NOTE: Voting for the 2007 Best of Gwinnett has ended. Plase visit gwinnettmagazine.com again in January to start voting for 2008!
By Belinda Sawyer
It's our annual list of the Best of Gwinnett! If you'd like to know where to go and what to do in the best county in Georgia, read on. You'll find the best place to eat and the best place to work off those calories. We'll tell you the best place to buy a car, and the best place to have it repaired. Love in the air? Check the list for the best jeweler, most romantic place to pop the question, and the best place to have the wedding. Our readers have opinions on just about everything - from perennial favorites to those just beginning to generate a buzz. It's the 2006 Best of Gwinnett, so take note!
 At home in Gwinnett
Atlanta leads the nation in new home starts, and Gwinnett leads the metro area. When assessed in 2000, statistics showed more than three-quarters of Gwinnett's homes had been built since 1980 - nearly half were constructed in the '90s. And we're still growing!
Best Homebuilder
Who's building the homes we love to live in? Readers recommend Bowen Family Homes, Richardson Housing Group and Winmark Homes as top quality builders. Touchstone Homes, Storey Residential Properties and Monte Hewett Homes are also favorites for people looking to build their dream homes.
Best Realtor
Whether you're buying or selling a home, a good realtor is invaluable. To help them secure the best possible price for a home, our readers trust Re/Max, along with Keller Williams Realty and Peggy Slappey Properties.
Best Interior Decorator
 Contemporary or traditional? Sleek and spare, or cottage style? Whatever your taste, an interior designer can help you show it off to the best advantage in your home. Gwinnett's favorites are Bobby Sikes Fine Art & Design, Ambiance Interiors and Angela Cain Interiors (Nouveaute).
Best Furniture Store
Brownlee's and Pottery Barn head the list of places to go when you're furnishing your home. Pier 1 has lots of fans, and Target gets a nod as well. Finally, we know it's not in Gwinnett, but when searching for that perfect sofa, lots of our readers like to head into downtown Atlanta for a visit to IKEA.
Best Landscaping Firm
Gwinnett is known for its lush lawns and beautiful gardens. Pike Family Nurseries plays a big role in many of these, providing everything from soil and grass seed to lovely plants and landscape design. Precision Lawn Care is another name known for keeping Gwinnett's yards lovely and well-manicured. Unlimited Landscaping & Turf Management is noted for residential work as well as commercial. Other favorite commercial landscapers include Russell Landscape Group and Imagescapes.
Best Neighborhood
 So where's the best place to live in Gwinnett? We got answers from around the county. In Lawrenceville, the preferred addresses are in Knollwood Lakes and The Villages at Huntcrest. In Suwanee, Morningview and The River Club are the hot spots. Duluth's Sugarloaf Country Club is a perennial favorite, as is Chateau Elan in Braselton. Hamilton Mill in Dacula and Hidden Falls in Buford round out our list.
Best Apartment Community
If you're not ready to make the move to home owner, but still want a classy and comfortable place to call home, we've got some suggestions for you. Our readers recommend The Reserve at Sugarloaf, 5375 Sugarloaf, and Post Properties as the best apartment communities. Two AMLI properties made the list, AMLI at McGinnis Ferry and AMLI at Mill Creek. Also named were Oakmont at Suwanee Station, Lake Sweetwater and The Madison at River Sound.
 A pleasure doing business with you
Gwinnett County added nearly 10,000 new jobs in 2005. Manufacturing grew more than 7 percent, while retail and service industries also had a boost. Healthcare, government, construction and professional services showed gains as well. Every year, more people discover that Gwinnett is a great place to live, work and do business!
Best Employer
Our search for Gwinnett's Best Employer brought us answers ranging from finance to fast food, high tech to homebuilding. Readers love going to work at The Brand Banking Company, Gwinnett County Public Schools and The Arena at Gwinnett Center. Chick-fil-A, Bowen Family Homes and Scientific America also rank high, as does Primerica Financial Services.
