(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) May 17, 2013 – John Addison and Rick Williams, Co-CEOs of Primerica, Inc. (NYSE: PRI), the largest independent financial services marketing company in North America, will be joined by Governor Nathan Deal, Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, prominent community leaders, hundreds of employees, and top Primerica representatives to celebrate the opening of its global headquarters in Duluth, Gwinnett County. Located at #1 Primerica Parkway, the 365,000-square-foot facility is equipped to house 1,600 of the company’s 1,700 Gwinnett-based employees and has the capacity for an additional 200 people.

“Primerica is one of Georgia’s outstanding corporate citizens and its continued commitment to the state is deeply gratifying,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “The company’s growth over the past 36 years is a testament to their success in educating Main Street families across North America about a brighter financial future, and its decision to establish its global headquarters here in Georgia speaks volumes about our pro-business environment“

John Addison, Chairman of Primerica Distribution and Co-Chief Executive Officer said, “Today’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is an historic moment in Primerica’s 36-year history and marks a new era for our 1,600 employees and more than 90,000 representatives. I’ve been with Primerica for more than 30 years and can’t express the pride I feel as I drive down our street – #1 Primerica Parkway – it daily reminds me of just how far we have come – together – as a team. It also shows that we are extremely confident in our future and it positions us for continued growth and excellence as the largest financial services marketing company in North America. Our new location is at the hub of the Gwinnett County business, sports and entertainment community. I want to give special thanks to our company’s founders, Art and Angela Williams were it not for their tenacity in changing the landscape of financial services, none of this would be possible. I also wish to thank Governor Nathan Deal for his constant support, as well as our partners at Duke Realty, Gwinnett County, Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, and countless other government officials and business partners who were so helpful and supportive of our move.”

The newly constructed facility, located in the Duluth area, consolidates all of Primerica’s operations into a single, three-story building with connecting wings that support streamlined business operations and enhanced logistical efficiencies. The building boasts 58 conference rooms; a state-of-the-art theatre and adjoining TV studio; a 248-seat café; and an interactive tour dubbed “Imagine,” designed to showcase the new global headquarters to current and prospective representatives and employees. Thousands are expected to take the “Imagine” tour every year.

Primerica is Gwinnett’s fourth largest private employer. The company’s headquarters have been located in the County since 1985.

“With this expansion, we celebrate Primerica’s continued investment in Gwinnett County and its significant role in the success of our community,” stated Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash. “We are honored Primerica chose to remain and expand its global headquarters facility here—a testament to Gwinnett’s ability to help businesses remain competitive on a national and global scale.”

Rick Williams, Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer said, “Our new international headquarters is in many ways the culmination of our successful IPO in 2010. We are excited to be in one location, instead of ten separate buildings that we occupied previously. This will translate into increased efficiencies by providing a unified work place. Additionally, this move will be instrumental in improving our support and service to our sales force and clients.”

Chris Brown, Senior Vice President of Duke Realty’s Georgia Operations, commented, “It is an honor to have been a part of bringing Primerica’s corporate headquarters to life and to further accommodate its growth with this Class-A facility. We look forward to seeing more companies join Primerica at this location.”

Business relocation and expansion efforts in Gwinnett County, located in northeast metro Atlanta, are supported and cultivated by Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, led by Nick Masino, Senior Vice President of Economic Development and the County’s community and economic development initiative, Partnership Gwinnett.

“We congratulate Primerica on the opening of its new global headquarters,” stated Masino. “With its more than 1,600 employees in Gwinnett, Primerica is a key partner in strengthening our community’s extraordinarily-dynamic growth and quality of life. Partnership Gwinnett is proud to partner with Primerica and other national and international companies in creating high-paying jobs, a skilled workforce, and economic prosperity for Gwinnett County.”
Primerica, Inc., headquartered in Duluth, GA, is a leading distributor of financial products to middle income households in North America. Primerica representatives educate their Main Street clients about how to better prepare for a more secure financial future by assessing their needs and providing appropriate solutions through term life insurance, which we underwrite, and mutual funds, annuities and other financial products, which we distribute primarily on behalf of third parties. In addition, Primerica provides an entrepreneurial full or part-time business opportunity for individuals seeking to earn income by distributing the company’s financial products. We insured more than 4.3 million lives and approximately 1.9 million clients maintained investment accounts with us at December 31, 2012. Primerica stock is included in the S&P MidCap 400 and the Russell 2000 stock indices and is traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PRI”.

