Pictured above: Alfie Meek - Director, Center for Economic Development Research at the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute; Emory Morsberger - CEO, Gateway85 CID
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On March 21, Gateway85 CID had the pleasure of being the title sponsor for Partnership Gwinnett’s Annual Economic Outlook. The luncheon featured 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 provided analyses of significant trends affecting both the local and national economy. These trends include the growing federal debt, consumer spending patterns and the labor market and developments in residential and commercial real estate.
Dr. Meek underscored ongoing concerns regarding inflation, forecasting higher and longer-lasting interest rates. This will likely reduce consumer spending, raise business debt levels and encourage new-home purchases over existing property transactions. Furthermore, the labor market is anticipated to experience added strain, with slowing payroll expansion and gradual increases in unemployment rates.
Gateway85 takes pride in backing initiatives that foster economic growth and prosperity in Gwinnett County. The Economic Outlook luncheon reaffirms our dedication to cultivating an exceptional business environment within our community. The thriving performance of manufacturing, logistics and retail businesses in the Gateway85 district can largely be attributed to Gwinnett's expanding and diverse population, which we are confident will persist.
View the official event video here.
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Pictured above: Tim Le - Owner/Broker, Maxim Realty International, Post 1 Secretary, Gateway85 CID; Pedro "Pete" Marin - GA State Representative; Emory Morsberger - CEO, Gateway85 CID; Robin Mauck - Executive Director, Obria Medical Clinics
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Gateway85 Coalition Update |
The Gateway85 Coalition, a new collaboration of organizations aimed at empowering immigrants, held a meeting last week to discuss the needs of the district’s growing diverse population and improving cross-organizational functions and communication.
The fourth meeting of the Coalition featured presentations from organizations that are dedicated to education, workforce development, refugee assistance and women's health services. Some of these organizations include Corners Outreach, International Rescue Committee and Obria. Attendees were informed about the impact of these organizations in Gwinnett, emphasizing how their services benefit members of the County and could expand their outreach with additional support.
The meeting concluded by honoring the career of Georgia State Representative Pedro Marin with a proclamation for his service, following the announcement of his retirement. Rep. Pedro "Pete" Marin, serving since 2003, is Georgia's first and longest-serving Hispanic representative. He has led efforts in Gwinnett County to combat gang violence, expand court translation services, oppose racial profiling and fight against discriminatory legislation. We are saddened by his retirement but are extremely grateful for the long-lasting impacts he has made on the County.
We left the fourth Coalition meeting feeling inspired by the level of expertise and determination brought, and we look forward to our next meeting. Stay tuned for more updates!
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Resident Spotlight: Yanin Cortes |
My name is Yanin Cortes, I am a first-generation American born in Cuba and raised in South Florida. When I arrived in the U.S., I spoke no English and endured what I call my “year of silence,” something many students in Gwinnett County experience today. Through my hardships socially and financially, it was my teachers who helped me develop and thrive in my new environment. I was inspired to become a teacher myself and went to school to become one, eventually teaching at Shiloh High School here in Gwinnett County. My husband and I chose to move to Gwinnett County to raise our family because of its reputation for providing a world-class, high-quality education. I left teaching to open our first business, which has now expanded to three restaurants here in Gwinnett County. We are passionate about our community and have served through the Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, fundraising through our businesses to benefit our local school programs, and working with philanthropic organizations like Red Cross, Atlanta Community Food Bank and more to give back to our community.
My life story is an example of the transformative power of education. I understand
that it takes hard work and dedication to be successful and a high-quality, world-class
education that sets up our next generation for success in their work is crucial to our
community’s vision for the future. In a society where we are all different and come from different backgrounds, the great equalizer is education. It gives anyone the power to succeed in this world and we must ensure that we are giving every child in Gwinnett
schools the tools necessary for success.
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Pictured above : Ben Ku - District 2 Commissioner
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Singleton Park and Greenway Project |
Members of the Gateway85 board recently attended the Singleton Park and Greenway groundbreaking!
Fueled by funding from Gwinnett County's Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and the American Rescue Plan Act, this transformative project is poised to elevate the local landscape.
Anticipated to debut in late 2025, Singleton Park and Greenway will sprawl across nearly two acres, offering a variety of amenities including a ¾-mile trail, playground, picnic area, restrooms and a parking lot. With a vision to enrich community vitality, the project will have recreational areas that cater to all age groups.
Read more about the project and groundbreaking here.
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Since 1973, over 61 Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) employees and contractors have tragically lost their lives in work zone-related incidents.
Gateway85 CID urges you to prioritize worker safety and refresh your knowledge with these tips provided by GDOT for approaching and driving in work zones.
- Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.
- Expect the Unexpected.
- Slow Down.
- Obey Road Crew Signage.
- Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions.
- Know Before You Go.
- Be Patient, Stay Calm.
- Wear Your Seatbelt.
- Watch Your Speed.
Click here to read more about Georgia DOT and Work Zone Safety.
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Georgia Film Tax Incentives Remain |
Recent efforts to reduce Georgia's film tax incentives failed as House Bill 1180 was not passed before the General Assembly adjourned. Proponents argue that maintaining the tax credit supports the thriving film industry, despite challenges such as labor strikes and reduced spending by entertainment companies. The proposed bill aimed to impose new requirements and cap annual credit sales.