Best Business Address
We know Gwinnett's great for business, but what's the best address to have on your company letterhead? Favorites among our business-minded readers include Sugarloaf at Huntcrest, Gwinnett Commerce Center, Technology Park, Crestwood Office Park, Sugarloaf Corporate Center, Suwanee Station and The Business Park at Sugarloaf. Others note that if your address includes Sugarloaf Parkway, Satellite Boulevard at Gwinnett Place or Lawrenceville, you're in the zone.
Best Accounting Firm
Our readers are very loyal to their accountants. This year's list is nearly identical to last. The returning favorites are Moore, Stephens Tiller LLC; Grace Williams CPA, BA & Associates; Rhodes, Young, Black & Duncan; and Westbrook, McGrath, Bridges, Orth and Bray CPA.
Best Bank
 Internet banking, personal banking, commercial banking, loans and investments. Customers expect a wide range of services from their banks, and our readers let us know who delivers. They say the best banks in Gwinnett include The Brand Banking Company, First Bank of the South, Gwinnett Community Bank, Quantum National Bank and the Bank of North Georgia. Also on the list are Peoples Bank and Trust and Bank of America.
Best Law Firm
For expert legal representation, our readers recommend the firms of Chandler, Britt, Jay & Beck, LLC, Koehler & Riddick, Thompson and Sweeney, and Andersen, Tate & Carr. Also on the list are Webb, Tanner, Powell, Mertz & Wilson, LLP; Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP; Speed & Seta, LLC, and McKenna Long & Aldridge, LLP.
Best Staffing Agency
 Whether you're looking to boost your staff for a brief time or add permanent employees, Gwinnett's staffing agencies are standing by to help. Our readers say the best choices are Snelling Personnel Services, Staffing Resources, Randstad Staffing, Express Personnel and Ablest Staffing Services
Best Business Insurance Agency
Business owners who are looking for the best insurance for their employees will want to take note of these names: McCart Insurance, E2E Resources and Anderson Insurance. Our readers name these three as the best places to buy business insurance.
Best Customer Service
Which Gwinnett businesses are the best at being attentive and responsive to their customers? Our readers say The Brand Banking Company and Nordstrom treat their customers right. They also like the fast, friendly service at Chick-fil-A, QuikTrip and Starbucks.
Best Place for a Business Meeting or Retreat
Sometimes you need to get your team off-site to get them on-task. The Payne-Corley House, The 1818 Club, Chateau Elan Hotels & Resorts, Carl House and The Busbee Center top our readers' list of favorite places to get down to business. Marriott Gwinnett Place, Gwinnett Center, Evergreen at Stone Mountain and Emerald Pointe Resort & Conference Center also come highly recommended.
Best Power Lunch
 When it takes a meal to seal the deal, take your pick from this list of Gwinnett's favorite power lunch spots. As always, the Rexall Grill and The 1818 Club lead the pack. Lil' River Grill, Grapevine Restaurant, California Dreaming, Olde Towne Tavern & Grille and Sugarloaf Country Club are also on the menu.
Best Hotel
You'll be showing your out of town guests the very best of Gwinnett when you make their reservations at Chateau Elan Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Atlanta Northeast or Hilton Garden Inn at Sugarloaf. Readers also love the luxury at Marriott Gwinnett Place and Emerald Pointe Resort & Conference Center.
Best Golf Course
Want to get to know your new client over a friendly foursome of golf? If you really want to impress him...or her, reserve a tee time at Chateau Elan Hotels & Resorts, Hamilton Mill, Bear's Best Golf Club, Emerald Pointe Resort & Conference Center or the Tournament Players Club at Sugarloaf.
 A taste of Gwinnett
Eating out is the new eating in, analysts say. The National Restaurant Association says that in 2006, Americans will spend more than a half-trillion dollars on restaurant meals. If you'd like someone else to handle the kitchen duties tonight, here are some delicious suggestions.