(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) May 10, 2013 – Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development joined with Hera Lighting to celebrate the expansion and opening of its corporate headquarters at a Ribbon Cutting event in Gwinnett County today. Hera Lighting, which added over 20,000 square feet of office and warehouse space to its existing facility, increased its Norcross footprint to more than 36,500 square feet. The expansion represents a $3 million investment in the community.

“This opening marks an exciting time for our company, as it will further strengthen our ability to provide service and products to our clients across the country,” stated Hera Lighting President, Christian Bollrath. “Hera Lighting has experienced tremendous growth over the past 18 years we’ve been located in Gwinnett.”

Located at 3025 Business Park Drive, Hera Lighting designs, develops, and manufactures lighting systems for cabinets, retail displays, and furniture. The corporate headquarters’ location houses 25 employees, a distribution facility, in-house lab, and showroom for a line of display and LED lighting products. The expansion is designed to house more than 50 employees.

“Hera Lighting’s decision to remain in Gwinnett and increase its local presence is great news for our community,” stated Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash. “This expansion speaks to our work to ensure Gwinnett’s businesses have access to the resources and services they need to succeed.”

“On behalf of the City of Norcross, I congratulate Hera Lighting on the opening of its expanded corporate headquarters and warehouse facility,” stated City of Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson. “Hera’s dedication to the City of Norcross is a testament to the growth and success of our business community and the economic vitality of this area.”

Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development works to foster and promote the retention, expansion, and attraction of five target industries. Hera Lighting spans two of these industries, Advanced Manufacturing and Headquarters and Professional Services, both of which have a strong and growing presence in the County and metro area.

“This announcement from Hera Lighting represents yet another expansion for Gwinnett County, confirming the area as a strong choice for headquarters’ operations. With access to a skilled workforce and significant infrastructure, companies are able to successfully grow and expand their business in our community,” commented Kellie Brownlow, Director of Economic Development for Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett.

To learn more about Hera Lighting, please visit www.heralighting.com.

For more information, or to learn how to get involved in local economic development efforts, please visit www.gwinnetteconomicdevelopment.com.

Slingshot Product Development Group considers its most significant achievements to be the many successful products it has helped clients launch. In recognition of its products successes, Slingshot has won a number of industry awards. Working with Fortune 100 companies, mid-sized companies, and start-ups, Slingshot has developed a wide range of products including medical devices, professional equipment, military/ruggedized equipment, and consumer products.

For more information about Slingshot Product Development Group, visit their website at www.slingshotpdg.com.

“We are honored to be selected as the 2013 Amazing Entrepreneur Contest Grand Prize winner,” stated Susan Bacon, Founder and President of Palmetto Grant Consulting. “Our company seeks to help educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and local governments navigate the grant-writing process, and we hope to use these prizes to continue supporting these entities in and around the Gwinnett community.”

Finalists for the Established Business category also included:

• Adrian Collaborative – a professional planning firm specializing in project management, environmental impact analysis, GIS mapping and analysis, transportation planning, and more.
• Flairtab – a company which provides a cloud-based television news and entertainment service for doctor’s office waiting rooms.

“The Amazing Entrepreneur competition was developed as a method to engage, support, and promote small businesses during the critical early years of their existence,” stated Mark Farmer, Director of Entrepreneurship and Information Services for Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett. “We congratulate Palmetto Grant Consulting on their exceptional efforts and look forward to seeing each of the finalists continue to grow and flourish in Gwinnett County.”

As the 2013 Amazing Entrepreneur Contest winner, Palmetto Grant Consulting accepted the top prize package which includes $2,500 cash, a consultation with an attorney from Arnall Golden Gregory ($2,500 value), a trip to Sage Summit customer conference in Maryland, a one-year Gwinnett Chamber membership ($500 minimum value), three copies of Microsoft Office 2010 ($1,500 value), and more.

Presenting sponsor of the 2013 Amazing Entrepreneur is Jackson Electric Membership Corporation. “Jackson EMC is a proud supporter of Partnership Gwinnett and its efforts to further encourage entrepreneurs and small businesses in the community,” stated District Manager, Randy Dellinger. “We are pleased to sponsor a contest that highlights the County’s successful entrepreneurs and the new ventures thriving in Gwinnett.”

“We are proud to partner in hosting The Amazing Entrepreneur for the third consecutive year—a competition which recognizes small business and entrepreneurial growth in Gwinnett County,” said Robert Andoh, Area Director for The University of Georgia SBDC. “Our mission at the SBDC is to encourage the development of small businesses and help entrepreneurs have access to the services, resources, and initiatives which will help them succeed.”

New to the 2013 contest was the Pre-Venture category, offering businesses not yet in operation the opportunity to win prizes. Announced as the inaugural winner, ReadySpot is an internet-business which allows users to reserve parking spots for events and places of business prior to arriving at their destination.