Despite the setback, Georgia's film incentives continue to attract major studio investments, evident in the recent surge of studio openings across the state.
Read more about the film tax credit bill here.
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Microtransit Passes - Program to Launch in Sept. |
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We are thrilled to share that the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners unanimously granted the final approval to a contract with the city of Norcross and Gateway85 to fund the Norcross/Gateway85 Microtransit Zone.
The new micro-transit program serves 36,500 residents with on-demand rides covering key locations like Target, Global Mall, Walmart and Amazon distribution. Rides cost $3 via the Ride Gwinnett app or phone, operating from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday - Saturday.
The program costs $1.3 million until July 2025, funded by Gwinnett County, Gateway85 CID and Norcross. It aligns with broader transit expansion plans, awaiting a proposed penny sales tax on the November ballot for county-wide coverage.
Read more here.
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Diverging Diamond Shines Bright |
Gateway85 CID is proud to share that our central LED lighting system is now up and running on the diverging diamond interchange spanning Jimmy Carter Boulevard over I-85. Last month, we lit it green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day!
This vibrant centerpiece not only illuminates the bridge but also symbolizes the lively essence of the Gateway85 community. Be sure to drive by at night and look!
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Indian Trail Jimmy Carter Boulevard Connection |
Oakbrook Parkway is currently being revamped! This stretch of sidewalk spans approximately 4,600 feet, which equates to more than three-quarters of a mile. It marks the completion of a 2-mile-long sidewalk linking Indian Trail to Jimmy Carter Boulevard.
We're amazed by the progress so far and look forward to seeing the final product!
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First Senior Center
Gateway85 recognizes the profound impact of First Senior Center on the community. First Senior Center (FSC) is the first Vietnamese owned and operated senior daycare in Georgia. Founded by community leader Von Tran, FSC initially began as a senior daycare center but has since evolved into a comprehensive community care hub. It offers transportation services for members, delivers meals and provides at-home nursing care.
Additionally, FSC hosts Atlanta’s second-largest food pantry, which was established in 2021 by Tran and her sister. This pantry distributes around 30,000 lbs. of food weekly to nearly 3,200 families. Tran, who once relied on food banks herself, saw it as essential to expand their community service offerings.
While FSC's daycare has a Vietnamese focus, their nursing care and food pantry services are inclusive to all ethnicities. Tran aims to extend daycare services to the local Latina community on weekends, reflecting her dedication to meeting the diverse needs of the elderly.
Learn more about First Senior Center and Von Tran here.
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| Ryan Hoyt
Meet Ryan Hoyt, a valued member of the Gateway85 CID board and Vice Chairman for Post 4. During his 20-year career in commercial real estate, Ryan facilitated over 35 million square feet of industrial transactions across Atlanta. Starting with Grubb & Ellis, TPA Realty Services and Jackson Oats Shaw Corporate Real Estate, LLC, Ryan ventured into brokerage.
He later served as Vice President, Leasing Officer for Prologis in Atlanta, and Savannah before joining JLL. Holding a Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate from the University of Georgia, Ryan maintained a consistent presence as a Top 10 Producer with the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors.
Beyond his involvement with Gateway85, he serves on the boards of NAIOP Georgia, the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors, and the Shepherd Center Advisory Board. Ryan's extensive efforts in supporting the community are deeply appreciated, and his contributions are truly commendable.
View the rest of the CID board here.
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Boy With a Ball: Pipeline Career Program |
Everyone possesses the ability to harness their influence towards a greater cause. Businesses hold a unique power to uplift individuals, families and communities. However, the journey to building a thriving business is often filled with challenges. Statistics reveal a stark reality:
40% of businesses fail within the first three years,
9% within five years,
8% within 10 years,
3% within 15 years,
and nearly 80% within 20 years.
Ironically, solely prioritizing profit margins often leads to a business' demise. Embracing Pipeline, however, allows businesses to cultivate a culture that resonates with the next generation of employees, fosters dynamic leadership and solidifies their reputation as a cherished brand within their community for generations to come.
The Pipeline Career Program by Boy With a Ball empowers young people to succeed, families to find connection and businesses to create change. If you are interested in being an agent of change, consider giving, volunteering or connecting with others at Boy With a Ball conferences.
Click here to learn more.
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In the heart of Gwinnett County resides Soraia Santos Felgenhauer, a living testament to the American Dream. Raised in Brazil, Soraia's journey to success was fueled by her commitment to service and education. Now the Director of Community Schools, she advocates for inclusivity and uplifts the Latino population in Gwinnett County through her work with the Gateway85 Coalition. Soraia's story embodies resilience and creates a more inclusive future for all.
Read Soraia’s story here on the Gateway85 website.
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Explore the Gateway85 website to discover a range of available properties within the district! Our listings are continuously updated to reflect new opportunities as they arise. Whether you're seeking commercial space, industrial facilities or office buildings, Gateway85 showcases a diverse selection of local properties to meet your needs.
Click here to start your search today!
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Partnership Gwinnett Annual Movers & Makers Awards
May 9, 2024, 8 a.m.
Gas South District
Learn more and register here.
Gwinnett Multicultural Festival and County Government Open House
May 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Gwinnett Place Mall
Learn more here.
Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy
May 23 – June 23
Aurora Theatre
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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Thank You to Our Community Partners! |
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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.
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