main highways makes Gateway85 a hub for efficient business operations. With the dedication of truck drivers and a strong logistics network, Gateway85 remains a key player in ensuring goods reach their destinations.

Peachtree Corners, the smart city powered by T-Mobile's 5G, announced a partnership with May Mobility to deploy autonomous vehicle (AV) solutions, marking May Mobility's first deployment in Georgia. The AVs, equipped with May Mobility's patented Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) system, make safe driving decisions in real-time, even under uncertainty.

As of October 7, the service operates Monday to Friday, 8 AM-4 PM, with vehicles accommodating up to four passengers. Users can book on-demand rides via the May Mobility app, powered by Via. Initially, an attendant will be present, with plans for fully autonomous service soon.

Learn more about the autonomous vehicles here.

On Saturday, October 12, the City of Norcross, along with the Norcross Public Arts Commission and the Norcross Parks, Green Spaces & Trails Commission, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Heritage Park. The event unveiled a vibrant mural by the talented Cherry Chandra, featuring the bold colors and patterns inspired by Hispanic Heritage Month, bringing a burst of beauty and color to the community.

Learn more about the new mural at Heritage Park 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.