Best Barbecue
In Georgia, barbecue is considered one of the basic food groups. When our readers are hungry for ribs or pulled pork, they head to Spiced Right, Smokey Bones, Log Cabin BBQ or Shane's Rib Shack. Other favorites include Dillard's Barbeque, J.R.'s Log House, A & J Tasty Pig and Buford's Old McDonald's Bar-B-Que.
Best Pizza
 Pizza isn't just food, it's a party on a plate. Hand tossed or deep dish, smothered with the works or just slathered with cheese, you can find your favorite pies at Mellow Mushroom, BiBa's Italian Restaurant or Pepperoni's Tavern. Cooley's Pizza and Cosmo's Original Little Italy Pizza also rated raves.
Best Seafood
Nutritional experts recommend that you eat fish twice a week. It's high in protein, low in fat and loaded with good-for-you omega-3 fatty acids. So who's cooking up superb seafood in Gwinnett? Third Coast Grille, Bahama Breeze and Joe's Crab Shack reeled in the votes, as did Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and Old Mill House Restaurant.
Best Sushi
What began as a food preservation technique 1300 years ago has evolved into an exotic and colorful culinary art. Gwinnett loves sushi; you proved that by voting in seven strong favorites! Ninja Steakhouse, Orient Garden, Yamato Japanese Steakhouse and Chin Chin VII return to the list, joined by Momoya, Sake Gura and Nagoya.
Best Chinese Food
There's a philosophical element to Chinese cuisine, an attention to the balance of textures and flavors that mirrors the concept of yin and yang that flows through Chinese culture. For dishes in delicious harmony, readers suggest PF Chang's China Bistro, Chin Chin VII, Mah Jong and Orient Garden.
 Best Mexican Food
From Mex-Mex to Tex-Mex and beyond, Gwinnett has the spicy tastes you love. Frontera Mex-Mex Grill, La Cazuela and Monterrey Mexican Restaurant earned top marks, as did El Torrero Mexican Restaurant and Taqueria Los Hermanos.
Best Cup of Coffee
From early in the morning to late in the night, coffee is a favorite drink all across Gwinnett. So where do we go for jolts of joe? Mike's Coffee Shop in Suwanee, Cafe Stella and Coffee, Coffee, Coffee are top picks. Fresh pots are always brewing at Starbucks, The Coffee House, Flying Saucer Retro Cafe and Northern Star Coffeehouse. Many readers also recommend filling your travel cup at QT.
Best Supermarket
When the pantry is bare, where do you go? Some of our readers head for Publix or Kroger. Others recommend the offerings at The Fresh Market and Whole Foods. The international fare at Assi Plaza has earned lots of loyal shoppers as well.
Stepping out
From the hottest concert tickets to the hippest happy hour, we've got the low down for your next night on the town.
 Best Happy Hour
Bahama Breeze and the Loafing Leprechaun are two of Gwinnett's hottest spots for winding down after a tough day at work. Readers also enjoy hoisting a brew or two at Lil' River Grill, Sia's Restaurant and Old Towne Tavern.
Best Sports Bar
Who's got the best screens, coldest drinks and tastiest food for watching the big game? Taco Mac, Beef O'Brady's and Wild Wing Cafe lead the pack. Also scoring big were Digger's Sports Grill, Jeffrey's Sports Bar & Grill and Sidelines Bar & Grille.
Best Concert Venue
Atlanta might be known as a hot spot for concerts, but you don't have to cross the county line anymore to hear the top acts. The Arena at Gwinnett Center, with its fabulous acoustics, is a fantastic place to hear your favorite bands. Last year's concerts ran the gamut from Vince Gill to the Blue Man Group, with some Wiggles and Red Hot Chili Peppers thrown in for good measure. If you prefer music under the stars, spread a blanket in Suwanee Town Center Park. Readers also recommend the live music Wednesdays through Saturdays at 37 Main in Buford.
Best Movie Theater
When our readers head out for a night at the movies, they prefer theaters with stadium seating, digital sound, automated ticketing and fresh popcorn. AMC Colonial 18 and AMC 18 Discover Mills are big stars, along with the Regal Cinemas at Mall of Georgia.
