Gwinnett Business Blog http://www.gbj.com/blog Gwinnett Business Journal Blog en-us info@gbj.com Fighting through the spam http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=72 We've been inundated with a massive amount of spam in the commenting sections, so we've made a few minor changes to hopefully get the problem under control. In the meantime, we apologize if we deleted one of your non-spam comments. Keep 'em coming! Mon, 12 May 2008 15:38:14 EST New CEO for Simtrol http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=71 Simtrol, Inc. has named Oliver Cooper its new CEO. Cooper was formerly the COO of Atlanta-based Manhattan Associates, Inc. Simtrol is based in Norcross and develops multimedia software. Mon, 12 May 2008 15:21:37 EST hYPe gets going http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=70 We mentioned hYPe, the new networking group for young professionals, a few weeks ago. The improbably-capitalized group had its first event, Get hYPed! yesterday evening at Encore in Duluth. A good time was had by all. One attendee told us that, unlike a lot of the Gwinnett Chamber events, relatively few people knew each other, which maybe made the event feel more casual and meant more fresh encounters with new people.

We're guessing that there were about 75 or so attendees, too, which means this group should be able to get off the ground quickly!

Also, check out hYPe's new website. Thu, 08 May 2008 12:04:33 EST Cagle in Brazil http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=69 Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle is in Brazil this week (the lucky ducky) on a trade mission. Cagle is meeting with Brazilian business leaders and, according to his blog, thinks there's potential for Brazilian investment in a nascent Georgia biofuels industry:

We began talks on bringing a large delegation of Brazilian companies to Georgia to significantly increase the development of our biofuels industry. If we can accelerate growth immediately, we have a real opportunity to make Georgia a world center for the biofuels industry.  As gas prices continue to rise, Georgia stands to gain thousands of new jobs and lower prices at the pump if we succeed.
 Thu, 08 May 2008 11:49:23 EST Hump Day! http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=68 Maybe everyone's taking stock of the economy right now, but it feels like it's a slow news day on the Gwinnett business scene at least.
 
If you've got some time, check out the May 1 edtion of the Gwinnett Business Journal (It's not online yet, but will be soon).

Some highlights:
  • Salon 124 wins a pinnacle award. Read up on how company president Brian Perdue got into the beauty salon business
  • A new networking group for business people under 40 is forming.
  • All kinds of stuff happening with companies such as Logical Choice, Storey Morrow, Street Smarts, Concurrent and Emory Eastside Medical Center. 
So go out and get yourself a copy!

In the meantime here are a few Wednesday blog headlines:
  • S1 Corp.  has named Jerry Silva a vice president for product strategy.
  • Comcast Corp. says it is increasing download and upload speeds for its business internet customers in the Atlanta market.
  • The Impact Group, a valuable housing organization in Lawrenceville, will hold a silent auction May 15 and 16 thanks the help of lia sophia jewelry.
 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:29:41 EST Quarterly reports http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=67 There's all kinds of earnings news coming out of Gwinnett today.

The good news:
  • Rock-Tenn's acquisiton of Southern Container seems to be paying off.
  • AGCO posts record first quarter earnings. (That's not much of a surprise to anyone who's been following commodity prices lately!)
And then the bad new:
  •  Delta Apparel posts a third quarter loss. The textile company, which seemed to be doing so well a year ago, now looks like it's getting hit from all sides.
Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:42:44 EST Gwinnett Gladiators raise avg. attendance again http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=66 The Gwinnett Gladiators' season ended yesterday, but despite the playoff loss, it looks like it was a successful season for the hockey team's attendance at Gwinnett Arena.

The club had four crowds of more than 10,000 and raised their average for the third year in a row to 5,656 per game. The Gladiators have now had a crowd of 10,000 seven times in the last two years and 11 times overall, including four sellouts of 11,355.

The league seems to be doing well, too.  The East Coast Hockey League welcomed 3,756,191 fans, marking the fifth straight season and the 11th time in the last 12 years that it has exceeded 3.75 million fans. The 51 sold out crowds are the most in the last five seasons and mark the fourth time in the last five years that the ECHL has had at least 40 sellouts.
 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:51:29 EST Monday roundup http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=65

There's all kinds of news coming out of Gwinnett this morning:

• S1 Corp. will announce their 1Q results on May 1.
• MedAvant will announce their 4Q results tomorrow during a conference call.
• Delta Apparel lowers its 3Q outlook amid the textile company's restructuring.
• Simtrol announces that it has released new video software for correctional facilities.
• Concurrent's CEO, Gary Trimm, is retiring. His replacement is Dan Mondor.
• Innotract's earnings report shows the comapny had a good year in 2007, with a 47% growth in revenue over 2006.

 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:13:21 EST What exactly is Fiserv? http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=64 You may remember from a few months back when Norcross-based CheckFree was acquired by Fiserv, a Wisconsin company.

