NOT TOO LONG AGO: With summertime approaching quickly, remember when Gwinnett had scenes like this, not too long ago. The backdrop for this wintry photo is the Elisha Winn House, with its historical plaque marking the site where Gwinnett County was formed back in 1818. It's a beautiful photograph, though who took it is beyond us. We'll hope someone owns up to this strikingly beautiful picture, for which we thank them for sending along. --eeb.

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TODAY'S FOCUS
Businesses finding that trade missions to Far East paying off
By LISA SHERMAN
Special to GwinnettForum.com

DULUTH, Ga., June 11, 2010 -- North American Bioproducts Corporation (NABC), a Duluth-based global provider of fermentation products and technology for fuel ethanol, conducted over 30 strategic business meetings in China recently. The series of meetings, brokered by Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, created opportunity for global connection and business expansion into the rising power of the Far East.

Meanwhile, the Gwinnett Chamber will embark on its first-ever official global business mission to China July 5-15, where it will lead metro Atlanta businesses seeking to expand globally and attract investment. The trip will include international trade shows, one-on-one meetings, and the opportunity to make initial connections for future growth and development. So far, approximately 20 individuals from Gwinnett are anticipated to be going on this trade mission. There are spaces still open for the trip. Those interested in joining the Chamber on this mission, visit www.gwinnettglobal.com today.

Thomas Heidelberg, Asia Pacific business manager, of NABC, says: "We have been following the Gwinnett Chamber's activity with Chinese connections for some time now. We felt it to be in our best interest to invite them to join us as we work to build global ties in a new market. Had this service been available through the Gwinnett Chamber three years ago, NABC would have likely utilized this resource to develop connections the Chamber has made for us so quickly with this trip."

NABC focuses on providing reliable products, services, support, technical solutions, and educational programs for the optimization of the ethanol production process. The corporation is extensively involved in antibiotic regulatory compliance, cellulosic research, and international expansion of its business. It's most recent international activities include establishment of a business unit in Brazil, securing Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) approval on two more products to be used in fuel ethanol production and continuing to increase its footprint in Latin America.

NABC invited and funded the Gwinnett Chamber's presence on the China visit this past week. The delegation included Nick Masino, vice president for Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett; Monty Chiu of Monty Chiu and Associates; Dr. Sanjoy Ganguly, vice president - Technology, NABC, and Heidelberg.

Masino adds: "Our continued focus on the Asian market and China - in particular - supports a statewide strategy for expanding existing industry and attracting foreign direct investment in opportunistic global markets. This trip with NABC is a perfect example of how the Gwinnett Chamber can assist and support businesses across metro Atlanta to do all of the above. We are thankful for the opportunity to work with NABC on an international platform."

The delegation met with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade in Shanghai as well as business and government leaders in Nanjing, Bengbu, Wuxi and Wuhan, over the course of seven days.

For more information and news on Gwinnett's Global Business initiative, visit www.gwinnettchamber.org/newsevents. For information on NABC, visit www.na-bio.com.

EEB PERSPECTIVE
Big array of candidates facing voters in coming primaries
By ELLIOTT BRACK
Editor and publisher

JUNE 11, 2010 -- It's a good thing that we are to use voting machines in the July 20 balloting in the Georgia primaries. For if we were back in the days of paper ballots, the sheer number of candidates you would see on a paper ballot might scare the voters.

Brack

There are 88 persons running on the Gwinnett Republican ballot, and another 54 running on the Democratic side. On a voting computer, you see only one screen at a time, so these many candidates may not be as noticeable. If you want to see a sample ballot, click here for a peek at ballots for the Gwinnett Democratic and Republican parties.

On the Republican side, there are seven candidates for governor; eight candidates for the two open seats on the county commission; eight candidates seeking to be your Congressman from the Seventh District; and nine candidates for Insurance Commissioner. Altogether, Republicans have 34 races, though 12 Republican races have only one candidate.

Democrats also have seven gubernatorial candidates, plus five for secretary of state. A total of 19 Democrats are unopposed on the Gwinnett ballot.