 Looking good!
When you want to look your best, check out the companies on our list. You'll be stylin' in no time!
Best Hairdresser
Nothing affects your mood like a bad hair day. The cure? A hot new look from the stylists at RAIN The Salon, Salon 124 or Jestin Lamar's Haute Heads. Our readers also love The Artisan Gathering and the trendy cuts at Studio 93.
Best Dry Cleaner
Everyone needs a good dry cleaner who doesn't lose your buttons and knows how you like your shirts starched. For keeping your clothes looking their best, our readers recommend Executive Cleaners, Elan Cleaners and Ritz Cleaners. If you prefer the convenience of home pick-up and delivery, Dry Cleaning to Your Door is for you.
 Best Clothing Store for Women
When they want the latest in women's fashions, readers head for Montage Gifts & Boutique, Uptown Girl Boutique, Nordstrom and Talbot's. And of course, no shopping spree can be complete without a stop in Ann Taylor, Parisian and Stein Mart.
Best Clothing Store for Men
Men may tell you they don't like to shop, but they certainly know who carries the clothes they like to wear. Nordstrom, Brooks Brothers, Jos. A. Bank and H. Stockton lead the list. Other recommendations include Belk at Mall of Georgia, Banana Republic and Men's Wearhouse.
Best Workout
If you want to look good in those new clothes, you're going to need to work out (particularly if you're working your way through our list of best restaurants!). So where's the best place to tone your bod? Readers suggest BodyPlex Fitness Adventure, LA Fitness and Bodyrich Fitness Co. and Gold's Gym in Buford scored high in the voting, and lots of women preferred the girls-only atmosphere at Curves.
 Best Tanning Salon
Show off that fit figure with a year 'round tan from Outback Tanning, Hollywood Tans or Sun City Tanning, Tango's and Classy Nails & Tan also offer the latest in tanning technology.
Best Spa
When you really want to indulge yourself, there's no substitute for a day at the spa. Spa Sydell and Patrick's Day Spa of Atlanta all rank highly with our readers, as does Chateau Elan. We definitely think you should try them all and choose your own favorite.
Shopper's paradise!
 When you're in need of a little retail therapy, Gwinnett is the place to be. From upscale shopping to bargain browsing, you'll find it all right here.
Best Mall
Where to begin? There are so many great places to shop in Gwinnett. Our readers put Mall of Georgia, The Forum and The Avenue Webb Gin at the top of their shopping lists. Discover Mills and Gwinnett Place Mall are favorite destinations as well.
Best Place to Buy a Computer
When you're in the market for a computer, you want a good selection and competent salespeople who can help you choose technology that won't be obsolete by the time you get home. Readers recommend Fry's Electronics, Vision Computers, MicroCenter and Dell.com for your computer purchase. If you're sure what you want and don't need assistance, Costco Wholesale has some great deals.
Love is in the air
There are hundreds of weddings every year in Gwinnett. Since everyone likes to offer couples advice on how to manage the blessed occasion, our readers were eager to get into the act, too.
Best Restaurant for Romance
 For a dinner with that special someone, you want just the right atmosphere. Readers recommend the casual elegance of Stoney River (and of course the legendary steaks!) or perhaps the charming contemporary ambiance of Sia's Restaurant, Sperata, Aqua Terra Bistro and The Melting Pot would all be lovely places to share an intimate dinner and pop the question.
Best Jeweler
Jewelry is the perfect gift to commemorate any occasion. You want to buy from a jeweler who has a great selection and can educate you about the quality of the piece you're buying. And when you're choosing a wedding set, you want something that can be worn proudly for a lifetime. Tara Fine Jewelry, Guven's Fine Jewelry, Barron's Fine Jewelry and Van Adams Jewelers have all earned excellent reputations in Gwinnett. Shane Co. and A&J Jewelers are also top choices.
