annual report - gwinnett chamber

ANNUALREPORT2020

2 Gwinnett Chamber 2020 Annual Report

The mission of the Gwinnett Chamber is to champion business.

The Gwinnett Chamber will be the leading advocate and innovative resource for businesses to connect and thrive.

Mission

Vision

3Gwinnett Chamber 2020 Annual Report

The Gwinnett Chamber kicked off 2020 with record attendance at both the 72nd Annual Dinner and State of the County, and then quickly adapted to the “new normal” of 2020. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, we focused efforts on helping businesses navigate through the pandemic and its growing challenges. We led chambers and economic development departments with our quick move to virtual events in March, and then with the move to hybrid and safe in-person events in June. We never stopped the in-person processing of Certificates of Origin, which allows millions of dollars of product to be exported to foreign countries. We were also the first chamber in the U.S. to safely return to work and begin meeting in person. Regardless of the situation, the Gwinnett Chamber is always there to support our members and Champion Business.

2020: A Year Like No Other


NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

11%

38%

14%

14%

6%

3%5%

6%3%

LOCATION

87%

13%

INDUSTRY

Construction and Contracting: 7.5% Nonprofits and Associations: 7% Health Products and Services: 6.4% Manufacturing and Distribution: 6.2% Real Estate: 5.1% Financial Services: 5.1% Education: 3.6% Information Technology: 3.3% Insurance: 2.9% Restaurants: 2.9% Automotive: 2.8%

Advertising & Marketing: 2.7% Legal Services: 2.7% Retail: 2.4% Banks: 2.4% Hospitality: 2.3% Government Offices: 2.2% Physicians & Healthcare Providers: 2.2% Consulting: 2.2% Engineering: 2.1% Other: 26%

Inside Gwinnett: 87% Outside Gwinnett: 13%

1 Employee: 11% 2 to 9 Employees: 38% 10 to 19 Employees: 14% 20 to 49 Employees: 14% 50 to 74 Employees: 6% 75 to 99 Employees: 3% 100 to 150 Employees: 5% 151 to 200 Employees: 3% More than 200 Employees: 6%

Membership


198

320CERTIFICATES

OF ORIGIN PROCESSED

VIRTUAL EVENTS

45RIBBON

CUTTINGS

384NEW

MEMBERS


Gwinnett Young Professionals kicked off its Journey Leadership Institute in August with 28 participants. The nine-month business leadership program consists of monthly in-person workshops led by Gwinnett’s top leadership and development organizations.

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Korean- American Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta-Georgia, and the Chinese Business Association of Atlanta, released a joint statement of support for the passage of legislation against hate crimes, known as HB426. The bill passed in bipartisan fashion and Governor Brian Kemp signed the legislation into law in June.

Certification and procurement opportunities were the focus at this year’s Small Business Week. 600+ small businesses learned how to do business with Gwinnett County, as well as the steps to become certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise, and Woman Owned Small Business, which opens doors in both the public and private sectors.

The GYP Connect networking events attracted more than 275 young professionals between its two programs, Morning Mixer and Off the Clock.

Honoring elected public officials in the Gwinnett County area, we hosted the 14th annual Key Leadership Reception, bringing business and community leaders together for an evening of meaningful discussions, from helping businesses navigate through the pandemic to the opportunities ahead for our county.

More than 10 recipients and more than 100 finalists were recognized at the Small Business Awards, which included nearly 350 online and in-person attendees.

A Look at 2020


The Gwinnett Chamber released its first series of spotlight videos featuring candidates running for State House and State Senate seats in Gwinnett. Candidates shared their views on the greatest opportunities and challenges for business and what they hope to accomplish.

At this year’s Virtual Washington, D.C. Fly-In, in partnership with the Greater North Fulton Chamber, we welcomed former U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, U.S. Congress-men Jody Hice, Hank Johnson and Rob Woodall, and U.S. Secretary of Transporta-tion Elaine Chao.

Our Board of Directors approved two resolutions in support of the county’s Transit Referendum and ESPLOST. The chamber engaged its members on the transit referendum in a Transit Discussion featuring Congressman Rob Woodall, Chairman Charlotte Nash and Gwinnett Transportation Director Alan Chapman.

During the primary and general election cycles, the Gwinnett Chamber held virtual Candidate Forums for Georgia’s Seventh Congressional District, County Chair, County Commissioner Districts 1 & 3, and School Board Districts 1, 3, and 5. We witnessed historic election turnout and civic engagement in the county, state and nation.

Nearly 1,000 guests safely gathered at eight, monthly After Hours events, which enabled entrepreneurs and owners to expand their business.

In August, the Gwinnett Chamber hosted a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony with the Korean-American Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta-Georgia, promoting economic partnership and collaboration for both our members and the diverse community living in Gwinnett.


The Small Business Resource Partner Group was created, which includes the Gwinnett Chamber, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, Gwinnett County, SCORE North Metro Atlanta and University of Georgia Small Business Development Center. Out of this partnership, a CARES Act webinar series was born, which provided critical information to more than 2,000 attendees

Comcast Business and the Gwinnett Chamber launched the Together Towards Tomorrow initiative, which granted $20,000 to local small businesses.

