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Issue 8.81 | Friday, Jan. 16, 2009 | Forward to your friends!

HONORED: J.W. Benefield, right, was honored by the Gwinnett County Fair and Livestock Association last week. One of the guests congratulating him was Jim Pack, left, shown with his wife, Kay. In back, at right, is Fair Board President Fred Banks. For more details, see Elliott Brack's column below.

TODAY'S FOCUS
:: Suniva of Norcross has job openings

ELLIOTT BRACK
:: Gwinnett Fair Board honors Benefield

FEEDBACK
:: Send us your comments

UPCOMING
:: Comedy at Aurora, Chamber, Valentine's

NOTABLE
:: Georgia Gwinnett College grows

ALSO INSIDE

___:: ABOUT OUR SPONSORS: Aurora Theatre
___:: GEORGIA TIDBIT: Lookout Mountain
___:: TODAY'S QUOTE: Needed -- ethical bailout
___:: ON THE BOOKSHELF: Interesting reading
___:: ARCHIVED COMMENTARY: Read past issues

OUR SPONSORS

ABOUT US

GwinnettForum.com is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA.

Every Tuesday and Friday we publish commentary on issues designed to stimulate an idea exchange, promote a public debate, and move toward achieving an improved and enlarged quality of life in Gwinnett. Contact us today.

TODAY'S FOCUS
Deadline today to apply for jobs at new Suniva plant here
Special to GwinnettForum.com

NORCROSS, Ga., Jan. 16, 2009 -- Suniva, a firm just located in Norcross, has job openings in several fields to man its plant here. However, anyone applying must move soon, since the deadline for submission of applications is today, Friday, January 16.

Suniva develops, manufactures and markets its ARTisun series high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells for clean, earth-friendly power generation. The company is dedicated to driving down the cost per watt of solar generated power. Suniva is developing products focused on the intersection of high efficiency and low cost, as it believes that is the mass market for solar PV.

The first cell produced by Suniva in Norcross, Oct. 23, 2008

Its current and future generation products are and will be high conversion efficiency cells, produced at low cost. Suniva has a primary goal of driving mass adoption of high-efficiency PV technology which has significant economic, social and environmental benefits.

Suniva, dedicated to solar cell technology and manufacturing, does not sell to end users or package its cells into modules. In order to collaborate meaningfully with its customers, Suniva sells its cells to a select number of leading module manufacturers, partners and integrators who wish to deliver solar modules and solutions to the residential, commercial and utility markets.

Suniva evolved from the work of Professor Ajeet Rohatgi of the Georgia Institute of Technology's University Center of Excellence in Photovoltaics (UCEP). A Department of Engineering Center of Excellence since 1992, UCEP has distinguished itself as the premier site for silicon PV research in the United States. Bringing a unique approach of uniting cell modeling, device design, process optimization and materials analysis and characterization, UCEP has consistently proven to be a valuable resource to government and industrial partners.

This competency has driven efforts of the Center to evolve from that of a purely academic research environment to one of being a hands-on industry resource focused on practical solutions for commercial processing of PV materials and devices. This led to the formation of Suniva, which holds exclusive rights to over 32 granted and pending patents (from 20 patent families) of Dr. Rohatgi and UCEP.

Suniva is currently seeking to hire additional members to its team. The following positions are currently open; please note the deadline to apply is Friday, January 16, 2009. All resumes must be submitted via email to hr@suniva.com to be considered. (Please type position desired in subject heading).

No phones calls or in person inquiries will be accepted. Suniva is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is subject to drug screen and background check.

Jobs are available in these fields, with competitive benefits and a 401k program.:

Process Operators: successful applicants will have manufacturing experience in a high volume, high tech environment. Starting salary is $13.50 an hour.
Shift Supervisors: successful applicants will have manufacturing engineering experience and will have prior experience directing a team to achieve objectives, and ensure that all safety, quality and other manufacturing and engineering procedures are properly implemented and followed. Salary of $65,000-75,000.
Maintenance Technicians: successful applicants will have experience in maintaining manufacturing process tools. They will work with operators and engineers to troubleshoot equipment and assess problems. Salary of $45,000-55,000.

For more information regarding Suniva, visit the website: www.suniva.com.

ELLIOTT BRACK
Gwinnett Fair Board surprises J.W. Benefield with resolution
By ELLIOTT BRACK, editor and publisher

JAN. 16, 2009 - - It was a surprise to J.W. Benefield of the Bethesda community, when several friends showed up at the Tuesday meeting of the Gwinnett Livestock and Fair Association. J.W. had been asked to come to this board meeting, and he was told "Bring your family."

Brack

Benefield, the former Gwinnett school superintendent and Fair Board member, was asking people: "What are all you doing here?" Little did he realize he was to be the subject of the dinner meeting, held at the Fairgrounds building.

Pretty soon after the meal, J.W. realized the meeting was aimed at him, as first Fred Banks, the Fair Board president, began ribbing him. Benefield has been one of the key dynamos on the Fair board since the current fair started, in 1952, first as an ex-officio board member and vocational-agricultural teacher, and since 1978 on the board and treasurer.

