Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson was recently reappointed as chair of the Economic Development and Transportation Policy Committee for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia. The appointment was made by ACCG President and Dougherty County Commissioner Clinton Johnson.
Hendrickson says: “This is progress in action and it’s the result of collaboration, commitment and a deep belief in what’s possible when we work together. I’m proud to see our vision come to life in such a meaningful way.”
The Economic Development and Transportation Policy Committee is responsible for identifying innovative state, regional and local economic development policies and strategies that support sustained growth throughout Georgia. In addition to addressing tax and investment policy and workforce development, the committee also works toward building a comprehensive, interconnected multimodal transportation system that serves all parts of the state.
Souter, O’Conner win new terms on Lilburn CID board
Two Lilburn Community Improvement District board members have gained re-election for three year terms to its board. They are John Souter and Ed O’Conner.
Souter, a lifelong Lilburn resident, is a graduate of South Gwinnett High School and West Georgia College. He is the founder and CEO of Comet National Shipping Corp., and has been deeply involved in real estate investment and commercial property ownership throughout the Lilburn area. He is a member of the Gwinnett Rotary Club.
O’Connor, currently the vice chairman of the board, has been a key figure in Atlanta’s commercial real estate industry since 1996. He is a member of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors. O’Connor holds the prestigious Silver Phoenix Award from the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors, recognizing 25 years of Million Dollar Club membership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Illinois State University.
The LCID is comprised of commercial property owners within the district who invest in their community by paying additional property taxes to support enhancements in safety, transportation, infrastructure and landscaping. During the meeting, the board also voted to maintain the district’s self-imposed millage rate at 5 mills for the upcoming fiscal year.
College Intern Mix helps students build connections
More than 50 college interns convened recently at the Partnership Gwinnett Intern Mix to build professional connections and explore career opportunities in one of Metro Atlanta’s most dynamic communities. Sponsored by Primerica and PBK Architects of Sugar Hill, the annual event showcased Gwinnett’s commitment to cultivating its future workforce through strategic talent development.
This year’s Intern Mix brought together students from a range of industries for a high-energy evening of networking, employer recognition, and career-focused conversations. The event served as a critical touchpoint in Partnership Gwinnett’s broader workforce strategy, aiming to retain emerging talent and bolster the region’s economic vitality.
Bayleigh Kempainen, managing principal of PGK Architects of Sugar Hill, says: “We try to take every opportunity to support students, especially Gwinnett students, and we like programs like Intern Mix, and are glad to support it.”
Lisa Brown, Primerica chief people office, says: “At Primerica, we believe that investing in the development of young professionals benefits them individually but also contributes to the overall prosperity of our community. That’s why we sponsor events like Partnership Gwinnett’s Intern Mix, which aligns with our commitment to support the growth and success of the next generation.”
The event, aligned with Partnership Gwinnett’s larger talent initiatives, including the Talent Council, Workforce Forum, and the upcoming Workforce Summit collectively work to bridge the gap between employer needs and local talent development.
Signal is new security partner with Gwinnett Place
Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District announces a new partnership with Signal, a private sector security organization, to provide round-the-clock enhanced public safety coverage throughout Gwinnett’s central business district.
Signal provides uniformed officers, known as Gwinnett Place Ambassadors, who are visible daily throughout the district, assisting the public, supporting businesses and serving as a deterrent to criminal activity. The coverage is also enhanced with weekday patrols from CID staff. For the first time, GPCID can provide community patrols 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Trey Ragsdale, chair of the Gwinnett Place CID board of directors, says: “Our partnership with Signal enhances our public safety presence and allows us to offer continuous coverage throughout the district. Combined with our existing CID staff patrols, we now have dedicated personnel in the district 24/7, creating a safer and even more welcoming community.”
Although they are not law enforcement, Gwinnett Place Ambassadors serve as a community-based public safety resource. They regularly coordinate with the Gwinnett County Police Department to promote safety, maintain visibility and improve quality of life throughout the area.
Jeff Gilhooly, owner, Signal of Northeast Atlanta, says: “We’re proud to offer the peace of mind that comes from a strong collaboration like the one we share with Gwinnett Place CID. Our ambassadors will work in collaboration with GPCID’s patrols to help visitors, workers and residents alike feel more comfortable and secure.”