Well the Wall Street Journal recently ran a story that goes into Fiserv's strategy and CheckFree's place within the company. In short, the tigher credit market shouldn't really hurt Fiserv too bad:

The company, says Mr. Yabuki, is "becoming a pure play in the provision of technology-processing to financial institutions." Last year, the company got 75% of its $3.9 billion in revenue from these core services.

That also lets Fiserv participate in any forthcoming banking recovery without the same risks posed by a bank's credit portfolio.

The CheckFree deal not only gets Fiserv into a fast-growing market, it also allows the company to sell its wares to the big banks and corporations that CheckFree serves.

As George Dalton, Fiserv's founder and former CEO, says: "No matter how troubled the bank may be, its customers still have to write checks, make payments and pay mortgages."
 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:18:56 EST Young Professionals of Gwinnett http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=63 There are lots of different business networking groups, but we have to admit, not all of them are so appealing to the those in their 20s and 30s who want to meet other people in the business community.

Well it looks like Partnership Gwinnett has has addressed that with the creation of a new group named hyPe: Young Professionals of Gwinnett.

The folks at Partnership Gwinnett have long been saying that the county needs to do more to attract and keep young professionals in Gwinnett, instead of just being known as a family-friendly suburb. According to the announcement,  hyPe is:

...a high impact, savvy group of diverse young professionals (ages 21-39) working together to showcase Gwinnett as a unique, fun, and cool place to work and live. hYPe provides its members with opportunities for building relationships with local and regional community and business leaders as well as cultivate an atmosphere for building personal relationships and a sense of purpose within the community.

They also had the good sense to have people sign up for event announcements via Facebook. We look forward to checking them out. In the meantime, you can check them out here. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:26:04 EST A good week for Immucor http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=62 There's no need to check the pulse of Immucor executives and shareholders this week. The Norcross-based maker of blood testing devices reported higher than expected 3Q earnings on Monday. Since then? The company's stock has done nicely. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:54:02 EST Brain Train gets resolution http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=61 OK, so the Brain Train situation may not exactly be resolved, but its supporters this weeking are touting a new Georgia house resolution in favor of the commuter rail that would theoretically pass through Gwinnett between Atlanta and Athens.

The resolution was passed by 143-12 margin. It states “that the members of the Georgia Transportation Board are urged to help ensure that the existing plans for the Macon to Atlanta to Athens commuter rail lines are implemented with urgency.” The state Senate passed a similar resolution last year. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:48:57 EST The company formerly known as Scientific Atlanta http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=60 After 56 years, one of Gwinnett's most venerable corporate names is gone. Scientific Atlanta 's acquisition by Cisco two years ago is now pretty much complete as the division will now be called the Cisco Service Provider Technology Group. While it's a perfectly good name, we always liked the old moniker for its techy-but-simple approach!

Cisco isn't turning its back on Gwinnett, though. The company is continuing its annual charity, the Rumblin' for Relay Motorcycle Ride. The event benefits the Gwinnett County American Cancer Society's hugely popular Relay for Life.

This year's ride begins at 10:30 a.m. on April 19 at the Cisco campus on Sugarloaf Parkway. The cost is $25 for riders, $15 for passengers. Check out our People’s Choice Bike Show as well, which has a $10 entry fee and the top three winners get a trophy.
 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:39:33 EST Bye bye to Business Talk 1160 http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=59 Business Talk 1160 is a goner. The station is changing its format. Check out this headline from a certain business paper in Atlanta.

On a serious note, this isn't welcome news for those of us who like listening to business news while driving. The new 1160 will feature shows from Mancow, Dr. Laura and Lou Dobbs. Consider us extremely underwhelmed. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:30:22 EST Buford makes top 100 list http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=58 We all remember when Suwanee was named in America's top 10 places to live. The town's realtors and developers haven't stopped crowing about it since!

As happy as we are for Suwanee, we noticed that nearby Buford was named the third-best place to live in the U.S. CNN and Money Magazine sure seem to like North Gwinnett. The Buford Business Alliance is so excited about the news that they're launching a new commercial touting the town's charms. You can watch it here. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:25:31 EST Road improvements in Evermore CID http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=57 One of the big advantages of CIDs is that they seem to do a good job of bringing together lots of different people with the purpose of improving transportation. We know the business community along Route 78 in Snellville has been clamoring for better roads for a long time.

Now it looks like the Evermore CID is making progress. The CID held a public open house last week at Snellville City Hall. Proposals include buliding two parallel roads between Hewatt Road and Britt Drive, as well realigning the intersection of Route 78, McGee Road and Cambridge Street.

According to Evermore CID, 140 people showed up. Here's Evermore CID Executive Director Brett Harrell:  “The proposed projects will improve safety, mobility, and access while providing alternatives for local trips that reduce congestion and conflicts on U.S. 78." Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:17:56 EST Georgia entrepreneurs featured on "Georgia's Business" http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=56 The Georgia's Business program on Georgia Public Broadcasting will be airing a special program called "Enterprising Entrepreneurs" on April 6 (at 1:30 p.m.) and again on April 7 (at 7 p.m.).

