| Gateway85 CID March 2024 Newsletter
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Partnership Gwinnett Annual Economic Outlook Presented by Gateway85
Gateway85 CID is proudly serving as the title sponsor for Partnership Gwinnett’s Annual Economic Outlook. Happening this Thursday, March 21, the luncheon will feature Dr. Alfie Meek, a nationally renowned economist, and Director of the Center for Economic Development Research at Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute. Dr. Meek's presentation will highlight current economic trends and a future forecast with a focus on insights specific to Gwinnett County.
There’s still time to register here.
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Elliot Williams Now Senior Vice President
Congratulations to Elliot Williams, a valued member of the Gateway85 board of directors, who was recently promoted to Senior Vice President, Market Officer overseeing leasing in Georgia for Link Logistics Real Estate. We applaud Link Logistics for recognizing Elliot's talents and dedication, and we eagerly anticipate the company’s continued growth and success under his leadership.
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Gwinnett State of the County Update
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The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners’ Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson highlighted Gwinnett County’s 2023 achievements and addressed the vision for 2024 and beyond at the Gwinnett State of the County Address.
In our community, there's a shared ethos of continuous improvement, where initiatives are tirelessly pursued to ensure the well-being and happiness of each resident. From developing affordable housing to increasing food security, our county's efforts reflect a genuine desire to create a nurturing and thriving environment for the one million residents who call Gwinnett County their home.
Read more and view photos from Gwinnett State of the County here.
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Jimmy Carter Boulevard Interchange Receives $850,000 in Federal Funding for Upgrades
The Gateway85 Community Improvement District is kickstarting crucial improvements to the interchanges at I-85/Jimmy Carter Boulevard with an $850,000 contribution, which is part of a significant community project fund championed by Congresswoman Lucy McBath from District 7. It is a “Congressionally directed spending” project in the minibus appropriations bill passed by Congress and signed by President Biden, which includes 14 projects announced by McBath that all reflect positively on the state.
According to McBath, “The funding would be used for short-term safety and capacity improvements. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because improving the interstate ramps will result in economic benefits to adjacent and nearby businesses by increasing the efficiency of the roadway network. It should be noted that Gwinnett’s only designated Opportunity Zones (OZ) are adjacent to the I-85/Jimmy Carter Boulevard interchange. Road projects in the Opportunity Zones are more likely to benefit area citizens and businesses than in other parts of the county due to increased mobility.”
This initiative emphasizes Gateway85 CID's commitment to enhancing safety, economic growth and transportation improvements in the region.
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Jimmy Carter Boulevard Now Features Landscaped Medians
The medians on Jimmy Carter Boulevard have been given a complete makeover, and we're thrilled with the results! The CID’s beautification efforts, led by the Director of Operations Robert Michener, demonstrate our commitment to enhancing our community's appeal. We've revitalized these spaces with care and dedication, creating a welcoming environment for all to enjoy.
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The Case for EV in Gwinnett County – Tim Echols, Georgia Public Service Commission
The Gwinnett Toll Lane is magical. Not just because it speeds your commute, but it is the only HOT lane in metro Atlanta that gives free access to electric vehicles. Cobb and Henry counties do not. For those like me who buy cheaper electric vehicles (EVs) like the Nissan LEAF or Chevy Bolt, the savings will almost make your car payment. So why aren’t more people driving EVs?
Let’s start with public charging. Maybe you have seen the Tesla Supercharger on Buford Drive, the ChargePoint units at Georgia Gwinnett College or Electrify America’s island off Jimmy Carter Boulevard? We need more of these to reduce range anxiety for those who are just passing through and need a quick charge. There are economic development benefits as well since the drivers might stop at a local restaurant, grocery store, or coffee shop while they wait. We also need more chargers where customers have longer dwell times: chargers at hotels, restaurants, libraries and even at multi-family housing where EV ownership presents more of a challenge.
Today, we have more than 60 EV selections! The incentives are great, and dealers are dropping prices due to inflated inventories. But having chargers in public and private locations are still needed to give prospective buyers confidence that they can get the charge they need to make the drive distance they desire.
For businesses considering adding charging stations, the Inflation Reduction Act has incentives on the federal side. Georgia Power has a “Make-Ready” program that can cover all the back-end expenditures like poles, trenching and transformers. And for those considering a car purchase, don’t forget about the used market with a $4,000 instant rebate for cars two years old costing less than $25,000.
Gwinnett can become the EV capital of Georgia. Let’s work together to make it happen.
Tim Echols is an elected official originally from Clayton County, Georgia, who was elected to the Athens-area seat on the Georgia Public Service Commission.
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Microtransit’s ‘Immense Potential’
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Long-term Gwinnett County resident and restaurant owner Luis Fernandez recently shared his thoughts on microtransit with the Gwinnett Daily Post.
"This project holds immense potential to address transportation challenges and enhance accessibility for our community, providing significant value to our residents,” said Luis Fernandez.
“The project will operate like Uber or other ride-sharing services, as an on-demand minibus service that offers a cost-effective solution to transportation needs within specific zones,” Fernandez continued. “Rides are requested via an app or call-in option for users without a smartphone. With a proposed cost of $3 per ride, this initiative provides a significantly affordable lifeline to those who rely on public transit.”
With three buses operating Monday to Saturday, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m., and support from Gwinnett County and Gateway85 CID, Fernandez believes microtransit is a vital step in enhancing the community's connectivity and economic vitality.