To make matters worse, the Democrats have adopted a recent tactic of the Republicans, and are asking their voters to give them responses on 16 different questions. These range from "do you believe that the County Commission is properly managing the financial issues of the county?" to asking your opinion on transportation and MARTA. Republicans also have four hot-button questions on the ballot, relating to health care reform, immigration, the value added tax and right-to-life.

Since these questions are purely non-binding, we are reminded of the quote from Shakespeare's Macbeth: "...it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

* * * * *

Meanwhile, let me update you on what GwinnettForum's activities have been concerning the upcoming primary.

GwinnettForum will be making endorsements on races that are statewide, for the Fourth and Seventh Congressional offices, for legislative posts that are in or touch Gwinnett County, and for county commission posts. So far we have spent 30 minutes with 71 of the candidates in our office in Norcross. There are several more we hope to talk with before we begin our endorsements. We have determined that we will not endorse any candidate with whom we have not talked directly, except for the 14 candidates for governor. We will see those candidates during the Georgia Press Association convention at Jekyll Island next week.

Our conversations with the candidates has encouraged us generally. There are some well-qualified candidates, many having solid ideas to improve government. There are some candidates who would not make good office holders. We will endorse the candidate in each primary race we think would make the best office holder. In many races, that will not be easy, for several races have solid candidates.

Right now our timetable for endorsements is to begin them on June 22, and continue for several publishing dates.

Meanwhile, GwinnettForum will post 100-word answers on its Web site from each candidate to the same five questions . We will post these responses soon, allowing voters to read directly (without editing on our part) what each candidate says. So far, we have obtained the response of 60 candidates, and hope to have many more responses. (We are not asking responses to unopposed primary candidates.)

Our goal in this effort is to help inform the voters with solid information about each of the candidates, in addition to our endorsements. It's out way of doing something besides "signifying nothing."

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
Aurora Theatre

The public spiritedness of our underwriters 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. Aurora Theatre invites readers to Join The Party as they celebrate their 15th Anniversary Season by purchasing season tickets. Aurora Theatre is committed to producing quality, professional theatre for all of North Georgia in Gwinnett's crown jewel for the performing arts, located on the square in Downtown Lawrenceville. The 15th Anniversary Season begins this August and includes: Singin' in the Rain, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Christmas Canteen, Sirens, Academy and Over the River and Through the Woods. Aurora's programming includes the GGC Lab Series of edgier contemporary plays performed in an intimate studio theatre, a club comedy series called Funny Fridays and the popular concert series Swing Night at the Aurora Theatre. Over the summer, enjoy LawrenceVegas, a comedy and big band extravaganza on June 25 and 26 or take a Lawrenceville Ghost Tour offered every weekend. For young children there is Aurora Children's Playhouse: Summer Edition on select Wednesday mornings at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and Aurora Academy summer camps are currently enrolling and accepting scholarship applications. To purchase individual tickets, season tickets or for more information: 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

FEEDBACK
Living with twin sister with Alzheimer's brings complications

Editor, the Forum:

I have a twin sister with Alzheimer's. She is 67 years old (as I am.) It hurts me so much to see her in this way. She is still able to do daily chores, such as driving, going to the gym, etc. and can function by herself now.

Some days are worse than others. She can't remember where she puts anything and you can tell her something, but in five minutes, she forgets. She is taking prescriptions, but doesn't take them regularly. I'm her caretaker and live with her and she gets very agitated with me a lot. This keeps me upset a lot, but I try to have patience and understand.

I'm hoping and praying that there will be a cure soon. Thanks for listening.

-- Name withheld in Gwinnett

Dear Withheld: Your story begs all of our attention. It must be a terrific pressure on you. No one can really understand how much it impacts you until they go through it, I am sure. However, reading this from afar, there is one obvious suggestion which could lead to a small improvement. Since your sister "forgets" so quickly, and since you realize you are now the caretaker, also take over giving her daily medications. That might allow her to function better, and give you both more peace. --eeb

Wants opinion to be based on fact, not feelings

Editor, the Forum:

How are opinions formed ? They can be formed with or without factual evidence. We can form them based on feelings or first impressions.

