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The past month in Gateway85 CID has been nothing short of incredible! The recent launch of the Gateway85-Norcross Microtransit Pilot Program, in partnership with Gwinnett County and the City of Norcross, is going to change the way workers, visitors and residents navigate our beautiful district. We’re seeing firsthand how it’s enhancing connectivity and addressing the transportation needs of both residents and employees.

We’re also thrilled to welcome Southeast Toyota Distributors to our district. Their decision to establish a state-of-the-art parts distribution center in Gateway85 is a major boost for our local economy and a testament to the district’s growing reputation as a prime business location. This new facility is set to create jobs and contribute to our economic vitality!

Our dedication to maintaining the district’s appeal remains steadfast. Our cleanup efforts, including graffiti removal and overall maintenance, are part of our commitment to keeping Gateway85 one of the most attractive and well-kept areas in metro Atlanta.

Continue reading for more updates from the past month in Gateway85. Thank you for your continued support as we work to make Gateway85 a thriving hub where businesses, residents and visitors can all flourish.

On Friday, September 6, Gateway85 CID staff, board members, local business leaders and partners from the City of Norcross and Gwinnett County gathered to celebrate the official launch of the Gateway85-Norcross Microtransit Pilot Program! Key speakers at the event included Gwinnett County Transportation Director Lewis Cooksey, Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson, District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden, District 2 Commissioner Ben Ku, Norcross Mayor Craig Newton and Gateway85 Executive Director Emory Morsberger.

From left to right in the photo: Edgar Moreno, President of Sales and Marketing - Ole Mexican Foods; Von Tran, Founder - First Senior Center; Olga Gorman, Community Growth Director - Gateway85 CID; Veronica Moreno, Founder and President - Ole Mexican Foods; Carolyn Bourdeaux, Senior Consultant - Gateway85 CID; Laurence Richard, Director of Business Services, Ole Mexican Foods; Phil Sadd, Board Member - Gateway85 CID; Larry Campbell, President & CEO - Corners Outreach; Cesar Martinez, High School Development Coordinator - Corners Outreach; Mike Reams, Director of  Studio Operations - OFS

Operating Monday-Saturday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., this new service offers significant benefits for employers, employees and the local community. At just $3 per ride, the program provides a cost-effective alternative to transportation options like rideshares or taxis. It’s also flexible and on-demand, designed to accommodate varied schedules, making it ideal for those with early shifts, late nights or sudden schedule changes. This ensures that employees can get where they need to go, while residents and visitors can conveniently run errands, shop or dine. Additionally, by enhancing mobility in the Gateway85 and Norcross areas—diverse and economically vibrant but often underserved by transit—the program supports economic and community growth, creating a stronger environment for businesses, residents and visitors alike.

For more information, check out the AJC op-ed featuring board member Hipolito Goico, the Gwinnett Daily Post op-ed featuring the CID’s Carolyn Bourdeaux or visit the CID website.

Gateway85 CID is proud to highlight our ongoing efforts to maintain the district as the best in the state. From regular roadside trash pickup to landscape maintenance, our team works diligently to keep the I-85 corridor clean, safe and visually appealing. Most recently, we tackled graffiti cleanup graffiti cleanup along Indian Trail Lilburn Road. Check out the before-and-after photos to see the difference these efforts make for the district’s businesses.

This September, Gateway85 CID is teaming up with Gibson Landscape for the district’s most ambitious right-of-way (ROW) cleanup yet! In celebration of National Cleanup Month, this massive two-day event will cover an impressive 92 miles of roadway. As Georgia's largest CID, spanning 14 square miles, we're pulling out all the stops to make sure our streets shine! Crews will be tackling litter, mowing and edging, all part of Gateway85’s ongoing mission to maintain a clean, welcoming environment for businesses, residents and visitors.

Streets Being Serviced:

The cleanup will target Harbins Road, Financial Drive, S. Norcross Tucker Road, N. Norcross Tucker Road, Old Norcross Tucker Road, Nancy Hanks Drive, Button Gwinnett Drive, Best Friend Road, Pelican Road, Live Oak Road, Jimmy Carter Boulevard (from Peachtree Industrial Boulevard to Highway 29), Mitchell Road, Beaver Ruin Road (to Arch Road), Indian Trail Road (to Dickens Road), Oakbrook Parkway, McDonough Drive, Graves Road, Singleton Road, Crescent Drive and the I-85 Corridor.