Best Florist
Flowers are a big part of any wedding day, but just a posy or two can make any day feel special. Readers love the artful arrangements from Still Lake Nursery, A Daisy a Day, Flowers of Giverny, Huff's Flowers and Kabloom. Also recommended are the bundles of fresh flowers from Publix and Whole Foods Market.
 Best Place for a Wedding
Gwinnett has so many romantic and picturesque settings for a wedding, it's hard to choose just a few. Vines Botanical Gardens and Little Gardens Restaurant and Lounge are popular, as are Chateau Elan Hotels & Resorts, Payne-Corley House, Carl House and Bona Allen Mansion. The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse makes a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony, and readers also recommend the Riverboat at Stone Mountain Park.
Best Photographer
For portraits you'll be proud to show off forever, our readers chose Martin Photography and Helmuth Photography, along with Barfield Legacy Photography and Allison & Company Photography.
Cars & Drivers
 Gwinnettians have a love affair with their automobiles, so much so that a dozen names made the Best Auto Dealers list! Who are they? Read on ...
Best Auto Dealer
Wow, this category really ignited our readers! The response to this question was huge, and each of the following 12 dealers emerged with more than enough votes to qualify as one of Gwinnett's Best: CarMax, Hayes Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Toyota Mall of Georgia, Lou Sobh, Atlanta Classic Cars, United BMW, Hennessy Lexus of Gwinnett, Bill Heard Chevrolet, Gwinnett Place Chevrolet, Jim Ellis Porsche, Honda Mall of Georgia and Team Ford.
Best Auto Mechanic
There was a lot of consensus about where to have your car maintained and repaired once you've made the purchase. Wolfgang's Import Service, Atlanta Classic Cars and Hayes Chrysler Dodge Jeep have earned our readers' trust for reliable service, as has Toyota Mall of Georgia.
 Best Car Wash
You've got that beautiful new car, and it's running perfectly. Who do you head to keep it clean? Our readers pick Carnett's and Four Seasons Auto Wash & Express Lube, as well as D'Best Car Wash & Lube in Suwanee and Mill Creek Car Wash in Buford.
See and be seen
Where are the best places to meet and mingle in Gwinnett? Our readers have a few suggestions.
Best Place for People Watching
When you're in the mood for watching the world go by, few places can beat a mall. Many readers rank Mall of Georgia and Discover Mills as tops in amusement value for people watching. Others like the view from Wild Bill's and in any Gwinnett area Wal-Mart.
 Best Artistic/Cultural Scene
Every fan of the arts in Gwinnett knows to mark the calendar each year for Suwanee's Arts in the Park in June. The Aurora Theatre and the Hudgens Center for the Arts are favorite artistic venues, and our readers make frequent visits to the artists' colony in Downtown Buford.
Best Social or Charity Event
Gwinnettians can always be counted on to rally together for a good cause. The turnout at Relay for Life is a good example. Other favorite events include the BellSouth Classic, the Hi Hope Gala Ball, the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction and Annandale's Jazzy Thing. United Way Women's Legacy and the Friends Charity Tennis Tournament are eagerly anticipated, and Great Days of Service always brings out a crowd of willing workers.
 Family matters
Nearly half of Gwinnett's households are made up of families with children. Here, our readers share their favorite family friendly businesses and activities.
Best Child-Friendly Restaurant
Dining out with your kids really can be fun, when you choose a place with a family-oriented atmosphere such as Frontera Mex-Mex Grill or Joe's Crab Shack. Lots of readers voted for that perennial kid favorite, Chuck E. Cheese, or the more grown-up version, Jillian's. Chick-fil-A gets the nod as the fast food of choice.
Best Family Fun
Where should you go when you have the kids in tow? Our readers suggest Yellow River Game Ranch, Lake Lanier Waterpark, Callaway Gardens or Bogan Park for outdoor fun. Stone Mountain Park gets lots of votes, particularly if you hang around until dark for the Laser Show. Chuck E. Cheese and Jillian's game room get the nod for indoor antics, or you could bounce, climb and slide on the giant inflatables at Jump Zone, Jumping Party and Monkey Joe's. The Gwinnett County Public Libraries and Gwinnett County Fair are not to be missed, and Mall of Georgia is another child-friendly favorite. The Georgia Aquarium is well worth the trip, and Gwinnett Gladiators games are fun for the entire family.