See what else Luis Fernandez has to say here, and read more about Luis and his local businesses below.
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Georgia Film Academy
The Georgia Film Academy has various locations throughout Georgia, all of which provide great learning opportunities and resources for individuals wanting to enter film and TV production. Did you know we have an Academy right here in the CID? And did you know that Georgia is the largest film and TV production location in the country? It’s true!
Since opening in 2015, the Georgia film industry has seen phenomenal growth, with 2021 hitting a record of $4 billion in direct spending of productions in the state.
With two of the largest film production studios in Georgia located in Gateway85’s district, we are grateful to be a hot bed of activity for the creativity economy and high-quality productions.
With a location within the OFS campus in the heart of the CID, Georgia Film Academy’s summer camp registration is now open for high school students! There are four summer camps for high school students ages 14 - 17, each led by industry professionals that will guide campers through hands-on training in screenwriting, filmmaking and post-production.
Learn more about the Georgia Film Academy here, and read about Georgia Film Academy’s summer camp here.
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See What’s Filmed in Gwinnett
Did you know that Georgia has the third-highest volume of sound stage space among top global media markets? In fact, Gateway85 is home to two of the largest film production studios in Georgia! Georgia’s sizable film and TV industry continues to grow, with Gwinnett County leading the way. If you find yourself wondering what projects are currently taking place, take a look at this list from AtlantaFi to see what’s being filmed and potential release dates.
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American Dream Series
Mojitos, a Cuban American Bistro in Gwinnett County, symbolizes the American Dream under owner Luis Fernandez. With authentic Cuban cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere, Mojitos reflects Luis's journey from Venezuela to the U.S., shaped by Cuban heritage and resilience. Settling in Gwinnett, Luis and his wife Yanin pursued their dream, supported by the county's diversity. Despite challenges, including COVID-19, they found unwavering community support, showcasing Gwinnett's strong bonds. Beyond business, Luis and Yanin actively serve the community, embodying the American Dream and inspiring others in Gwinnett and beyond.
Read Luis Fernandez’s story here.
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Board Member Spotlight - Shiv Aggarwal
Meet Shiv Aggarwal – one of the Gateway85 CID founding board members, as well as the founder of American Management Services. Shiv’s role as board chair, coupled with his knowledge of commercial real estate, make him an invaluable asset to Gateway85 CID.
Hailing from India, Shiv ventured to the United States at 27 to advance his career in real estate. Now, more than three decades later, he's established himself as a renowned expert in commercial real estate and retail endeavors with Global Mall in the heart of the district. With a track record encompassing more than $500 million in acquisitions across seven states, Shiv currently oversees management of over 2 million square feet of commercial space.
Not only is Shiv respected and loved among the Atlanta community, but he has also been recognized by the India International Friendship Society with the Bharat Gaurav Award, celebrating his social activism and philanthropy.
We are honored to have such an upstanding member of the community on our Board of Directors.
View the Gateway85 Board of Directors here.
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Breaking News: City of Norcross, in Collaboration with Gateway85 CID and Gwinnett County to Launch New On-Demand MicroTransit
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The Norcross City Council on Monday, March 18, approved a micro-transit program, a government-backed ride-share service in and around the city.
The 3-2 vote came after a vote on the issue earlier this month was delayed over the city’s financial contribution. The city, Gwinnett County and Gateway85, a county community improvement district, are partnering and sharing the cost.
Read the complete story here!
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Renova Technology Recognized for Substantial Growth in Southeast Region
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The 2024 Inc. 5,000 Regionals list from Inc. Magazine recognized Renova as No. 222 on the list of the Southeast region’s fastest growing companies. The list features private companies throughout the Southeast region, all of which consecutively averaged a 166.43% growth rate.
We are grateful to see businesses in our district succeed and be recognized for their dedication to expansion, diversification and growth.
Renova Technology stands as an award-winning company renowned for its excellence in repair and supply chain services. Serving a diverse clientele across various sectors including automated parking, gaming & lottery, aerospace, fitness, public safety, fintech, surveillance, automotive and healthcare, they demonstrate expertise and commitment in meeting the needs of each industry they serve.
Learn more about Renova Technology’s growth here.
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New Norcross Industrial Space
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A new 90,000 square foot building resides in Northbelt Business Park. According to Colliers International, Hilti is the sole tenant, currently occupying 43,784 square feet. With plans to accommodate only two tenants, the remaining 46,216 square feet of space is currently available for rent.
Learn more about industrial property here.
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Corners Outreach Grand Opening
Corners Outreach held an open house on March 14 at 2:30 p.m. to commemorate the grand opening of its new center. The celebration began with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by guided tours of the center’s programs that offer enrichment and education to underserved students and their families in metro Atlanta.
Gateway85’s partnership with Corners Outreach on a new initiative to support the Latino community made this celebration even more meaningful.
Watch a video of the grand opening here.
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Annual Economic Outlook Presented by Gateway85 CID
March 21, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
12Stone Church Duluth
Learn more and register here.
Greener Pastures
March 21 – April 14, 2024
Aurora Theatre
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
People’s Choice at The NETT Presented by HomeTrust Bank
March 29, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce
Learn more and register here.
Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic 2024
April 15, 2025, 12 p.m.
TPC Sugarloaf
Learn more and register as a sponsor here.
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