According to producers, host Richard Warner will interview Frank Argenbright, founder and chairman of AirServ and SecurAmerica Corporations.

Argenbright sounds like quite a character:

Graduating with a 1.9 grade point average (after being flunked in
History by his mother) Argenbright went on to earn a B.S. in criminal
justice with a minor in art from Florida State University. He continued
his art studies in Florence, Italy, and earned the rank of Capitan while
serving in the Army Reserves. Argenbright went on to graduate from the
Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School and has
attended management courses at Georgia State University.

When asked about the company culture that led to a multimillion dollar
enterprise, Argenbright says there are three things that get you there:
“passion, persistence and perspiration”. Argenbright was fascinated
by wealth early on and taught by his father that rich people “drive
Cadillacs, join golf clubs and charge by the hour”. So with $500
dollars in his pocket, Argenbright began what eventually became AHL
Services, Inc., a multinational company providing outsourced business
service for Fortune 500 Clients.
 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:53:11 EST International presence http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=55
We here at GBB are constantly amazed by just how global Gwinnett has become. Don't underestimate the breadth and depth of international ties among the county's business community. And it also looks like the county's various immigrant communities are starting to forge more and more connections with overseas business and political leaders --which should eventually pay off in big ways.

Case in point: The city of Lilburn hosted a delegation from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India last week. Mayor Diana Preston presented a key to the city to Ahmedebad Mayor Amit Shah and then proceeded to tour the sprawling BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Rockbridge Road.

Check out GBJ's coverage of last year's opening of the Hindu temple here.
 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:38:17 EST Business of the Month http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=54 Gwinnett Medical Center has been named the Gwinnett Chamber's first Business of the Month for march. GMC has been on a public campaign recently to get state approval for open heart surgery. It's also constructing a new hospital tower at its Lawrenceville campus.

According to the chamber, "GMC won 100% of the Chamber Board vote during the selection process. Community support and involvement were two major factors aiding this decision, and both GMC and the chamber work to help drive economic growth and development in the community." Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:24:42 EST EMS finishes strong http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=53 These may be slow times for the economy overall, but EMS Technologies, Inc. reported a strong fourth quarter today. The Norcross-based satellite communications firm is reporting a 19 percent increase in operating income over 4Q 2006, as well as a 34 percent increase for the whole year.

(On a side note, check out next week's March edition of Gwinnett Business Journal for more coverage of EMS.) Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:32:39 EST Free small biz counseling http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=52

We tend to focus our energy on Gwinnett's huge business community without covering all the stuff happening in Atlanta, but American Express and SCORE (a volunteer business counseling organization) are sponsoring an event March 6 that could be incredibly helpful to lots of Gwinnett-based small businesses.

The Small Business Speed Coaching Test Drive is a multi-city seminar tour that offers small business owners free 30-minute, one-on-one evaluation sessions with experienced business coaches. In addition to the speed coaching sessions, there will be seminars and networking time. The all-day event takes place at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta. Find out more about the program here. To register, visit here. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:49:28 EST Living for the weekend http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=51

The Gwinnett Chamber held its General Member Luncheon the other day, where  they unveiled the new Success Lives Here logo and promotional campaign. The logo was designed here at Tillman Allen Greer (publishers of GBJ), so of course we're proud of it!

What else is shakin' around Gwinnett? Have a look....

-- The Atlanta Vision are playing this weekend at the Gwinnett Center.

-- The Gwinnett Place CID and Landmark Communications took a public opinion poll of opinions about the Gwinnett Place area. Key finding: 55 percent of all Gwinnett residents visit the neighborhood each month. Check out the full report here.

-- Rock-Tenn. Co. will offer $200 million in senior notes, due 2016.

-- AGCO beats EPS expectations by a wide margin. Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:40:43 EST A case of the Mondays http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=50 Hey there, fellow Gwinnettians. (We'll never grow tired of using that word!) Here are a few Gwinnett-tastic Monday headlines for ya:
  • Theragenics Corp. notched the highest annual revenue in company history last year, though its net income declined.  The CEO: "We have just completed an exceptional year."
 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:06:36 EST How not to retire http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=49 Whether your ideal retirement involves staying active in the Gwinnett scene or hitting the open road in your R.V., there are a few common mistakes that you can avoid before retiring.

That's why Magnolia Financial Advisors is sponsoring a series of Retirement Redefined workshops in Buford.

Three of Magnolia’s Managing Partners- Gary Burger, Tim Koenning and Jay Grubb, will all speak and lend their expertise in making several presentations for the local senior residents of the Buford area. "We’re excited to bring this opportunity to pre and post retired individuals of this area for the very first time," states Mr. Burger. He continues, "Many people are simply not aware of the dangers that could destroy a comfortable retirement. We want people to understand some of the basic strategies and tactics to safely navigate through retirement and certainly, to save taxes they may be unknowingly paying."