Soon Bill Atkinson was kidding J.W., from the time Bill was one of his students, recalling J.W.'s first job as the former Bethesda High vocational-agricultural teacher. Later, Wayne Shackelford and Bill Baughman gave a more historical approach to his career.

J.W. Benefield

Then, Banks told of the Fair naming its Board Room as the J.W. Benefield Room, giving J.W. a plaque, and a resolution commending his years of services upon his retirement from the board.

Here's the resolution in toto:

"Whereas, J. W. Benefield was born in Gwinnett County, Georgia, has deep family roots in Gwinnett County, was educated in the public schools of Gwinnett County; and,

"Whereas, he served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, with service on the aircraft carrier USS San Jacinto; and,

"Whereas, he graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of Georgia; and,

"Whereas, he began his professional career as a vocational agriculture teacher at Bethesda High School and Central Gwinnett High School, after consolidation, where he gained distinction. He was named Assistant County School Superintendent responsible for transportation, buildings and grounds. In 1967, he was appointed Superintendent of the Gwinnett County School System and led the system during that period of time when Gwinnett County was the fastest growing county percentage-wise in the entire nation; thousands of students were prepared for life with sound academic and vocational preparation during his service; and he retired as Superintendent in 1977; and,

"Whereas, he developed Modern Electric and Gwinnett Electric and was chairman of several bank boards; and,

"Whereas, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce in 1979, Chairman of the Board of the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce in 1984; and was named recipient of the Button Gwinnett Award by the Council for Quality Growth in 1992; and

"Whereas, he has served on the Board of the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau from its inception; and,

"Whereas, he has served with dedication in the Bethesda United Methodist Church; and,

"Whereas, his association with the Gwinnett County Fair began during his career teaching vocational agriculture at Bethesda, accelerated when he was elected to the board in 1978 after his retirement as County School Superintendent, and major improvements to the buildings and grounds and programs reflect his commitment to the association as a board member and officer.

"Now, therefore be it resolved that he be named Director Emeritus upon his retirement as a board member on December 31, 2008, to honor his service to this association and to the citizens of Gwinnett County.

"It is resolved that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this meeting, and a suitable copy be provided to J. W. Benefield."

Signed by the board: Fred Banks, president; Bill Baughman, vice president; Roger Sartor, treasurer; James Freeman, secretary; and members Bill Atkinson, Ron Davis, John H. Lovin and Wayne Shackelford.

FEEDBACK
Send us your comments

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ABOUT OUR SPONSORS

The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is the Aurora Theatre, Gwinnett County's first choice for professional theatrical entertainment. Celebrating their 13th year as Gwinnett's crown jewel for the performing arts located on the square in Downtown Lawrenceville, Aurora Theatre is committed to producing quality, professional theatre for all of North Georgia.

The 2008-2009 Season continues with Corpse! a comedic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, The Glass Menagerie a classic southern drama and Once On This Island a Tony-Award Winner whose island rhythms will get you ready for summer. Additionally, you might have interest in our club comedy series Funny Fridays or the Swing Nights at Aurora with the Metro Jazz Club. For young children ask about the Saturday Children's Playhouse on select Saturday mornings at 10 a.m., where school age children can learn from working professionals at Aurora Academy. We also have two great Valentines events with concierge service. With one call for Valentine's weekend Dinner and Show with the option of adding flowers or chocolate dipped strawberries, we make it easy for you to look good. To purchase individual tickets, season tickets or for more information, visit our revamped website at www.auroratheatre.com or call 678-226-6222.

For a list of other sponsors of this forum, go to: http://www.gwinnettforum.com/about/sponsors.htm

UPCOMING
Comedy routinely on tap at Aurora Theatre this year

Every year, folks make resolutions that are difficult to keep like: get in shape, get out of debt, stop smoking, lose weight: the list goes on. This year make a resolution that will make you feel great and is easy to keep: laugh more in 2009. The Aurora Theatre will offer a series of Funny Friday performances.

Aurora Theatre Funny Fridays is there to help with club comedy on the square in downtown Lawrenceville. On January 23, talent for Aurora Theatre Funny Fridays comes from Uptown Comedy Corner, the club that helped launch the careers of Chris Tucker, Damon Wayans, Mo'Nique and many more top comics, and that's no joke.

The headliner is our signature act The Blacktop Circus, the nation's leading African-American improvisational comedy troupe. The Aurora Studio Theatre gives visitors an authentic comedy club feel setting the stage for a great night out. The Blacktop Circus is funny and always positive, using audience suggestions and turning them into hilarious scenes, songs, and sketches. Then after tickling your funny bone as a group the individual members will showcase their skills with a set of stand-up.

The group is showcased on Friday January, 23 at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $15, and reduced to $12 for Aurora Theatre subscribers. Call for reservations at 678.226.6222 or visit www.auroratheatre.com. The Aurora is located at 128 Pike Street in Lawrenceville.

Chamber plans to hold 61st Annual Meeting on Feb. 6

Marking its 61st annual meeting, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will he held Friday, February 6 at the Tommy Hughes Ballroom of the Gwinnett Center in Duluth.