And that’s not all—our street sweepers will be out in full force, giving the I-85 corridor a detailed cleanup to ensure this vital artery is spotless. Whether you're driving through or working in the area, you’ll notice the difference as Gateway85 continues to set the standard for a cleaner, greener community.

Southeast Toyota Distributors, the world’s largest independent distributor of Toyota vehicles, has taken a bold step forward with the grand opening of its massive, state-of-the-art parts distribution center—built from the ground up at the former Atlanta Journal-Constitution printing plant site on 6455 Best Friend Road. In a monumental transformation, the site was completely cleared to make way for this much larger, cutting-edge facility, marking a $41 million investment that’s driving growth in Gwinnett County.

This impressive new center not only brings 120 new jobs to the region but also supercharges Southeast Toyota's ability to serve 177 dealerships across five states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Gateway85’s Executive Director Emory Morsberger expressed his enthusiasm: “Having Southeast Toyota Distributors located within the Gateway85 CID is nothing short of incredible. Their presence in our community continues to raise the bar for businesses in the region and we are excited to have them in our district.”

This strategic investment not only strengthens Southeast Toyota’s operations but also positions Gateway85 as a thriving hub for business growth and innovation.

Read more in the Gwinnett Daily Post.

Located at 5808 Singleton Road, Suite 100 in Norcross, El Agave Supermercados brings a vibrant new shopping destination to the Gateway85 community. Offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats and specialty Latin American products, the supermarket serves as a one-stop shop for residents and visitors alike. El Agave’s commitment to quality and service makes it a welcome addition to the district, further enhancing the diverse offerings in our area.

On September 9, Gateway85 CID, in partnership with Corners Outreach, hosted a successful Gateway85 Coalition meeting. This event brought together community leaders, businesses, non-profits, and government officials to address critical issues impacting the district. The Gateway85 Coalition is a collaborative effort of local business leaders, non-profit organizations, and government officials focused on improving access to essential services, education, and employment opportunities for the rapidly growing Latino community in Gwinnett County.

Jin Lee, President and Founder of the Catalyst Coalition, offered valuable insights into Asian mental health, emphasizing the need for increased community awareness and support. Carolyn Bourdeaux, Special Projects at Gateway85, and Natasha Tyler, Deputy Director of Transportation for Gwinnett County, provided an update on the Gateway85-Norcross Microtransit Pilot, which launched on September 9. Their discussion highlighted how the new service will improve mobility and accessibility for the community, leading to a productive conversation on strategies to ensure the program’s success. Hope Pollard, Senior Community Planner with Gwinnett County, presented on upcoming public service projects, detailing future developments aimed at enhancing service quality across the region.

A study is being conducted on pedestrian and roadway safety improvements for Singleton Road and we want your input! A public meeting will be held Wednesday, September 25 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at OneStop Norcross, located at 5030 Georgia Belle Court in Norcross.

Please send RSVP to Jerry.Oberholtzer@gwinnettcounty.com.

* Please note that the Gateway85-Norcross Microtransit service will be operational at the time of the meeting for those wanting to take public transportation. Visit the CID website for more information on how to download the Ride Gwinnett app, service hours and more.

Since becoming Chairwoman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners in 2021, Nicole Love Hendrickson has led initiatives that boost business growth and community development. Under her leadership, Gwinnett County and Gateway85 CID have become even more welcoming to businesses of all sizes, from entrepreneurs to global corporations. A key highlight of her tenure is the opening of Gwinnett’s first-ever Entrepreneur Center, which offers resources and guidance to small and minority-owned businesses, providing them with the tools to succeed in the county’s growing economy.

Hendrickson has also championed a streamlined, award-winning approach to business development, making processes like permitting easier for businesses to navigate. Her focus on public safety, infrastructure and transit solutions—such as the microtransit pilot program in Gateway85-Norcross—continues to foster a safer and more accessible environment for businesses and residents alike. Looking to the future, she remains committed to addressing housing affordability and expanding economic opportunities throughout the county.

Read more on the Gateway85 CID website.