Dates and locations:

-- Feb. 19: 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at The Grille at Ivy Creek
-- Feb. 21: 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Red Sky Café
-- March 1: 9:30 a.m. at Peoples Bank & Trust (includes continental breakfast)

Also:

RSVP @ 1-800-560-0897. Nothing will be sold and there is no obligation to make any purchase. These are presented for educational purposes only for people typically 55 yrs old and older. Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:59:47 EST Brain Train Day http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=48 The group rallying for a Brain Train between Athens, Atlanta and Macon will hold a Valentine's Day press conference and meet 'n greet at the State Capitol on Thursday. This will be the second annual Brain Train Day, where choo-choo supporters drum up media coverage and get some valuable face time in with legislators.

Here are the muckety-mucks expected to attend :

-- Emory Morsberger – Chairman, Georgians for the Brain Train
-- Sen. Jeff Mullis – Transportation Committee Chairman – District 53 (R-Chickamauga)
-- Rep. Melvin Everson - District 106 (R-Snellville)
-- Rep. Vance Smith – Transportation Committee Chairman – District 129 (R-Pine Mountain)
-- Rep. Pete Marin – Gwinnett District 96, (D-Duluth)
-- Rep. Donna Sheldon – District 81 (R-Atlanta)
-- Betty Willis – Associate Vice President for Governmental Affairs, Emory University
-- Michael Robison – Lanier Holdings/Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee
-- Denise Thames – State Executive Director, MADD Georgia
-- Abby Blaylock – UGA Bulldogs for the Brain Train
-- Paul Kelman – Central Atlanta Progress
-- Andy Welch – Henry County Chamber of Commerce Transportation Chair

We've long agreed with Gwinnett's business and community leaders: The county's traffic problems and lack of transportation options are huge problems for companies that want to do business here. Gwinnett is the second largest county in the state now and is one of the state's most powerful economic engines. It's high time we invest in the infrastructure that will allow us to grow even more. Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:48:50 EST Mascot madness http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=47 Last month we told you about Georgia Gwinnett College's search for a mascot. The school's Student Government Association this week announced that it has narrowed the list down to five finalists (our suggestion of the Traffic Copters, alas, wasn't one of them!): Centurions, Generals, Green Knights, Grizzlies or Patriots.

Now the student body will vote next week on which one to choose.

First of all, the Patriots? We love our country as much as anybody, but we can't support a name that reminds us of that spy camera-loving Bill Belichick. So the official Gwinnett Business Blog Mascot Endorsement goes to..... the Green Knights. It's fairly unique, sounds like it could be a team of superheroes and if nothing else, it's environmentally-friendly! Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:35:54 EST The markets http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=46 It looks like it could be another rocky day on Wall Street after the markets took a beating earlier this week. Let's see what's shakin' locally....

-- AGCO sends out mixed messages. It's quarterly results look good, but 2008 earnings could fall short of expectations.

-- Theragenics says revenues up 15 percent in 07, though its net income declined.

-- Vyyo finished off 2007 on a down note and now it looks like the broadband equipment manufacturer its restructuring some of its operations: " Vyyo announced that it has begun to consolidate its Israeli research and development, engineering, logistics and customer support functions into its Norcross offices. The company plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 100 management and staff positions and transfer its production from Israel by expanding its use of contract manufacturers in Asia. "

And in local canine-related news:

The "doggy day and overnight camp" Camp Bow Wow Duluth is hosting an "open dog house" this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Camp Bow Wow is located at 1795 Buford Highway in Duluth.

Here's our favorite part of the company's press release: "Four-legged campers who have previously passed the Camp Bow Wow interview process will also be invited to spend the day with our Certified Camp Counselors®, FREE of charge! All other dogs must remain on leash (begging their owners to schedule a FREE interview day so they can come back and play at Camp Bow Wow too)!"

 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:53:06 EST At least you can lose all your chips... for charity! http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=45 We here at GBB, it should be noted, are terrible card players. Despite delusions of cowboy-gambler grandeur, we have no idea how to bluff. Oh, and we always bet on bad hands and frankly, we're too frugal (not cheap!) to wager big money on a poker hand.

That said, if you're do enjoy poker, be sure to check out next week's Adreka Charity Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament. The event, which benefits the Make A Wish Foundation, will be held Wed. Feb. 13 at the always-happenin' 1818 Club in Duluth. You can register by signing up here. Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:40:00 EST Super Tuesday hangover http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=44 Well, Super Tuesday mania has now passed and we're spending this Wednesday morning with a big cup of  coffee after watching election returns late in the night.

(Our little highlight of the night: John King on CNN breaking down the Atlanta region and noting how important Gwinnett is to the candidates vying for Georgia delegates.)

Anyway, here are some headlines we're following:

-- AGCO Corp. will announce its 2007 fourth quarter results tomorrow at 10 a.m. The conference call will include CEO Martin Richenhagen and SVP/CFO Andy Beck.

-- The Gwinnett Place CID Board of Directors will meet next Wed. (Feb. 13) at 9 a.m. at the Gwinnett Commerce Center's conference room on the first floor.