How are fact-based opinions formed ? They must be formed with factual input alone. Feelings and first impressions cannot compete with facts.

Consider the above when reviewing the recent "flotilla" situation in the Mediterranean. Which kind of opinions do you have? Fact-based or feelings-based ? Does it matter that the organizers of the "flotilla" have known ties to global jihadi networks which are sworn to the destruction of the Jewish Nation? Does it matter that Israel attempted to offer the organizers to dock at the Port of Ashdod in order to transfer cargo to Gaza (subject to security inspection, of course) ? Does it matter that humanitarian supplies are provided on the order of two-thirds of a ton to Gaza in 2010 alone ?

When opinions are made without facts, people are easily mislead. I believe this is why there are so many today who can hold Israel to a different standard than any other nation. Interesting that all nations agree that Israel has the right to protect her borders and her people. Even more interesting is that when Israel takes action to do just that, all nations come against her (Zechariah 12:2-3). They come against her not based on facts unfortunately.

-- Scott Dingfelder, Buford

Finds little indication of oil spill on Miramar Beach, Fla.

Editor, the Forum:

Just read the GwinnettForum article on the oil spill and thought I would send you an update from where I am. My family and I have been in Miramar Beach Fla., just east of Destin since this past Friday. We haven't seen or smelled anything out of the norm.

The first few days there was a lot of seaweed washing in. I believe that this was because of some storm activity. The last few days, the ocean has been really nice.

I visited some of the local restaurants and asked them how business was. They all told me that their business is suffering some from the spill and they expect it to get worse. I also spoke with a condo rental agency and was told they have had about $30,000 of cancellations already for June.

This couldn't have came at a worse time for the beach area. The oil spill is to the Gulf as Jaws was to Amity in the movie.

-- Ron Silver, Braselton

Wants stronger laws regarding cell phone use when driving

Editor, the Forum:

I recently sent the following to: Perdue, Chambliss and Isakson with hope they will take this seriously into consideration.

In light of the recent efforts of a family who lost their dear son, Caleb, I ask you to consider adopting the same law regarding texting/cell phone and other electronic devices as California. Yes, it is hard to police these laws, but with stiff fines for those who break the law, it will detour people from using them, perhaps some of the time.

I watched as Governor Perdue defended his right to read an e-mail while driving and could not believe it. Nothing is so important that it cannot wait until you can pull over in order to check e-mail, talk, or text. Even GPS's are a distraction. Distracted driving is distractive driving and how many times a day does someone merge into your lane because they are distracted?

I am in support of passing the law described below and need for you to change the verbiage in Caleb's law to mirror that of the "Hands Free" law in California. How many more people have to die before we all decide that talking/texting while driving is not a necessity or protected right.

Can the law being presented be published so the public can see exactly what it says? Can this be a law that the voters can decide on?

This is a matter of life and death. There should be absolutely no question on establishing these guidelines. We must protect and watch out for each other. You cannot do that if you are distracted while driving! I pray you will think long and hard about this and consider putting the law below into Caleb's Law and get it passed.

-- Jilene Chivell Griffiths, Grayson

P.S. Here is the California Driver Handbook on Important Driving Tips:

• Use hands-free devices.
  
• If your cell phone rings, do not answer it.
  
• Let the call go to voicemail if you have this feature.
  
• Do not use the cell phone during hazardous conditions.
  
• Do not engage in distracting conversations.
  
• Pay attention to the road.
  
• Use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency.---JCG

We encourage readers to submit feedback or letters to the editor. Send your thoughts to editor at elliott@brack.net. We will edit for length and clarity. Make sure to include your name and city where you live. Submission of a comment grants permission to us to reprint. Please keep your comment to 200 words or less. However, if you write 500 words, we'll consider it for Today's Focus.

