Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Lawrenceville College Student Wins Position at LEGOLAND

Joshua Bohn, Master Model Builder at LEGOLAND Discover Center Atlanta – photo by Firestine Photography

During the ultimate job interview witnessed by kids young and old, Joshua Bohn beat out over a hundred other hopefuls to become Master Model Builder at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta. A lifelong LEGO lover and five-year brand veteran, this Georgia Gwinnett College student and Lawrenceville resident has the Brick Factor to make the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta experience engaging and fun for guests of all ages.

Through a series of creative LEGO challenges, Bohn displayed great innovation and enthusiasm; he was charged with creating three themed models, all out of LEGO bricks. His animal creation featured a koi fish during feeding. Bohn continued to impress with Atlanta icon The Fox Theatre and then solidified his position as Master Model Builder with an inspired homage to art. His final creation showcased the classic drama faces, symbolizing comedy and tragedy, paid tribute to the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet and showcased the artists’ tools of the trade – an art tablet displaying a masterpiece in progress.

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Mary Rennie

Don’t Be a Victim of Negligent Security!

Your safety and security is the number one priority, and many people are unaware that business owners, landlords and other property owners have an obligation to provide adequate security for their customers and guests. It is their duty to keep the premises safe by implementing measures to protect against violent crimes. This could include measures such as installing video cameras and appropriate door locks, providing adequate lighting and running background checks on tenants or employees.

Did you know that Gwinnett County had more than 23,000 crimes committed in 2010, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation? From 2009 to 2010, there was a 15 percent increase in rape crimes.

 
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Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Energy assistance is a hot commodity as cooler weather arrives

SCANA Energy and its customers are uniting to help keep Georgians warm this winter and aid neighbors struggling to pay their heating bills. Through its partnership with the Atlanta-based nonprofit Heating Energy Assistance Team (H.E.A.T.), Inc., SCANA Energy makes it easy for its customers to make personal donations to help others get through difficult times.

To help serve those in need this year, SCANA Energy will again expand its own partnership with H.E.A.T. to include SCANA Energy customers who’d like to lend a hand. Over the last 11 years, SCANA Energy and its customers have contributed approximately $2 million in energy heating assistance to the needy.

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Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Gwinnett Sees Success in Annual Job Growth & Business Development

Partnership Gwinnett, the community and economic development initiative led by the Gwinnett Chamber and over 160 public and private investors, honored its relocated and expanded businesses for 2011. Eighteen companies were recognized and celebrated for their significant success in business development and job growth this past year.

Companies such as Hisense, Peak 10, Hire Dynamics, I-Tech Staffing, Graham Field, Primerica and Elesys gathered to celebrate their growth and network with community business leaders.

“We are very happy to welcome all of these growing companies to our community,” said Gwinnett County Chairman Charlotte Nash. “Their choice to expand within or relocate to Gwinnett makes a great statement about their confidence in the strength of our business environment and rich quality of life; we look forward to supporting and participating in their continued success.”

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GBJ Staff

Norcross Welcomes Hyundai

In a decision that reflects the city’s progressive economic appeal, Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas, Inc. (HCEA) has announced plans to relocate its headquarters and warehouse facilities into the city. Previously based outside of Chicago, the company’s operational reach covers all of North, Central and South America, manufacturing more than 28 models of heavy construction equipment including excavators, forestry machines and wheel loaders. The move is expected to create about 100 jobs over five years.

According to Norcross Economic Development Manager, Rusty Warner, Norcross offered several appealing benefits for HCEA. “The package included more than just the ideal real estate,” explained Warner. “There were several logistical benefits including Norcross’ proximity to major highways. In addition, I got the impression that they liked the charm, and the sense of community that we offer. HCEA’s management philosophy seems to include being an involved partner with its community, contributing and participating at a local, more personal level as well as being an international entity. Norcross offers them a unique opportunity to do exactly that.”

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Gwinnett Magazine Staff

To Do or to Undo? There Is No Question

by Jim Maran

The answer is most certainly undo. The Gwinnett Chamber’s Public Policy efforts represent the interests of its members – the individuals with personal stake – at the local, state and federal levels, advocating issues of major importance to the community’s economic vitality and quality of life as outlined by the Partnership Gwinnett strategy. Over the last few years, we have been party to numerous successes through lobbying efforts at the State capitol. From education and water to transportation and tax reform, the Chamber has partnered with regional and statewide leaders to bring about results. Interestingly enough, however, results don’t always have to be in the form of getting a bill or an act passed. Sometimes it can mean working to undo some of the many restrictions that government has placed on the individual business owner or manager.

 
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Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Gwinnett’s Great Advantage: Lifelong Learning Opportunies

by Charlotte Nash

Guess what? Education doesn’t stop in the summer, no matter what school you attended or how old you are! In fact, we all need to keep learning because the world around us is changing so rapidly. When I was growing up in a much more rural Gwinnett, the 4-H Club helped broaden my horizons beyond what I learned in school. As an elected leader today, I am pleased there are so many opportunities for all Gwinnett’s residents to gain new skills and knowledge, no matter where we are in life.

We’re blessed with outstanding K-12 schools, post-secondary institutions and libraries, yet many folks don’t think of lifelong learning as something available at other County facilities. But we can find opportunities to learn in many areas.

 
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Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Letter From the Publisher

Gracie Greer

Twenty-eleven. My, where does the time go? Gone are my Dora the Explorer days. Gone is that childish Max and Ruby. Thank goodness for the timeless Sponge Bob series and iCarly. That and the DVDs of Full House reruns keep me rather entertained these days. And do I ever need some entertainment!

Like many Americans, I’m currently unemployed. The mortgage crisis still looms. I get an allowance, but it barely covers the necessities. If that’s not enough, my teeth are falling out. The tooth fairy left me an “I owe you.” Times are tough, I tell ya.

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Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Business Goes Back to School

Over the past few years, business conditions bordered on brutal — cutbacks, layoffs and losses began to feel commonplace. Now at the midpoint of 2011, business is on an upswing and many organizations have found the light at the end of the tunnel.

As the economy continues to rebound, business leaders are emerging from “survival mode” and are taking steps to grow and energize their business. Training, employee development and continuing education are once again back on the table as necessary business to-do’s. So, we asked some leading business brains: What’s the best thing you did for your business in the last year in terms of continuing education, professional development and corporate training?

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Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Gwinnett Federal Credit Union Donates $50,000 to Gwinnett Tech Foundation

Marshall Boutwell, president and CEO of Gwinnett Federal Credit Union, and Sharon Bartels, president of Gwinnett Technical College, (both seated, center) flanked by GTC students.

Gwinnett Federal Credit Union has pledged $50,000 to the Gwinnett Tech Foundation to fund student scholarships over the next ten years.

The gift from Gwinnett Federal Credit Union comes in celebration of its 50th anniversary and honors Gwinnett FCU’s longstanding relationship as the college’s credit union.

“As part of our 50th anniversary celebration, this financial commitment to Gwinnett Tech continues our tradition of supporting the educational systems that comprise the majority of our membership,” said Marshall Boutwell, president and CEO of Gwinnett Federal Credit Union. “Gwinnett Tech has been affiliated with Gwinnett Federal Credit Union since the college’s inception in 1984. This financial commitment is a tangible way for us to express our appreciation for all that Gwinnett Tech does in the community.”

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