-- The Buford Business Alliance will host its Feb. 12 meeting at Lazer City Laser Tag of Buford. Members and guests are invited to attend. We don't know if the group's members are good shots, but this is certainly one of more interesting networking events we've ever seen in Gwinnett.

-- The Georgia Force Arena Football League team will host Fan Appreciation Day on Feb. 21 at its training facility in Flowery Branch. The team's season starts on March 1 with its first home game in Gwinnett since returning to the Gwinnett Arena. Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:37:05 EST What goes into a logo? http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=43 If you've ever had to create a logo for your business, you know exactly how much thought goes into the process. It involves everything from coming up with a theme that conveys your core business to picking out colors and typefaces that project the image you want.

One blogger discovered that Gwinnett's own Scientific Atlanta (now part of Cisco) has a logo whose typeface is close to Helvetica (a common logo font) but not quite. So keep this in mind when you're coming up with your own logo: someone somewhere will be dissecting every little detail! Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:25:00 EST Hump day update http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=42 Lots of stuff to report in this winter mid-week! First of all, stay tuned for the February issue of GBJ, which comes out Monday. This month there's plenty of coverage of the new Gwinnett Braves, Wegener, Optimus Solutions, Ackerman Security and other companies.

And now for the news:

-- Our big-wigs meet their big wigs. County Chairman Charles Bannister and a delegation of Gwinnett business leaders met with their counterparts from the Gangnam-gu district of Seoul, South Korea. So far the only announcements coming out of the meetings has been a "sister counties" proclamation, but it could pay dividends for Gwinnett if it brings more Korean investment down the road. Having such a high-profile Korean-American population here can't hurt, either.

-- Speaking of Bannister, his State of the County speech, which he delivered last week, can be viewed online at the county government's website.

-- Immucor has added a new director to its board.

-- Got questions about securing credit for your small business? Ellen Thrasher, the SBA’s director of business & community initiatives, and Michael McGeehan, government customer manager with Dun & Bradstreet, will host the SBA's January web chat tomorrow (Jan. 31) from 1 to 2 p.m at sba.gov. You can post a question ahead of time by going here.

-- The Greater Grayson Chamber of Commerce has a bunch of new business openings to announce in Grayson, including The Pet Superstore, at 3413 Diversified Drive.

 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:33:10 EST Left-overs from dinner http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=41 We somehow were allowed into the Gwinnett Chamber's shindig on Friday, the Annual Dinner at the Gwinnett Center. So how did it go? Well the event was undeniably a success, being well planned and though-out like most every other chamber event is these days.

The speakers all knew to keep their speeches mercifully short (or at least mercifully not-to-long!) and we particularly enjoyed a very short moment at the podium by Clyde Strickland who, along with his wife, gave a huge donation to the Gwinnett Medical Center's open heart surgery campaign. We were also struck by the good food. The fact that the banquet staff at the Gwinnett Center can serve up a thousand or so meals at once is some sort of modern logistical feat on par with the space program.

To see who won this year's annual chamber awards, check out the February issue of Gwinnett Business Journal. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:05:50 EST Gwinnett Chamber Annual Dinner http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=40 This year's Gwinnett Chamber Annual Dinner is shaping up to be big one. The organization is celebrating its 60th annual dinner on Friday night and will name its Citizen of the Year.

According to the chamber, the dinner at Gwinnett Center is already sold out, with more than 1,000 tickets sold. From the chamber:

Guests will enjoy a very special night of recognition and accomplishment as the Gwinnett Chamber announces the 2007 Citizen of the Year, 2007 Public Service Award recipients, Legacy Award, Ambassador of the Year and the D. Scott Hudgens Humanitarian Award winners. These awards honor those who have made significant contributions to enhance our quality of life, make Gwinnett a better place to live, and improve education, medical and public service communities. Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:40:27 EST Thursday headlines http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=39 Well it's been a tumultuous week for the markets, with corporate profits down and talk of the dread "R" word. Here in Gwinnett, though, we can't help but be optimistic: despite the slowdown in home construction, our economy is far, far more diverse than ever and there's a solid base of high tech jobs here in established industries that are more or less bubble-proof. Not to mention the huge amount of investment that projects such as the new Gwinnett Braves stadium represent. Yes, 2008 looks like it could be a slow year, but we get the sense that the best times are still to come.

And now on to the headlines:

-- Norcross-based Simtrol gets $1.5 million in financing.
-- S1 Corp. wins Leaders in Innovation Award.
-- Rock-Tenn posts some good Q1 numbers.
-- EasyLink Services Corp. appoints a new V.P. and general counsel. Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:09:51 EST OMG, We're having trouble following http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=38 We love Suwanee-based Arris. It's one of Gwinnett's highest-profile tech companies and there always seems to be plenty of great news coming out of their headquarters. They're also very good about keeping us in the loop when it comes to what they're doing, which we appreciate.

