Guide to Gwinnett: Business & Economic Development

Gwinnett County has an enviable business climate and has long been known as a great place to do business. Strong governmental and private leadership, a skilled and growing workforce, and an outstanding school system and higher-education options combined are just a few of the reasons that Gwinnett is home to Fortune 500 companies and thriving small businesses alike. Gwinnett is an expanding hub for technology, bioscience and manufacturing companies, and fosters entrepreneurism.Gwinnett County has an enviable business climate and has long been known as a great place to do business. Strong governmental and private leadership, a skilled and growing workforce, and an outstanding school system and higher-education options combined are just a few of the reasons that Gwinnett is home to Fortune 500 companies and thriving small businesses alike. Gwinnett is an expanding hub for technology, bioscience and manufacturing companies, and fosters entrepreneurism.

The county’s government and business leaders are committed to ensuring economic growth and high quality job opportunities for residents, and seek to make Gwinnett County a leader in investment and job creation in the metro area. Coupled with the efforts of 16 municipalities, Gwinnett is a visionary community focused on quality of life and a strong economy.

The Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce
The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce serves the business community as the area’s largest business advocacy organization, working to strengthen existing businesses, facilitate the growth of quality job opportunities, and enrich the community’s quality of life. The chamber provides services, programs and networking opportunities to more than 2,000 members while also advancing economic development in the region.

Partnership Gwinnett
Partnership Gwinnett, a community and economic development initiative, is a public-private effort dedicated to bringing new jobs and capital investment to Gwinnett County. As the county’s main economic development arm, Partnership Gwinnett is supported by over one hundred companies, municipalities, Gwinnett County Government, K-12 and higher education systems. Launched in 2007, Partnership Gwinnett works to advance Gwinnett as an inclusive community where businesses thrive and residents maximize their potential through world-class schools, opportunities for life-long learning, a vibrant economy, diverse partnerships and a superior quality of life.
The initiative works to recruit and expand targeted industries which include technology, health sciences and services, advanced manufacturing, supply chain management, and the corporate headquarters sector.

Gwinnett County Launches Economic Development Team

Top of page: L-R, Mark Farmer, Shantell Wilson, Roman Dakare

For decades now, Gwinnett County has been among the fastest growing counties in the state and even the nation. The dramatic growth that began in the 1970s has been sustained at enviable levels, fueled by an outstanding educational system, affordable housing and cost of living, and an impressive list of quality of life features that include an award-wining parks system and thriving arts, entertainment and sports options.

Taken together, it’s no surprise that Gwinnett gets top marks on every conceivable live, work and play measurement.

Essential to that formula is a progressive and supportive business climate – for companies of all sizes – and Gwinnett County Government leaders are committed to ensuring that our business climate has a positive forecast. Earlier this year, the county launched a new Office of Economic Development with a singular mission.

“The new Office of Economic Development has been assembled to engage directly with existing and prospective businesses to make certain that county government is working alongside them to ensure their success. This initiative places local government directly into the community, doing what it can to partner with small, medium and large businesses to create the kind of positive business climate that fosters prosperity and job growth,” says County Administrator Glenn Stephens.

“It’s about making Gwinnett County the best place to do business, and that benefits every person who lives, works or visits here,” he adds.

The office includes three Economic Development Managers, all with prior economic development experience within the county. Each manager will focus on a different aspect of a comprehensive strategy to attract and retain business and industry.

Mark Farmer will concentrate on Emerging Markets, including entrepreneurship and small business as well as the technology and innovation business sectors.
Shantell Wilson will prioritize Strategic Clusters, including manufacturing, supply chain management, healthcare and life sciences, and professional and corporate services.
Roman Dakare will manage Global Commerce and Economic Analysis, including global outreach, research and redevelopment.

However, every member of the team will have one shared goal, says Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash. “A primary focus for the team is small business. Small businesses are important because they create most of the jobs in the U.S., and the same holds true locally here in Gwinnett County.”

Community Improvement Districts
Gwinnett now has five Community Improvement Districts (CID) — Evermore, Gwinnett Village, Gwinnett Place, Lilburn and Sugarloaf . CIDs are created to improve business development opportunities and enhance property values by developing and promoting coordinated transportation and community character improvements to benefit property owners, business owners, and residents in their specific district. Essentially, property owners in a defined area voluntarily tax themselves in order to fund improvements within the district’s boundaries.

DID YOU KNOW?
Gwinnett has more than 26,000 businesses, 600 of which are internationally based.

Business & Networking Organizations
There is a wealth of information and resources available to business people in Gwinnett. One of the most valuable ways to grow your business is to meet, talk and network with other business owners and managers. We’ve gathered a list of some of the most active groups in the area that can provide that opportunity.

Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce
770-232-3000
gwinnettchamber.org

Buford Business Alliance
visitbuford.com

Dacula Business Association
678-334-5139
daculabusinessassociation.com

Duluth Merchants Association
770-495-8900
duluthmerchants.com

Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce
678-231-6341
eastsidechamber.com

Gwinnett Association of Business Entrepreneurs
404-414-6131
meetup.com/GABENetwork

Gwinnett Young Professionals
678-584-2252
gwinnettyoungprofessionals.com

Gwinnett Leadership Organization for Women
678-957-4958
glowgwinnett.com

Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce
770-495-0545
johnscreekchamber.com

Lawrenceville Tourism & Trade
678-226-2639
visitlawrenceville.com

Lilburn Business Association
LilburnBusinessAssoc@gmail.com
lilburnbusiness.org

North Georgia Business Connection
northgeorgiabusinessconnection.com