Gwinnett Communities Now is an event to bring together community leaders from, HomeownAdd Posters Associations to apartment managers, community organization administrators, school administrators, and neighborhood leaders. There will be two meetings, on Wednesday, August 20 at Rhodes Jordan Park, and on Tuesday, September 16 at One Stop Centerville. Both meetings will be at 5 p.m. The Gwinnett Planning and Development Department is hosting the meetings.
County staff will be available to answer questions on upcoming initiatives and equip you with skills to build stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods in Gwinnett.
Check out the webpage below for more information, including links to register. Registration is not required to attend, but helpful for us to estimate attendance and plan effectively. The web page is: shttp://www.gwinnettcounty.com/communitiesnow.
Rowen Convergence Summit coming Oct. 13
The 2025 Rowen Convergence Summit will take place at the Woodruff Arts Center on Monday, October 13, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. This invitation comes from Mason Ailstock, president and CEO, of the Rowen Foundation.
This year’s theme, The Science of Art, explores how the intersection of creativity and scientific inquiry is opening new frontiers in health, the environment and innovation across disciplines.
The program will begin with a keynote conversation with Susan Magsamen (International Arts + Mind Lab, Johns Hopkins University) and Hala Moddelmog (Woodruff Arts Center) on the emerging field of neuro-aesthetics and the role of the arts in advancing well-being.
Featured Panels include:
- Health, Movement and Mind will explore how neuroscience, music and the arts are improving mental health, patient outcomes and workforce readiness.
- Climate and Food Systems will highlight how agriculture, conservation, and policy are responding to climate change through creative, cross-sector collaboration.
- Designing for Wellness will close the morning with insights from leaders integrating neuroscience and architecture to create environments that support human health.
Location: The Hill Auditorium at the Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree Street, Atlanta. Seating is limited. Register now to secure your spot!
County awards contracts for three new projects
Gwinnett County is continuing its investment in critical transportation projects to improve safety, reduce congestion and keep people moving across the County’s busy corridors.
The Board of Commissioners approved several contracts and agreements supporting widening, bridge replacement and intersection improvements recently.
Two items tied to the Stanley Road at Winder Highway improvement project received approval. This project, part of the Georgia Department of Transportation’s long-range plan to convert State Route 316 into a freeway, will relocate Stanley Road and add dedicated turn lanes at the intersection. A contract for $5.1 million went to ER Snell Contractor, Inc. of Snellville. The project is funded jointly by GDOT and the 2017 SPLOST program.
The County will replace the bridge over Drowning Creek on Drowning Creek Road. Georgia Bridge and Concrete, LLC of Tucker will lead both engineering and construction for the new bridge, which will replace the existing structure built in 1964. The project is funded at $2,280,688 through the 2023 SPLOST program.
Major intersection upgrades are coming to Steve Reynolds Boulevard. That includes a third southbound through lane at Satellite Boulevard, dual northbound left turn lanes at Venture Drive, a northbound right turn lane at Shackleford Road and triple southbound left turn lanes at Club Drive.
Traffic signal upgrades will also be included. The Board awarded the $1 million construction contract to Azimuth Contractors, LLC of Suwanee. The project is also funded through the 2023 SPLOST program.
GGC educates, yes, but fuels the Gwinnett economy, too
Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) isn’t just educating students—it’s fueling the economy.
According to the latest University System of Georgia (USG) economic impact study, GGC has generated more than $7 billion in cumulative economic impact since 2007.
In fiscal year 2024 alone, GGC contributed over $558 million to the economy of Gwinnett County and the Atlanta metro area, supporting 3,788 jobs—780 on campus and 3,008 in the community.
GGC President Dr. Jann L. Joseph says: “GGC is more than a place of learning — we are an engine of opportunity and innovation for our community. Every graduate who starts a career, every student who serves in the community, and every faculty and staff member who shares their expertise contributes to the vitality of Gwinnett County and beyond. This impact isn’t just measured in dollars — it’s measured in stronger families, thriving businesses, and a brighter future for Georgia.”
With more than 14,000 alumni living, working, and serving in Gwinnett County, across the state, and beyond, GGC continues to strengthen communities while preparing the next generation of leaders.
The annual report was commissioned by the University System of Georgia and conducted by the University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth at the Terry College of Business, analyzing data from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.
Gwinnett Chamber announces 2025 Moxie winners
Seven business women were recognized by the Gwinnett Chamber, as it hosted its eighth annual MOXIE Awards at the Gas South District.
More than 130 finalists were recognized. Winners included:
- Influence Award: Carla Carraway, Precision Planning, Inc.;
- Greater Good Award: Linda Schoepf, ABS/LMS Franchising Little Caesars;
- Enlightened Employer Award: Spherion Greater Atlanta (Aysha Abdullatif, Co-Owner);
- Outstanding Organization: About Face Skin Care (Chrissy Thomas, Owner);
- On the Rise Award: Billqeece Naqawe, City of Suwanee;
- Pay It Forward Award: Joy Monroe, Single Parent Alliance & Resource Center; and
- Moxie Award: Audra Cunningham, ACRE Consultants.
The prpgram featured emcee Allona Lane Cross, Executive Director of the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity and recipient of the 2024 Moxie Award. The event also included a fireside chat with newly appointed Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes, formerly the president of the Albany Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Kim Hartsock, Gwinnett Chamber Board chair-elect, hosted the discussion.
The MOXIE Awards are part of the Chamber’s ongoing initiatives to support women in business through recognition, networking, and leadership development.