But we couldn't help but giggle when we received their latest press release this week with the following headline:

ARRIS Delivers Privacy Mode Encryption in D5™ Universal Edge QAM --
A Key Step toward Accelerating U.S. MSO VoD Deployments

We're not exactly techno-phobes, but we might need Babelfish to translate this!
 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:58:58 EST Top of the first http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=37 Well, the past day or so has been a delirious one in Gwinnett economic development circles. The Atlanta Braves announced that they would be moving their AAA minor league affiliate to Gwinnett and naming them the Gwinnett Braves.

The deal means the county will build a $45 million stadium just north of Lawrenceville off Buford Drive.

From where we're standing, there look to be some major winners in this deal:

-- The Atlanta Braves (as long as the Gwinnett team doesn't draw too much gate attendance away from Turner Field, having its AAA affiliate in its backyard is a great deal)

-- County Commissioner Bert Nasuti (To his credit, he was talking about bringing minor league ball to Gwinnett last year long before there was a political consensus in its favor)

-- Brand Properties (Not only did they sell 12 acres of land to the county this week, but perhaps the best part of the deal for the company is the planned mixed-use development surrounding the stadium)

-- Partnership Gwinnett (The Gwinnett Chamber's community development wing has made it its mission to increase the county's profile and attractiveness to younger people and families. This looks to be a major step in making Gwinnett less a bedroom community and more the kind of place with attractions and entertainment of its own.)

Now that the county has devoted major financial resources to the deal, the real work lies ahead. Not only does the county have major bond obligations now, but stadium construction itself is no leisurely stroll around the bases... so they'll heave to keep a careful eye on construction overruns, especially considering that the Braves require the stadium be built by opening day 2009. Play ball!
 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:13:31 EST Monday headlines http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=36 Well, last week sure ended on a sour note with the markets posting big losses on Friday. The news coming out of Gwinnett right now is mostly a mixed bag, though, and there have been some big acquisitions make the news lately. And now for the

-- Wegener Corp. has released its first quarter 2008 revenues and  is nearer to profitablility.

-- Theragenics director steps down due to conflict of interest.

-- S1 Corporation to announce FY 07 results on Feb. 26.

-- Rock-Tenn will buy Southern Container for $851 million. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:39:05 EST B-ball comes to Gwinnett Center http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=35 Atlanta Vision, the pro basketball team playing in the American Basketball Association, makes its debut at the Gwinnett Convention Center tonight. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.

We can't help but love team owner Quentin Townsend's concise take on the team's move to Duluth: “Our hometown fans told us they wanted beer, local talent, comfortable chair back seats, a convenient location, and more beer."

Notable players on this year's roster: two-time All-American B.J. Puckett, from Dacula High; Marcus Sims, from South Gwinnett; and Richard Walker and Michael Konanec, both from Berkmar. Georgia Tech Hall of Famer, Dennis Scott, is entering his third year as the Vision’s General Manager. Bruce Kreutzer returns for a second year as Head Coach.
Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:50:30 EST How big is your game? http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=34 Looking for some sales inspiration and insight? Rich Singer, author and founder of SalesPartners Worldwide, will be at the Gwinnett Center on Jan. 17. Singer is a Rich Dad's Advisor and is affiliated with Robert Kiyosaki, the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad.

The event, called How Big is Your Game, promises to help businesses dramatically boost sales. To register, go here. Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:17:53 EST Local finance firm sponsors stock-picking contest http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=32 Sanders Financial Management, based in Norcross, is partnering with Atlanta's PINK Magazine to sponsor the PINK Million Dollar Stock Market Challenge. The 12-week stock market contest is designed to "further women’s knowledge of the U.S. financial system and the factors that influence the economy."

“We’re pleased to provide our support to this initiative that builds on a long-standing commitment to serving women and helping them achieve financial security and independence,” says Emily Sanders, President and CEO, Sanders Financial Management. “The PINK Million Dollar Stock Market Challenge will provide financial education to women that translates into practical application over the long term.”

From the co-sponsors:
Designed to be fun, easy and interactive, the Challenge allows 1,000 women to invest a hypothetical $1,000,000 in stocks and closed-end funds available on several exchanges including the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. Hosted on www.pinkstockchallenge.com, the contest is completely web-based and trades can be made from any computer at any time. Registration is free and open throughout the term of the competition, which officially begins today and concludes April 4, 2008.

At the end of the 12-week competition, the individual with the largest portfolio will receive a luxury 4-day/3-night stay for two at The Oaks at Ojai Spa in California which was voted one of Travel and Leisure’s 10 Best Destination Spas. The second place winner will receive an exquisite leather handbag by MILONGA. The third place winner will receive a $500 gift certificate to Ann Taylor.

We at Gwinnett Business Blog always thought these kinds of stock market contests sounded like fun, though we suspect we'd be awful at it. Enron? Buy! Buy! Buy! Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:26:48 EST Our suggestion: The Traffic Copters http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=31 We at Gwinnett Business Blog went to colleges and universities that were established long before we were born, so the act of naming a college mascot feels like some ancient myth. It's hard to imagine the University of Georgia with a nickname other than a certain wrinkle-faced pooch.