Best Local Festival
 The area's local festivals make fun family fare. Gwinnett Glows, the annual Fourth of July celebration at the Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center, always draws a happy crowd. Stone Mountain's Yellow Daisy Festival is a southern tradition, and it can't be fall until the Duluth Fall Festival proclaims the season. Suwanee Day is another county favorite, as is the Gwinnett County Fair.
Best Park
Gwinnett has one of the largest park and greenspace programs organized by a single county in Georgia history. We love our parks, all 8,000 acres of them. Our favorites are Tribble Mill Park, Mountain Park Park and Little Mulberry Park. Readers love the year-round aquatic center and sports complex at Bogan Park, and everyone likes to play in "Suwanee's front yard," Suwanee Town Center Park. Stone Mountain Park is a great destination, too.
Best Summer Activity
Where do we go when it's hot outside? Why, our readers say the beach of course, but if you can't get away there's always the beach at Lake Lanier Islands. When they're not keeping cool in the water, readers suggest taking in an Atlanta Braves game or making a trip to Six Flags Over Georgia.
Best Clothing Store for Children
 When it comes to outfitting their kids, many parents are looking for a store that combines junior's sense of style with mom's sense of budget. Readers tell us that Old Navy, Gap Kids and The Children's Place fit the bill, with fashions that appeal to kids and parents alike. Target also gets high marks. If designer names for your tot are what you're after, then a trip to Hansel & Gretel Children's Boutique is in order.
Best School Field Trip
Everybody loves a field trip, particularly when the destination is The Georgia Aquarium, Fernbank Museum of Natural History or Mayfield Dairy. Feeding the animals at Yellow River Game Ranch is another favorite. Kids also like the behind the scenes look at Publix and no Georgian's education could be complete without an in-depth understanding of the making of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
Best Childcare
Who makes the grade when it comes to watching over our children? Readers recommend Kids R Kids, Primrose Schools and Legacy Academy. Also ranked highly were Discovery Point and KinderCare Learning Center.
Our animal friends
Did you know pet owners have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, fewer headaches, better digestion and fewer problems with insomnia? Pets can help guard against depression and improve your self esteem. Chewed shoes? Hey, you wanted an excuse to buy some new ones! Our pets do so much for us, here are some suggestions for taking care of them.
 Best Veterinarian
If your pet could speak, he'd ask to go to Gwinnett Animal Clinic, Sugar Hill Animal Hospital or Suwanee Animal Hospital for his annual check up. Duluth Animal Hospital treats feathered and scaly pets as well as furry friends of all sizes. Falcon Village Animal Hospital has a special program for geriatric dogs and cats.
Best Place to Board a Pet
People get vacations. Pets deserve one, too. Best Friends Pet Resort and Gwinnett Animal Clinic are great places to pamper your pooch when you're out of town. Carrie's Canine Camp & Cuts and Indian Shoals Pet Resort are also highly recommended. Clients of Pets are People Too gave them high marks for the boarding care provided to pets that need round the clock medical attention.
 Home is where the heart is
There are so many things to love about living in Gwinnett. Our readers tell us about a few that are dear to them.
Best Downtown
Across Gwinnett, cities have embraced the idea of downtown development. Whether revitalizing an existing square or creating a new town center, the development of distinctive downtown areas has given residents somewhere to gather, boast about and have fun. Historic Lawrenceville and downtown Buford are favorites, along with Suwanee's Town Center, downtown Duluth and downtown Norcross.
Best Local Charity
Gwinnett residents can be counted on to support good causes with their hearts, hands and pocketbooks. Readers tell us their favorite charities are Relay for Life, the Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, the Gwinnett Children's Shelter and Georgia Right to Life. They also support Creative Enterprises' efforts to help the disabled obtain job training and employment, and regularly give to the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Goodwill and the Gwinnett Humane Society.