Designed to cultivate new business development in Gwinnett County, The Amazing Entrepreneur competition allows contestants to enter a business plan summary for judging, with finalists given the opportunity to present before a panel of judges. The contest finalists and winner were announced today during The Gwinnett Chamber’s Pinnacle Small Business Awards luncheon.

For more information on the Amazing Entrepreneur Contest, please visit www.amazingentrepreneurcontest.com. To receive updates and reminders on Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development’s small business and entrepreneurial efforts, click here.

For more information or to learn how to get involved in local economic development efforts, please visit www.gwinnetteconomicdevelopment.com.

(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) April 25, 2013 – BlueWave Computing, LLC, in partnership with Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, announced the opening of its regional office in the City of Peachtree Corners during a Ribbon Cutting ceremony held this afternoon. Local elected officials and community leaders joined to celebrate the company’s expansion and first Gwinnett County location. The project is anticipated to create 60 jobs over the next two years.

Dr. Steven Vicinanza, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of BlueWave Computing, stated, “The unprecedented growth in the number of Gwinnett clients we serve has resulted in the need for our expansion into the County. This new location will enable us to continue delivering our award-winning, customer-focused suite of managed IT services to the area’s diverse businesses. We are excited to be a part of the Gwinnett community.”

The regional office, located at 6760 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Suite 130, will house engineering, sales, and support operations. BlueWave Computing has added nearly 6,000 square feet of additional office space to the facility, further enabling its engineering staff to support customers in and around the Gwinnett area.

“Gwinnett County’s talented workforce and pro-business environment make it an ideal location for companies looking to expand and further their business,” said Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash. “We welcome BlueWave Computing into our community and look forward to their continued success.”

Since 1997, BlueWave Computing has helped small and mid-sized firms take back control of their IT resources and align IT with their business objectives. BlueWave’s services include: strategic IT planning, virtual CIO, managed IT services, cloud computing, help desk, on-site support, information security services, and software application development. Based in Atlanta, BlueWave is one of the top 25 managed service providers in North America. BlueWave Computing supports more than 80,000 networked computers and associated devices in 158 cities nationwide.

“We are pleased to welcome BlueWave Computing to the City of Peachtree Corners and Gwinnett County,” stated Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason. “We are confident our growing community and businesses will benefit from their valuable services and are proud to have them call Peachtree Corners home.”

The announcement of BlueWave Computing’s expansion into Gwinnett reinforces the efforts of the Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development team to cultivate targeted business growth in the community.

“Gwinnett County is a leading technology hub in metro Atlanta and the Southeast and BlueWave Computing is an excellent addition to this industry,” stated Samir Abdullahi, Information & Technology Solutions Project Manager for Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development & Partnership Gwinnett. “Numerous Gwinnett companies will benefit from the services BlueWave Computing offers and we anticipate their further success in the community.”

Further expansions are in the works for each BlueWave location, as the company continues to grow its IT service operations. Among these new growth areas is BlueWave’s new Information Security Services Division, which helps small and mid-sized companies secure their information assets, such as computer systems, sensitive data and information, and computer networks, from hackers and other threats and vulnerabilities.

To learn more about BlueWave Computing, please visit www.bluewave-computing.com.

For more information, or to learn how to get involved in local economic development efforts, please visit www.gwinnetteconomicdevelopment.com.

(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) April 17, 2013- Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, Georgia Department of Economic Development, and local officials joined with Mitsubishi Electric US Cooling & Heating Division (Mitsubishi Electric), a U.S. subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, to celebrate the opening of its corporate headquarters facility in Suwanee, Gwinnett County. The project, which is expected to create more than 100 engineering and warehouse jobs over the next three years, adds to the Division’s current nationwide headcount of 300 employees.

Shuji Morisaki, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Mitsubishi Electric US Cooling & Heating Division, stated, “Operating from a single location provides the convenience, space, and resources necessary to support the growth of our business for the future. We will continue to invest in Gwinnett County and the metro Atlanta region and use our strategic location to better serve our customers across the nation.”

The build-to-suit, 550,000-square-foot facility is located at 1340 Satellite Boulevard in the Huntcrest Business Center, a 283-acre, mixed-use development. Mitsubishi Electric’s move to this facility marks the expansion and consolidation of its previous 350,000-square-foot presence across three buildings in the Suwanee area.