Perhaps that's why we find Georgia Gwinnett College's process of selecting a mascot so cool. Got your own suggestion? Submit it here. Or learn more about the college's mascot search here. Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:11:14 EST Chamber to host legislative reception http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=30 The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will hold a reception Thursday to unveil its 2008 Legislative Agenda. The event, which is sponsored by AT&T, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at The 1818 Club, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth.

According to Demming Bass, the chamber’s vice president of marketing and public policy, this is the first time the Chamber has presented such a comprehensive legislative agenda to its delegation.

“It’s important for the Chamber to be a proactive, valuable resource for our delegation and communicate the needs and recommendations from the business community and the Partnership Gwinnett strategy that we believe will create high-wage jobs in Gwinnett and enhance our community’s quality of life,” says Bass.

From the chamber: "The agenda addresses the key concerns of the Gwinnett Chamber’s 7,200 members as well as the feedback received from more than 2,500 residents, business and community leaders during the research phase of Partnership Gwinnett, the community’s public-private initiative, led by the Chamber, to generate 65,400 net new jobs and $5.8 billion in net new wealth over the next five years. Together, these organizations involved represent more than 70 percent of Gwinnett’s workforce."

The cost is $35 for Chamber members and $55 for non-Chamber members. All no-shows will be billed. Walk-ins are not guaranteed a seat. To reserve a seat, contact Natalie Shore at 770-232-8812 or Natalie@gwinnettchamber.org.
 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:49:05 EST Around town http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=29 Some developments to report Monday afternoon:

--  Immucor released its 2Q results today. Revenue for the fiscal second quarter was $61.9 million, up 14% from $54.4 million in the same period last year.

-- EMS Technologies says it predicts a strong 2008, with $1.30 to $1.40 EPS.

-- AGCO wants to build a new factory in Germany if the union agrees to extended work hours. Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:06:01 EST Immucor exec wins award http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=28 Phil Moise, vice president and general counsel of Immucor Inc. in Norocrss was recently named a co-winner of the 2008 Georgia Bio (GaBio) Industry Growth Award.

He will be honored at the GaBio Annual Awards Dinner, Jan. 24, at the Westin Buckhead Atlanta. Georgia Bio is a non-profit association of private companies and public agencies in the bio-tech industry.

According to the group, "The Industry Growth Awards are the highest honors bestowed each year. They recognize individuals in the public and private sectors who have made extraordinary contributions to the growth of Georgia's life sciences industry."

Mr. Moise was a founder of GaBio in 1989 and is a long-serving member of the Executive Committee as Secretary and Corporate Counsel. He was co-chair of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan's Life Sciences Practice before joining Immucor, which manufactures blood testing equipment, in April 2007.

He assisted more than 40 life sciences and medical products companies with formation, public and private financing, licensing and technology transfer, mergers and acquisitions, and general commercial work. Mr. Moise served as business advisor and outside general counsel for most of these companies, including Immucor, which he helped build into the largest publicly traded biotech company in Georgia. Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:56:12 EST Scientific Atlanta at CES http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=27 The popular tech blog Engadget notes that Cisco is starting to phase out the Scientific Atlanta brand. This has been the plan since 2006 when Cisco bought the Duluth company, but it looks like the major industry convention CES 2008 is where we're seeing the first signs of Cisco-ization. Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:46:26 EST Plaza at Breckinridge to break ground http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=26 The Gwinnett Place area of Duluth is about to get more class-A retail space. CBMT (aka Catanzaro, Bowers, Morris and Teseniar, LLC ) will hold a groundbreaking next Thursday (Jan. 10) at 1 p.m. for its new The Plaza at Breckinridge development.

According to the developers, the groundbreaking with include representatives of the Gwinnett Chamber and Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District.

The development is located at 3550 Breckinridge Boulevard and will contain approximately 24,748 sq. ft. of Class-A retail condominium units, including an end unit with a drive-thru.

The project is being marketed by Vici Real Estate. Units at The Plaza at Breckinridge are available for purchase, lease, or lease-purchase. According to the developer, "commercial condominiums have been on a dramatic upward trend in greater Atlanta and offer business owners the unique opportunity to own real estate rather than the traditional lease." Fri, 04 Jan 2008 13:01:13 EST Eco-friendly 'hood opens http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=25 The mood in local real estate development circles has of course been cautious lately, but you can see the builder community is hoping to begin rebounding in 2008.

Richport Properties, which was recently named one of the best homebuilders by Gwinnett Magazine, is pleased to announce that they are now accepting pre-sales for Phase II at Vineyard Gate, Braselton’s first Conservation Community. Vineyard Gate’s first phase has experienced much success, and interested new home buyers are encouraged to pick out their favorite new home in Phase II before it’s too late. Phase II features new floorplans which are affordably priced from the mid $120,000s to the $160,000s, making it ideal for first time buyers.