45 businesses celebrated new locations, expansions or the launch of a product or service through our ribbon cutting ceremonies.

Held in February, the annual State of the County Address featuring Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash garnered a sold-out crowd of nearly 960 attendees.

The Legislative Luncheon at On Topic featured Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, who provided a preview into 2021, while creating an opportunity for members to connect with area elected officials.

At Digital Dialogue, 100+ virtual networking events created connections for 1,000+ attendees.

A Look at 2020


Exclusive events were crafted for our Chairman’s Club members, including a Bourbon, BBQ & Blues Business Connection, Craft Beer & Cornhole Summer Social, Cruise Connections on Lake Lanier, Oyster Roast and a Merry Mixer. In addition, 25 virtual events provided leadership insights, CEO roundtables and more.

The Glow webinar series was created to ensure that women have a place where they are heard, appreciated, and more importantly take the time to self-reflect. We broadcasted 12 webinars with 12 dynamic speakers who spoke on mental health and self-growth topics. Each webinar had more than 70 attendees.

More than 15 Small Business Series events saw 900 attendees, featuring topics such as: branding, cash flow, sales, social media and more.

Gwinnett Young Professionals made its mark through its GYP Impact volunteer and service opportunities. Most notably, GYP collected and donated more than 1,000 books to HomeFirst Gwinnett to support those experiencing homelessness.

A new member engagement initiative, The A-List, was launched. With only two months under its belt so far, 40 hand-picked volunteers have brought in more than $214k in memberships and sponsorships. Most importantly, this campaign will enable for the Chamber to expand its reach within the community.

Built for women who are bold in business, the Gwinnett Chamber honored more than 50 finalists and seven winners at the 3rd annual Moxie Awards in August. The program was enjoyed in person or from attendees’ homes. Virtual attendees were able to enjoy a women’s trivia game while getting to hear insider scoops from our panelists.


2,092HIGH-PAYING JOBS

CREATED IN THE FIVE TARGET INDUSTRIES

$88.6MNEW CAPITAL INVESTMENT

1MSQUARE FEET FILLED

18PROJECT WINS

(10 RELOCATIONS, 8 EXPANSIONS)

149ACTIVE PROJECTS

191EXISTING INDUSTRY

VISITS

A public/private economic and community development initiativePartnership Gwinnett

1 1Gwinnett Chamber 2020 Annual Report

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Morgan Bondon Trey Ragsdale

Chuck Button Anthony Rodriguez

Gerald Davidson Bill Russell

Randy Dellinger Raymer Sale

Ron Garrard Dr. Manfred Sandler

Gregory Jay David Snell

Sherwood McDuffie John D. Stephens

Brand Morgan Perry Tindol

Sean Murphy Marvin Willis

Cathy Nichols

EXECUTIVE CABINET

Nick Masino President & CEO

Tammy Shumate Chairman

Doug Jenkins Chair Elect

Tom Andersen Past Chair

Norwood Davis Treasurer

Terri Jondahl Secretary/VC Manufacturing

Pam Ledbetter VC Marketing & Communications

Jill Edwards VC Economic Development

Sid Theus VC Membership, Small Business & Young Professionals

Carla Carraway VC Leadership

Brad Carr VC Programs & Special Events

Stan Hall VC Sports & Entertainment

Matt Hyatt VC Entrepreneurship

Pat McDonough VC Community Development

Dean Collins VC Public Policy

BOARD

Rene Alegria Dr. Dan Kaufman Nathan Powell

Andy Arlotta Kelly Kelkenberg Randy Redner

Kerry Armstrong Kathryn Kieser Teddy Russell

Kevin Bell Shaw King William Sammons

Don Britt Lanier Levett Norberto Sanchez

Jim Brooks Trent Lind Seth Seagraves

Dr. D. Glen Cannon Jeff Mahaffey Greg Shumate

Greg Cantrell Jim Maran Jordan Shumate

Tommy Carraway Rep. Pedro Marin Daniel Sosebee

Danielle Cheung Tom Martin Glenn Stephens

Ken Davis Wayne Mason Greg Swinks

Fred Dawkins Dave McMullen Michael Tennant

Jay Dennard Billy Milam Lee Tucker

Lorraine Green Jerri Hewett Miller Richard Tucker

Dorsey Grist Joy Mitchell Gabriel Vaca

Bryan Ginn Bobby Moeck Annie Valenty

Brandon Hartley Bartow Morgan Jeffrey Wages

Kim Hartsock Carol Morris Scott White

Stephen K. Hill Chairman Charlotte Nash Supt. J. Alvin Wilbanks

Talbert Hill Michael Paris Chris Willis

Scott Jordan Danny Patton

Dr. Jann Joseph Adam Pomeranz

2020 Board of Directors

Gwinnett Chamber6500 Sugarloaf ParkwayDuluth, GA 30097

GwinnettChamber.org | 770-232-3000

annual report - gwinnett chamber

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