Best High School Sport
 A category Best High School Team might have started a small war, but on general sports preferences Gwinnett's pretty much in agreement. When it comes to watching our kids play, we love to watch football, baseball, basketball and soccer.
Favorite Elected Official
Responses rolled in for this category! Gwinnett residents are proud of their elected officials, with good reason. Suwanee Mayor Nick Masino once again heads the list, along with Louise Radloff, State Senator Don Balfour, Representative Brooks Coleman and Tax Commissioner Katherine Sherrington. Readers also like Congressman John Linder and Governor Sonny Perdue.
Your health
From minor aches and pains to major surgery, we trust physicians to make us well, and many of the very best practice in Gwinnett. Multiple campuses make the Gwinnett Health System convenient for residents throughout the county. The Emory Healthcare System also has a presence via Emory Eastside Medical Center. Even with so many great options, some individuals and practices stand out as reader favorites.
Best Pediatrician
There's nothing quite like the bond between a new parent and the pediatrician. They may not promise painless shots or good-tasting medicine, but Pediatric Associates of Lawrenceville and Gwinnett Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine are two of the top choices according to our readers. Lawrenceville Pediatrics, Snellville Pediatrics and Mill Creek Pediatrics also get a thumbs-up from patients and parents alike.
Best Physician/Practice
Families are big in Gwinnett, so it's not surprising that obstetricians and family practices top our "best of" list for physicians. Readers voted for Maternal Gynerations, Lawrenceville Family Practice and Mason Primary Care as their favorites practices. Individual physicians topping the list are Maria Schiaffino, M.D. and Denise Pecht, M.D.
Best Dental Practice
Dentistry today is so much more than a twice-a-year cleaning and the occasional filling. Reshaping, bonding, veneers, laser dentistry, bleaching and bone grafting are just a few of the services dentists provide. So who keeps your pearly whites shiny and clean? Our readers named Suwanee Family Dentistry, Suwanee Dental Care and Magnolia Dentistry as their favorite dental practices. For individual dentists, readers give the crowns to Dr. Bruce Carter and Dr. Ashley Curington.
Best Chiropractor
Chiropractors use a drug-free, hands-on technique to relieve neuromuscularskeletal problems such as back pain, neck pain and headaches. A simple manipulation can strengthen the body and correct skeletal misalignment. Our readers prefer to be adjusted by Sirisky Wellness Center, Dr. Kris Purvis, Dr. Lorraine Gravante.
Jo Ann Pinder -
Woman of the Year
Public service by profession and choice
 Public service is the ultimate guidepost for Jo Ann Pinder, a family value instilled in Gwinnett Magazine's 2006 Woman of the Year by her parents at an early age. "I was taught that you should give back whenever you can. I picked a profession that allowed me to do that."
As the executive director of the Gwinnett County Public Library (GCPL) for 15 years, Pinder operated with clear direction and a commitment to the belief that "a library should serve from cradle to grave." During her tenure, the GCPL was named the 2000 Library of the Year by the Library Journal, instituting a host of customer-focused changes that made the Gwinnett library system one that leaders from other areas envy - and local patrons embrace and enjoy.
Busy families and on-deadline students now flock to Gwinnett libraries on Sundays or access Virtualville, the library's virtual branch that provides 24/7 access to library data bases and other resources. Both enhancements were Pinder priorities.
Pinder's commitment to service is widely known. "I'm struck by her deep-felt commitment to the community at so many levels," relates Marina Peed, Executive Director of The IMPACT! Group, who worked with Pinder on many Gwinnett County League of Women Voters educational projects. "Jo Ann's great legacy is as a Gwinnett wo-man who makes a real difference.
"She goes above and beyond in all she does," believes Peed. "She's a gifted individual and a gift to the community."
Pinder's roster of community activities continues to grow. A past president of the League of Women Voters, Pinder has just been named to the board of the American Cancer Society's local unit and is also a board member of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful.