“Georgia offers numerous resources and assets that consistently attract international companies and broaden our role in the global business community,” stated Gov. Nathan Deal. “Mitsubishi Electric has found in Georgia and Gwinnett County a strategically advantageous location for its growth and success. I’m committed to helping Georgia’s job creators prosper and thrive.”
Construction on the facility began late January 2012, following a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Governor Deal. The building houses the Division’s headquarters, engineering and training centers, and warehouse space. The facility exemplifies Mitsubishi Electric’s commitment to environmental stewardship and includes the manufacturer’s own energy-efficient cooling and heating systems throughout, along with many other green building practices. According to Mitsubishi Electric, it plans to pursue certification from Green Globes as well as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® program.

“I want to thank Mitsubishi Electric for their commitment to Gwinnett—a testament to our County’s pro-business environment, available workforce, and overall quality of life,” said Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash. “We celebrate Mitsubishi Electric’s strong presence in our community and look forward to their continued growth in the future.”

Serving both commercial and residential markets, Mitsubishi Electric is a leading marketer of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) zoning and ductless air-conditioning and heating systems. The new facility represents the Cooling & Heating Division’s fifth headquarters in Gwinnett County since it began operations in the community in 1992.

“We applaud Mitsubishi Electric on their continued growth, which speaks to the economic vitality of Gwinnett County and the metro Atlanta area,” stated Nick Masino, Senior Vice President of Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett. “The support and recruitment of headquarter locations are a key focus of our economic development efforts and we celebrate Mitsubishi Electric’s increased presence in the community.”

To learn more about Mitsubishi Electric US Cooling & Heating Division, please visit www.mehvac.com.

For more information, or to learn how to get involved in local economic development efforts, please visit www.gwinnetteconomicdevelopment.com.

(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) April 16, 2013- Joined today by Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, the City of Lawrenceville, and a host of community and business leaders, NovoLogic, Inc. celebrated the opening of its new Gwinnett location and collaborative meeting space, Cornerstone at NovoLogic, with a ribbon cutting and open house event. The technology company’s downtown Lawrenceville location is anticipated to create between five and ten jobs and bring $600,000 of capital investment into the community. Since relocating, NovoLogic has expanded the space by 10,000 square feet to incorporate the coworking branch of its business.

“This new space will provide the opportunity for NovoLogic to expand, and for entrepreneurs to gain access to the relationships, opportunities, and resources vital to their success,” commented Burke Allen, CEO and Founder of NovoLogic, Inc. “We are excited to be located in Gwinnett County and the heart of the City of Lawrenceville—a vibrant location to launch a new phase of our business and reach new markets.”

A growing trend nationwide, coworking allows individuals and small teams to work in an open, collaborative space, while providing an alternative to teleworking or leasing an office. Located at 279 W. Crogan Street in historic downtown Lawrenceville, Cornerstone is also designed to act as a platform for networking with other local business owners. With more than 1,000 coworking locations worldwide, Gwinnett boasts four locations in the Duluth, Lawrenceville, and Norcross areas.

Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash, stated, “We are pleased to welcome Cornerstone at NovoLogic to Gwinnett County and consider them a valuable addition to our community. This coworking space will enable startups and entrepreneurs to gain a competitive edge in a community that supports and promotes opportunities for small businesses.”

NovoLogic, the “anchor tenant” in the Cornerstone at NovoLogic space, has been helping clients leverage innovative and emerging technologies in order to enhance their communications, training, and overall employee engagement. In business for more than 13 years, NovoLogic has partnered with some of the largest and most forward-thinking organizations in today’s marketplace.

“We welcome Cornerstone at NovoLogic into our community and celebrate its location as a platform for businesses to grow in a supportive environment,” stated City of Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson. “This opening demonstrates the importance of new businesses as innovators and job creators. We look forward to seeing them flourish in Lawrenceville.”

Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development supports a network of services and resources for the area’s entrepreneurs and small businesses. Most recently, its entrepreneurship activities were recognized by the International Economic Development Council with a Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award for communities with populations greater than 500,000 (largest communities).

“Coworking has become a vital part of the entrepreneur ecosystem in any community, offering flexible and convenient work space amongst a community of professionals from a variety of industries,” stated Mark Farmer, Director of Entrepreneurship for Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett. “We’re fortunate to have the Cornerstone team in Gwinnett, and I anticipate collaborating with them in the future.”

Membership for Cornerstone clients provides access to high-tech meeting spaces, free technical support, and a café area conveniently serves Northeast Atlanta and Gwinnett County.

To learn more about Cornerstone at NovoLogic, please visit www.cornerstone-novologic.com.

For more information, or to learn how to get involved in local economic development efforts, please visit www.gwinnetteconomicdevelopment.com.