UPCOMING
Camp-out at Sims Park being planned for June 26 in Suwanee

An evening spent connecting with family and friends as well as nature…catching fireflies playing family games around a lake…star-gazing…roasting marshmallows around a campfire. If this sounds like your idea of a "wild" night, then the City of Suwanee's Great American Camp-out may be perfect for you.

On Saturday, June 26, the City of Suwanee invites area families to set up camp and spend the night in Sims Lake Park. Campers must reserve a site in advance and spaces are limited. Reservation forms are available at www.suwanee.com. The $25 campsite fee will be used to support the public art initiative, Suwanee SculpTour.

Camping begins at 7 p.m., with a light snack to be provided. Campsites are approximately 10 x 20. Campers are responsible for bringing their own tents, sleeping bags, drinks (non-alcoholic only), food, lanterns, flashlights, etc. Suwanee's Great American Camp-out is designed for families; all campers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Camp will break at 8 a.m. Sunday, June 27. No generators, motorized or pop-up campers, or individual campfires are allowed.

NOTABLE
Lilburn retired nurse wins Red Cross Magnussen Award

For more than 15 years, Jeanne Spears' life has been one disaster after another. Spears, a retired registered nurse and 14 year Red Cross volunteer, was honored this week as the recipient of the Ann Magnussen Nursing Award by the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the American Red Cross. She has made significant contributions to Disaster Health Services at the local and national level. Spears retired from Crawford and Company in Atlanta, working in their healthcare division.

Spears

Spears is the Red Cross' national liaison to the CDC. During large national disasters or a health crisis, she is activated to work in the CDC's Emergency Operations Center to coordinate Red Cross staffing throughout the country. Last summer, Spears was called in when the first case of the H1N1 virus was discovered in Mexico. Her job was to coordinate efforts with Red Cross national headquarters to ensure that safeguards were taken during any disaster response operations.

Through the CDC, Spears has participated in high-level national exercises that involved presidential cabinet members and heads of federal agencies. She also works with the CDC to streamline disaster-related statistical reporting that will allow real-time recommendations to improve response and recovery after a large-scale disaster.

When she's not at the CDC, Spears can often be found in Washington D.C. at American Red Cross headquarters. Spears' leadership and vision resulted in the first online national certification course in disaster nursing for Red Cross nurses, called Red Cross ReadyRN. The free course provides continuing education credits while training health professionals to be future volunteers for potential disasters. Since the course was implemented, more than 1,500 of the training modules have been completed.

UGA Lilburn student studies interaction between cultures

Hope Rogers of Lilburn is among 25 University of Georgia undergraduates who have been selected to participate in inquiry-based research projects this summer through the Honors Program's Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO).

Spears

The students were awarded 2010 CURO summer research fellowships. Rogers, a rising sophomore to major in English and linguistics, is studying under the guidance of English professor Jonathan Evans. Rogers' project is focused on exploring the real-world applications of the interactions between the various races and cultures depicted in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. After graduation, Rogers would like to pursue a career in academia, teaching English abroad.

RECOMMENDED RETREAT
Epworth-by-the-Sea, St. Simons Island

"Epworth By the Sea is a Christian conference and retreat center, and open to the public. It's located on the marsh side of the island,(i.e. the intracoastal waterway). It is scenic, spiritual, and beautiful, with its natural marsh surroundings. It's a great place to relax and escape. John and Charles Wesley, founders of Methodism in the late 1700's, lived and preached here.

"In addition to facilities used by Christian groups for conferences and retreats, there are several hotel accommodations within the property, with 223 rooms to be precise, from budget level (the Pitts Motel) to new first class resort level (the D. Abbott Turner Lodge), and even 12 family apartments. Our family has stayed there most economically many times for long weekends, relaxing, biking, strolling, feasting and generally enjoying all that the magnificent St. Simons Island and the Golden Isles of Georgia have to offer. For more info, call 912-638-8688, or visit www.epworthbythesea.org."