"Jo Ann is such a great leader and like all great leaders, works to build leadership in others," notes Brett Taylor, founder of Advanced Computing Technologies. "Her accomplishments with the library are well known. Not as well known, but perhaps equally important, is her work with organizations such as Leadership Gwinnett."
Taylor also applauds Pinder's drive to educate the county's youngest readers - even those that haven't yet started. "She took the library to the kids, with programs like Gwinnett Reads, tons of children's activities and even book mobiles that visit daycare centers. She helped to further education at a very young age ... and education always starts with reading."
Pinder's track record in Gwinnett has also earned her the attention and respect of her peers. A former president of the Public Library Association, Pinder has been asked to run for the office of treasurer of the American Library Association, continuing her tradition of service to the profession. And what tops a librarian's reading list? For Jo Ann Pinder, it's mysteries - with a current inclination for Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series. Her favorite genre is fiction and she keeps more than one book going at a time, plus a book on tape for the car. Her quick picks for Gwinnett Magazine readers? Vicki Constantine Croke's
The Lady and the Panda - "Fascinating" - and Mitch Albom's For One More Day - "Fast."
Emory Morsberger -
Man of the Year
Gwinnett's visionary redeveloper has progress in his sights
 Superlative-wise, Emory Morsberger is branching out. His trademark "incredible" now shares conversation space with "phenomenal," "magnificent" and "massive." That's the kind of year it has been for Gwinnett Magazine's 2006 Man of the Year.
Morsberger is the driving force behind several major Gwinnett development and redevelopment projects and is recognized as a key architect in shaping the Gwinnett County of the future.
Forging ahead, though, is best done with a mindful eye on the past, believes the CEO of the Morsberger Group. Guided by lessons learned as a history major at Emory University, Morsberger is committed to preserving historical buildings and architecture whenever possible, a "buy and restore" approach strongly evident in his downtown Lawrenceville projects.
The renaissance underway on and around the Lawrenceville courthouse square is arguably Morsberger's most visible project and rates a positive report card from residents, visitors and its un-abashedly enthusiastic developer.
"The revitalization of Lawrence-ville is going incredibly," Morsberger says. "We have restaurants that are full most nights, great shops, a parking deck under construction, the Aurora Theatre ... under construction, and a plan for loft and condo living underway.
"It's massive how far Lawrenceville has come," Morsberger says. And yet this self-described "visionary redeveloper" has much more in mind for the county seat. "Lawrenceville will be larger than Decatur. We will bypass Decatur and Marietta within the next10 to 15 years. That's not a goal, that's a reality."
However, the revitalization of Lawrenceville doesn't rank as Morsberger's main project for 2006. That honor goes to his brain child, the Brain Train - a high-speed commuter rail system designed to unite Atlanta and Athens, with stops along the way at the area's colleges, including Gwinnett Tech, and the CDC, Lawrenceville and Lilburn. Four of the planned 12 stops are in Gwinnett County.
"I'm not a transportation or railroad expert. I'm just sick of sitting in traffic. Our traffic hurts the quality of life for those of us who live in Gwinnett. It takes away from time that can be spent in the community and with our families," he explains.
The Georgia Brain Train Group, with Morsberger as chairman, was formed this yearand recent months have been devoted to educating residents along the route about the benefits of the rail system. The response, Morsberger says, is overwhelmingly positive. "The Brain Train is on track!" What's next? Building legislative support and ultimately, securing federal and state funding, says the group's chairman.
Rounding out a "three-way tie" of 2006 business accomplishments for Morsberger is the progress on the Southwest Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District (CID). A "phenomenal" plan to improve security in the area was recently presented to the CID board. "We're doing what people said couldn't be done."
But to Morsberger, far and away the highlight of his year actually happened far and away, in the form of a family trip to Asia with his wife and seven daughters. A seasoned traveler to the Far East, sharing the region with his family was a treasured first. From Gwinnett's Lawrenceville Square to China's Tiananmen Square - incredible indeed! |