The Gwinnett County Police Department is celebrated for its exceptional service and unwavering dedication to our community. As the leading police agency in Georgia, they play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and vitality of our area. Their proactive approach and commitment to excellence are vital to the security and well-being of both residents and businesses.

To further enhance safety, we implemented the Target Enforcement Zone (TEZ) program, which introduced advanced security measures including increased surveillance, graffiti and litter removal, private security patrols and enhanced police presence. This project has led to a remarkable 74% reduction in targeted crimes since 2007. We’ve seen significant drops in specific areas: a 79% decrease in robberies, a 70% reduction in criminal burglaries and a 71% decline in motor vehicle thefts. These impressive results underscore the effectiveness of our collaboration with the Gwinnett County Police Department and our shared commitment to creating a secure and thriving business environment.

As part of our ongoing support, Gateway85 CID is proud to sponsor the Gwinnett County Police Foundation’s annual Golf Tournament on October 7. We’re look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to keep Gateway85 a top destination for businesses and a safe, vibrant community for all.

On November 5, voters in Gwinnett County will have the opportunity to decide on a transit referendum. If approved, this referendum would introduce a one percent sales tax for 30 years to fund up to 75 transit projects across the county. This dedicated funding source, known as the Transit Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (Transit SPLOST), would apply to all consumers making purchases in Gwinnett County. Importantly, the proposed transit projects do not include heavy rail or MARTA services.

Continue reading about the SPLOST on the CID website here. You can also visit the County’s educational hub It's Your Ride Gwinnett for additional information about the Transit Plan.

Gateway85 CID is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Gwinnett Chamber’s Candidates Forum, taking place on Monday, September 23, 2024. This event will feature candidates running for Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chair and Districts 1 and 3. It’s a great opportunity to hear from the candidates about their vision for our county and their plans for supporting local businesses.

When: September 23, 2024, at 5 p.m.

Where: In-person for chamber members: Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, Georgia

Online for the general public: A link will be sent to registered attendees prior to the forum.

Learn more about the election and candidates on the Gwinnett Chamber website.

We were deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Walt Ehmer, President and CEO of Waffle House, who died at the age of 58 after a long illness. Ehmer, a dedicated 30-year veteran of the company, was known for his philosophy of "lead from the front." He spent much of his time in Waffle House restaurants alongside employees and customers, a hands-on approach that likely helped him rise through the ranks. He was appointed President in 2006, CEO in 2012 and Chairman in 2022.

Waffle House International HQ has been in the center of the Gateway85 CID since its creation in 2006 and was one of our first members. Beyond his role at Waffle House, Ehmer was a passionate community leader. He served as a trustee of the Georgia Tech Foundation and was an active board member for the Atlanta Police Foundation, the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was one of several top U.S. executives consulted by the White House on strategies to reopen the economy.

Walt Ehmer’s legacy will certainly live on at the Waffle House franchise. Founded in 1955, Waffle House has since become a beloved American restaurant, known for its iconic yellow and black signage and 24-hour service. With over 1,900 locations across 25 states and more than 40,000 employees, the company’s headquarters are proudly based in Norcross, Georgia, right in the heart of Gateway85 CID.

Read more about Walt Ehmer here.

Peachtree Corners-based RMS Titanic Inc. recently completed a survey of the Titanic wreck site, rediscovering the ship's bronze "Diana of Versailles" statue, unseen since 1986. The survey also highlighted the alarming deterioration of key sections of the vessel, most notably the bow railing, which has become an iconic symbol of the wreck in various media portrayals.

Over the course of 20 days, the RMS Titanic Inc. team captured more than 2 million high-resolution images and used advanced technologies such as LiDAR, sonar and a hyper magnetometer to create a comprehensive map of the site. The company will now review the collected data and footage to further assess the wreck’s current condition.

Read more here.

Peachtree Corners Festival

September 21, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., September 22, 12 – 5 p.m.

Town Center

Learn more here.

 

Sporting Clays Tournament, Presented by Renasant Bank

September 26, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Garland Mountain

Learn more here.

 

Open Networking at The NETT

September 27, 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

Learn more here.

 

Jazz In The Alley: The Black Gold Orchestra

September 28, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Betty Maudlin Park

Learn more 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.