-- Ross Powell, Gwinnett County,

• 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
Georgia speleological survey maps, surveys caves

Most caves in Georgia are on private property, and their accessibility is commonly limited. As of October 2002, at least 23 Georgia caves in the Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia region were officially closed. Extensive vandalism has led to the erection of barriers at the entrances of some caves, such as Kingston Saltpeter Cave, which is the only cave in Georgia managed as a preserve by the National Speleological Society.

Several caves, including Ellison's Cave, are in the state-owned Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area west of LaFayette. In Cloudland Canyon State Park, Sitton's Cave is open to the public, but no tours are given, and the cave is very wet for much of the year. Although several caves have been commercialized in the past, Georgia's only commercial cave in operation in 2003 was Cave Spring Cave in the town of Cave Spring, southwest of Rome and about five miles from the Alabama state line. Cave Spring Cave has a length of 300 feet and a vertical extent of 30 feet.

The principal organization involved in mapping and documenting caves in Georgia is the Georgia Speleological Survey. Grottos, or local chapters, of the National Speleological Society in Georgia include the Athens Speleological Society, the Augusta Cave Masters, the Clayton County Cavers Grotto in Morrow, the Clock Tower Grotto in Rome, the Dogwood City Grotto in Atlanta, the Middle Georgia Grotto, and the Pigeon Mountain Grotto. The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, an organization incorporated in Walker County, seeks to acquire, manage, and conserve caves in the Southeast for scientific, educational, and recreational purposes. By 2003 it owned three preserves in Walker and Dade counties with a total of at least ten caves.

• Click here to access the Georgia Encyclopedia

CREDITS

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

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© 2010, Gwinnett Forum.com. Gwinnett Forum is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA.

TODAY'S QUOTE

Parkinson's: It's important to make that one step count

"So, sure, it may be one step forward and two steps back, but after a time with Parkinson's, I've learned that what is important is making that one step count."

-- Actor and author Michael J. Fox (1961 - ), via Cindy Evans, Duluth.

MORE EEB PERSPECTIVE

	8/17: Civility and society
	8/13: Good ole boys got pick
	8/10: GGC opens new facilities
	8/6: Sophisticated scam
	8/3: Howington celebrates
	7/30: Humor in books
	7/27: Runoff endorsements
	7/23: Looking beyond primaries
	7/20: What price freedom?
	7/16: Early voting concerns
	7/13: UGA headline-maker
	7/9: On Bannister incident
	7/6: On classic movies
	7/2: Malcolm Gwinnett
	EEB index of columns

MORE RECENT COMMENTARY

	8/17: Morrison: Artistic collaboration
	8/13: Pirello: Culinary center
	8/10: Mock: Sharing worthwhile
	8/6: Sherman: Opp zone
	8/3: Morrison: Brenau's plans
	7/30: Heaven: Federal tax info
	7/27: Nelems: Media surveys
	7/23: Urrutia: Fish vaccines
	7/20: Paul: Norcross group
	7/16: Stilo: Aurora's 15th season
	7/13: Jackson: PCOM's new school
	7/9: Jones: Energy audit
	7/6: Callina: Vacation rentals
	7/2: Williams: Gwinnett Place
	COMMENTARY INDEX

MODERN HISTORY OF GWINNETT

Interested in modern history involving Gwinnett? Go here to order this great book by Elliott Brack, or buy it at a local bookstore shown on the site.

The books are available at:

• Books for Less in downtown Snellville and Lawrenceville (Highway 20 near the Braves park);
• Labaire Pottery, downtown Norcross

FOR CHARITY

You can give "A Gift of Laughter," a great book of cartoons by Bill McLemore, to help raise money for Rainbow Village. At just $20, it's a fun way to help. To order, call 770-497-1888, or email to info@gwinnettforum.com.

ABOUT US

GwinnettForum.com is a twice-weekly online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA. Contact us today.

SISTER PUBLICATIONS

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Statehouse Report -- a weekly legislative forecast that keeps you a step ahead of what happens at the South Carolina Statehouse. It's free.

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