Due to its central location, skilled workforce, low cost of doing business and good flight connections to cities across the United States, LiNA Medical USA, Inc. considers Gwinnett County and metro Atlanta an ideal place for its business.

(GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) January 28, 2013- Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development joined with civil engineering firm, Foresite Group, Inc., to celebrate the completion of the company’s tenth year of business. Gwinnett-based Foresite Group was launched by founders, Brant Aden, Erik Johnston and Brett Basquin in January 2003. Since its humble beginning, the company has grown into a nationally recognized enterprise, employing 70 professionals in five offices across the country. In addition to its Peachtree Corners headquarters location, the firm has offices in Florida, Alabama, Maryland, and Texas. Foresite Group continues to experience exponential growth, revealing plans to add five additional jobs within the next two months and anticipating an almost 20 percent growth rate over the next three to five years.

“For the past ten years, Foresite Group has assisted our company in various stages of the real estate development process, enabling us to complete more than sixty projects in which they were a key component,” stated Rick Carpenter, President of Glenridge Development. “Their persistent, diligent, determined effort, along with their commitment to their clients’ best interests, is as evident to me today as it was on day one ten years ago. We are blessed and fortunate to consider them a part of our team.”

In addition to serving national retailers across the United States, Foresite Group also works with the Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation department, local and state transportation departments, and national telecommunications service providers, as well as clients in the structural and general land development sectors through a network of offices across the country.
“Prior to my experience with Foresite Group, I thought of civil engineering firms as not much more than a commodity, “ says John Graham, President of Core Property Capital. “After years of dragging those guys into many different markets, I can tell you our view has changed significantly. We consider Foresite Group our partner in projects because of their high level of service, professionalism and accuracy.”

Over the past ten years, Foresite Group has been both nationally and locally honored. CE News recognized the company in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012, on its Best Firms to Work For list. Foresite Group was also named a 2009 Pinnacle Small Business Award recipient by the Gwinnett Chamber. In 2007 and 2008, the company was recognized on The Zweig Letter’s Hot Firm List, a ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing consulting companies in the architectural and engineering industry.

“Our goal is to become a household name in the architectural and engineering industry. We believe we can achieve this by offering excellent service, cultivating relationships, and delivering on our promises, all with the support of the numerous resources available in Gwinnett County,” stated Brant Aden, Chief Executive Officer and founding principal of the firm.

Small businesses, such as Foresite Group, are a fundamental element to the County’s economic growth and vitality. Charged with developing support systems, events and networks to foster small business success, Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development promotes the area’s numerous opportunities and resources available for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

“Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development provides a network of services to area small businesses and startups, from our recently launched Gwinnett Entrepreneur website and companion Resource Guide, to our annual Amazing Entrepreneur Small Business Plan Competition,” stated Mark Farmer, Director of Entrepreneurship for Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett. “We congratulate Foresite Group on the success of its first ten years, an accomplishment that demonstrates the vibrant small business community thriving in Gwinnett County.”

An involved member of the Gwinnett community, Foresite Group employees work with volunteer organizations such as Adopt-A-Road, Norcross Schools Cluster, Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, Gwinnett Great Days of Service, the Eagle Scouts, and more.

To learn more about Foresite Group, please visit www.foresitegroupinc.com.

For more information, or to learn how to get involved in local economic development efforts, please visit www.gwinnetteconomicdevelopment.com.

To achieve this success, MDI Group first seeks to thoroughly understand its clients in Gwinnett and metro Atlanta, including their culture, processes and strategic goals. MDI Group then draws upon its broad technical knowledge and well-established connections in the area to provide the “best-fit” solutions possible. In addition, MDI Group offers qualified technology consultants the opportunity to work with leading industry organizations on engaging contract assignments, while enjoying a rewarding compensation and employee benefits package.

Giving back to the community is a top priority for MDI Group and a defining element of the company’s culture. The company is proud to support the Gwinnett County Adopt-a-Road program, Atlanta Children’s Shelter, Community Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and more community programs in its efforts to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

MDI Group has been consistently recognized by outstanding organizations, including:

• Top 10 Woman-Owned Firms in Atlanta, Atlanta Business Chronicle
• Top 20 Minority/Women’s Business Enterprise-owned Staffing Firms, Staffing Industry Analysts
• Top 25 Entrepreneurs in Atlanta, Catalyst/Business to Business Magazine
• Top 40 Best Places to Work in Atlanta, Atlanta Magazine
• Top 500 Fastest-Growing Businesses, Inc. (500 Listing), Inc. Magazine
• Top 500 Diversity-Owned Companies in the U.S., DiversityBusiness 500