| Gateway85 CID February 2023 Newsletter
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Jimmy Carter Boulevard Rebrand
Jimmy Carter Boulevard, named after our 36th President, is a lively, prosperous and well-connected hub for commerce and business that runs through the center of our district. As a signature corridor, we are launching the first phase of a plan to rebrand the main thoroughfare and truly make it the gateway. Our goal is to bring added vibrancy, cohesiveness and a sense of place to our central corridor and demonstrate why the district is a great place to work, shop and do business. The installation of more than 350 crepe myrtles and miles of sidewalk improvements elevate the beauty and accessibility of our district, but we are not done yet! The next step is a series of seasonal banners displayed along the boulevard to highlight our district’s assets and other markers telling the world why Jimmy Carter Boulevard isn’t just a road – it’s a destination.
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Gateway85 Supports Crime Reduction in Our District
Gateway85’s significant investments in Flock Safety cameras and other improvements support our local law enforcement in keeping our businesses, customers, and communities safer. Between 2021 and 2022, the CID saw robbery reduced by 12%, total targeted crime reduced by 8% and motor vehicle theft reduced by 13%. Between 2020 and 2022, motor vehicle theft was reduced by 25%! We are grateful for the continued support of our local law enforcement and proud to support the continued prosperity of our area.
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Board Member, World Traveler, Author - Lisa Reeves Dinh
Gateway85 CID has a published author on its board! Lisa Reeves Dinh's new book, Bucketlist Travel: Empower Yourself with Solo Travel is a must-have for anyone wanting to travel the world solo or expand their comfort zone. Get it on Amazon as a paperback or on Kindle today.
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Public Service Awards at the Gwinnett Annual Dinner
On February 3, The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 75th Anniversary at the 2023 Annual Dinner at Gas South District. It was an evening full of camaraderie and celebration among the businesses, nonprofits, government officials, and involved citizens of Gwinnett. Tim Le and I were honored with Public Service Awards presented by the Chamber in honor of our work supporting our communities both locally and abroad. I am honored to receive this award alongside Tim and so many other community-minded citizens.
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Left photo (left to right): Shiv Aggarwal, Gateway85 Board Chairman; Tim Le, Gateway85 Board; Emory Morsberger, Gateway85 Executive Director; Phil Sadd, Gateway85 Board
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Gateway85, Lilburn, Gwinnett Place, Sugarloaf and Evermore CID sponsored Partnership Gwinnett’s 2023 Economic Forecast event with Dr. Alfie Meek, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute Director of the Center for Economic Development Research on Thursday, February 16.
Overall, Dr. Meek anticipates an economic downturn for 2023 and shared his specific observations on our post-pandemic workforce and consumers, and how they may respond to the current market conditions in the near future.
"People started re-evaluating their lives. Attitudes toward work is shifting," according to Dr. Meek. "People just want to get the job done and are disenchanted with the 9-5 lifestyle.”
Overall payroll numbers appear high, but only because many people in working age are taking second, part-time jobs. Full-time jobs are down. As a result, some companies are labor-hoarding in response to this attitude.
From a labor-corrective perspective now and into the future, Dr. Meek recommends that emphasis should be placed on trade schools instead of a four-year college path.
How this impacts the amount of money in the pockets of everyday consumers is also important to consider.
"Nominal wages are okay, but real wages are going down," Dr. Meek added.
While consumers are still shopping and spending money, Dr. Meek observes that their position is tenuous and revolving debt is growing for not only larger investments, but common items. Among the exemplary record prices he cited were those of food staples like eggs and beer.
"When Guinness hikes beer prices in Ireland, that says something," he said.
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Gateway85 CID is filled with hundreds of companies that call the district their home. Over the course of this year, we plan to highlight these businesses be they in manufacturing, distribution, technology, entertainment, food and more.
This month, manufacturing is our focus. By definition, manufacturing is the creation or production of goods with the help of equipment, labor, machines, tools, and chemical or biological processing or formulation.
In a short radius around Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Gateway85 CID includes container supplier Preferred Packaging; Illing Packaging, a world-class provider of packaging solutions; Dyke Industries, a privately-held company that distributes residential and commercial building materials; The Keeney Manufacturing Company, a notable presence in plumbing parts and supplies; and Phillip Cable Manufacturing, which specializes in high-quality cable assemblies and wiring harnesses for the military.
These are just a few of the companies that help to drive our economic impact. Want to learn more? Read our latest economic impact report here.
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Representative Lucy McBath of Georgia District 7 will serve on the Education and Workforce Committee as well as multiple subcommittees. Read more.
Representative McBath’s office also organized her fourth annual Valentines for Veterans initiative. They collected over 3,000 valentines and delivered them to the Atlanta VA Medical Center in Duluth for distribution to veterans across the metro Atlanta area. Thank you to all Gateway85 CID members who participated! Read more.