This black-tie optional celebration will recognize the accomplishments of 2008 and anticipate the activities in the 2009 year. More than 1,000 people are expected for this event, which will recognize people who have made significant contributions to enhance the life of Gwinnett in the past. Recognition of the Citizen of the Year, Public Service awards, and Humanitarian of the year will take place.

Tickets are $150 per person or $1,500 for a table of 10. To purchase tickets, visit www.gwinnettannualdinner.com before January 23. For additional information contact Alicia at 770-232-8809 or mail to alicia@gwinnettchamber.org.

Stone Mountain Barbershop Chorus offers singing Valentines

Quartets from the Stone Mountain Barbershop Chorus will offer their Singing Valentine program for 2009.

Bill Banks, the chorus' project chairman, says: "This is one of our most enjoyable projects because we get to deliver a unique 'I Love You' message to that special sweetheart. We have serenaded both men and women in such varied spots as supermarkets, college and elementary classrooms, business offices, retail shops, doctors' offices, living rooms and residential driveways. The effect is most dramatic when an audience is present to witness the event", he adds

The Singing Valentine delivery includes two love songs sung live by a barbershop quartet, a rose and a personalized Valentine's Day greeting card. The basic cost is $50. Since Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday, deliveries will be made throughout the metro Atlanta area on both Friday and Saturday, February 13 and 14. Orders for a Singing Valentine can be placed immediately on the Stone Mountain Chorus web site, www.stonemountainchorus.org or by phone at 678-985-8818.

NOTABLE
Georgia Gwinnett College campus grows with land donation

Georgia Gwinnett's college's campus is growing, literally!

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, on behalf of Georgia Gwinnett College, the University System's newest four-year institution of higher learning, accepted a donation of 40 acres of land from Gwinnett County during their monthly meeting today.

GGC President Daniel J. Kaufman said following the Board of Regents meeting: "Georgia Gwinnett College is most appreciative of this gift of land. We are grateful to Chairman [Charles] Bannister and the commissioners for recognizing the need to expand our campus. They have each, and as a body, been very supportive of the college over the last several years and we are fortunate to have them at the helm of Gwinnett County."

Red-shaded areas show how Georgia Gwinnett College squared off its land with recent gift from Gwinnett County.

The land, in two tracts -- 23.33 acres on the northwest side of the campus and 17.1 acres located on Collins Hill Road -- will be used for various purposes including green space and for recreational purposes in the future.

Eddie Beauchamp, vice president of business and finance at the college says: "These parcels are outstanding additions to our campus. As we grow, expansion of our campus boundaries will be necessary, and this is an important beginning."

The land has been surveyed and an environmental study has been completed -- both conditions for accepting the land grant from the county.

Gwinnett County Chairman Charles Bannister says: "Georgia Gwinnett College is a vital asset to the Gwinnett community and we will continue to support its growth and development as a first-class educational institution in any way we can."

RECOMMENDED
What are you reading, eating?

An invitation: What Web sites, books or restaurants have you enjoyed? Send us your best recent visit to a restaurant or most recent book you have read along with a short paragraph as to why you liked it, plus what book you plan to read next. --eeb

GEORGIA ENCYCLOPEDIA
Lookout Mountain, a tourist attraction, is in three states

Known primarily for its role in the Battle of Chattanooga and for the Rock City, Ruby Falls, and Incline Railway tourist attractions in and near Tennessee, Lookout Mountain is actually a bigger physical presence in Georgia, and even larger in Alabama.

Geologically considered a ridge in the state's Valley and Ridge province, Lookout Mountain stretches 84 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, to downtown Gadsden, Alabama. Only three miles of Lookout Mountain are located in Tennessee, while 31 miles lie in northwest Georgia and 50 miles extend into northeast Alabama. The mountain's highest point is located near the community of High Point, Georgia, along the eastern brow, where it reaches an elevation of 2,393 feet.

Along the top of Lookout Mountain, in Walker County, are incredible views of two different valleys: Chattanooga Valley to the east and Lookout Valley to the west. The narrow, flat top of Lookout Mountain is large enough for small communities and a few roads, and is well suited for homes built along the brow that provide outstanding scenery into the valleys below.

Covenant College, a four-year school affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America, is located on top of Lookout Mountain in Georgia. The college occupies a former hotel, and that building's tower can be seen from miles in all directions. It is possible, for example, to see the Covenant College campus while standing on White Oak Mountain in Ringgold, fifteen miles away. Covenant's campus sprawls northeast to southwest along the mountaintop, occupying numerous buildings.

(To be continued)

Click here to access the Georgia Encyclopedia

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MORE: Contact Editor and Publisher Elliott Brack at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com

TODAY'S QUOTE
Country needs ethical bailout

"We (United States) don't just need a financial bailout; we need an ethical bailout. We need to re-establish the core balance between our markets, ethics and regulations. I don't want to kill the animal spirits that necessarily drive capitalism -- but I don't want to be eaten by them either. "

-- New York Times Columnist Thomas Friedman, Dec., 17, 2008.