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Gwinnett County Department of Community Services exists to connect Gwinnett citizens in need to resources. Many of their initiatives, like the confidential online portal OneStop4Help, or the county’s Veteran and Family Services, a collaboration with the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, serve beyond the boundaries of our CID but have dedicated locations and resources in Gateway85 CID and the neighboring cities of Duluth, Norcross and Peachtree Corners.
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This winter, the county launched warming centers and operates them overnight when temperatures reach 35 degrees and below. These warming centers allow visitors to eat a meal and rest from 6 p.m. until 7 a.m. Two of these are located in the periphery of Gateway85 CID – one in Duluth and another in Norcross.
The department has numerous partnership and volunteer opportunities for not only community members, but businesses. In fact, the presence of existing businesses is heavily considered when Community Services is determining new and existing initiatives.
“The demand for services, economic benefits, competition and feedback from existing businesses all shape our priorities,” said Nazanin Weck, Project Coordinator for the Gwinnett Department of Community Services.
All county residents can leave feedback regarding the county’s community and human services by taking a survey here.
“By gathering feedback and partnering with existing businesses, we can develop initiatives that enhance the local economy and improve the quality of life for residents.”
“Community services enhance the quality of life for residents, bring them together and foster social cohesion. At the same time, supporting local businesses and attracting new investment drives economic development,” Weck continued. “When community needs are met through services, residents are more likely to become involved and engaged, resulting in a more connected and vibrant community.”
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Is your business in manufacturing or shipping? Partnership Gwinnett's Movers & Makers Awards nominations are open from now until March 2. Nominate your business in one of four categories for the recognition you deserve here.
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U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President Holds Event in Peachtree Corners
Moore Hallmark, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, spoke with members of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon at the Hilton in Peachtree Corners this past January. Read more about his address here.
Innovative Sports Equipment Produced in Peachtree Corners
Peachtree Corners-based Guardian Sports is now designing and manufacturing sporting equipment worn by youth and high school football teams, college teams, and most recently, mandated by the NFL. Read more here.
Henri's Bakery Opens New Location in Peachtree Corners
Henri’s Bakery, a longtime favorite bakery in Atlanta, has opened its fifth location in Peachtree Corners.
Enroll in the Choose PTC Program
Does your business participate in the Choose PTC program? Consider signing up online to gain exposure through this program and attract new business. Learn more here.
NorcrossWorks has Officially Relaunched
Is your business in need of employees? Post and advertise job openings on the NorcrossWorks website at no cost by completing a form with the Norcross Economic Development Department. Once your opening is posted, job seekers can apply directly through the NorcrossWorks portal. Learn more here.
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Peachtree Corners Business Association Business After Hours Speaker Series
Thursday, February 23, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
John C. Maxwell Leadership Center at 12tone Church, Duluth
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Join the PCBA for an Economic Outlook and Market Trends for 2023! Toby Anderson, Senior Financial Advisor with SGL Wealth Management Group will interview guest speaker Brian Girten CIMA® CRPC®, Vice President, Senior Advisor Consultant with Franklin Templeton.
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Fall in Love with Transit
Thursday, February 23, 6 - 8 p.m.
Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Atrium
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Learn how Ride Gwinnett's expanded service can serve you, your employees and your customers, register to do business with the county and learn more about the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program.
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Ride Gwinnett Idea Labs
February 27, 28 and March 4, 5 - 7 p.m.
Various places around the county
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Gwinnett will host Idea Labs throughout the County to give citizens and stakeholders a chance to share their thoughts on the future of Gwinnett’s public transit.
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State of the County Address 2023
Friday, March 3, 8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
12Stone Church
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Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson will address the 2022 achievements of the county and present the vision for the future at this event co-hosted by Council for Quality Growth and Gwinnett Chamber.
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2023 Logistics Summit
Wednesday, March 8
Savannah, GA
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This year’s Logistics Summit is in Savannah, Georgia. Take an in-depth look at the industry and how our ports impact our economic status. Room blocks are available.
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Make a Break for Gwinnett Boys and Girls Club Sporting Clays Tournament
Thursday, March 9, 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Etowah Valley Sporting Clays
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Sponsor and compete in this charity sporting clays tournament to support Boys and Girls Club, being supported in part by Gateway85 CID!
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On Topic: State of the Region featuring ARC Chairman Kerry Armstrong
Wednesday, March 15, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
1818 Cub
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Kerry Armstrong, ARC Board Chairman and Atlanta Regional Commission member, will highlight regional issues impacting Gwinnett.
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New Company Recepton
Thursday, March 16, 5 - 8 p.m.
The River Club, Suwanee
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Partnership Gwinnett invites companies that have expanded in or moved to Gwinnett County within the past year to a special networking reception.
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Congressional Luncheon
Friday, March 17, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
1818 Club Ballroom
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Save the date for a Congressional Luncheon for the U.S. Congressional Representatives of Districts 6, 7 and 9 on March 17 being sponsored by Gateway85 CID and hosted by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.
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