According to the builder, Vineyard gate includes the cutely-named "pocket parks," a marked trail, eco-friendly parking surfaces and 21 acres of preserved land. Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:52:15 EST Welcome wagon http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=24 This morning Hamilton CPAs & Financial Services in Grayson held a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning at the firm's new office at 2092 Scenic Hwy. in Grayson.

Thanks to the ever-helpful Michelle Couch over at the Greater Grayson Chamber of Commerce for the tip. Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:54:05 EST Meeting change http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=23 From the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District:

The Gwinnett Place CID Board of Directors meeting scheduled for January 9, 2008 has been canceled.

Please join us for our next Board of Directors’ meeting on February 13, 2008 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the first floor conference room of the Gwinnett Commerce Center (3700 Crestwood Drive). Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:45:29 EST What you might have missed... http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=22 A few quick news updates for Thursday morning:

-- The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce South Hall Business Coalition will meet on Thursday, January 10 at 8:00 a.m. at the Emerald Pointe Hotel & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort.  Held the 2nd Thursday of each month, South Hall Business Coalition programs give area business professionals the opportunity to meet on important issues and network before work hours. 

The upcoming meeting will focus on water issues and discussion.  Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Kit Dunlap will be guest speaker.  Kit Dunlap is chairman of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, a planning entity dedicated to developing comprehensive watershed, wastewater and water supply and conservation plans to be implemented by local governments in the 16-county metro Atlanta region. Cost for the meetings is $5.  Reservations required.  Call Michelle Wiley, 770-532-6206.  Email:  mwiley@ghcc.com or visit the chamber's website.

-- Gov. Sonny Perdue's office yesterday announced the launch of its new website. The strangely-URL'd "gov.georgia.gov" is touted as "part of Governor Perdue's continued focus on customer service and his commitment to make Georgia state government faster, friendlier and easier." According to his staff, the site will include more video of Perdue's speeches and event appearances, plus photo galleries. Sonny isn't the only one beefing up his website. Sen. Saxby Chambliss announced that his eponymous webpage has been improved as well.

 Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:52:45 EST AGCO boss talks horsies http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=21 Our cover story in December happened to be an interview with AGCO CEO Martin Richenhagen. The company's stock price has soared this year and the farming equipment manufacturer rumbles into 2008 well positioned for a strong year.

Richenhagen also recently participated in a New York Times feature called Job Market, in which a professional tells his or her story in the first person. Richenhagen takes the opportunity to talk about his love of horses, which he touched on in his interview with us.

When we interviewed him, our fist impression was that of a typical German businessman: Worldly, precise, careful, analytical and perhaps a bit introverted. But then we were particularly struck by one anecdote that Richenhagen told The Times:

A couple of years ago, I was visiting our factory in the Netherlands. A young man who had fled Somalia and was working at a local McDonald's heard I was in town, and hung around the parking lot for two days, waiting to ask me for a job. He hadn’t gone to school beyond age 12. But he had a well-prepared résumé, he explained his personal situation, and I was impressed that he had waited that many hours in that lot. I hired him, put him in a fast-track management training program, then had him working on export sales to Africa.

What can we say.... We have a soft spot for these stories. Paints quite a different picture than the stereotype of the cold German industrialist! Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:44:37 EST Buford happenings http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=20 Anyone who follows the Gwinnett business community will tell you: there a lot of networking and biz organizations here. One of the most active ones this year (according to our completely unscientific anecdotal evidence!) has been the Buford Business Alliance.

The BBA is kicking off 2008 in style with its first meeting of the year at the newly-opened Tabby’s Irish Restaurant & Pub. The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 8. Tabby's is located at 554 W. Main St.

Guinness and business networking. We can get behind that! Slainte.


 Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:11:12 EST Realtors award businesswoman of the year http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=19 The Gwinnett Chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors has named Peggy Slappey its first Businesswoman of the Year. Slappey served as 2007 president of the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors. This is the first year that the council has given out such an award.

According to the council she's been a realtor for 27 years and founded Peggy Slappey Properties, Inc. in 1982. Congratulations to her!

 Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:46:50 EST Slowdown for AGCO? http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=18 In case you haven't been shopping for a farm tractor recently, you may not have noticed that Duluth-based AGCO, the big agricultural machinery company, has been on a tear this year.

We'll have to see if this is just a temporary dip or a sign of a shift, but the Association of Equipment Manufacturers reported last week a 1.5 percent drop in tractor sales. We'll have to wait and see if this is the start of a long-term trend. Though, with high commodity prices now (and therefore higher farm profits), there's no reason to believe AGCO won't continue harvesting solid earnings. (OK, we'll stop now with the puns.)

 Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:35:39 EST Arris announces organization structure http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=17
Arris this week announced the organization structure of its leadership team after the successful close of the C-COR acquisition. It appears that C-COR's former president will be named president of access, transport and supplies. The company will now be organized into three product focused organizations:
  • Broadband Communications Group will include all DOCSIS based head-end and customer premises products. This group will include ARRIS industry leading CMTS, Universal EdgeQAM and Touchstone CPE products. This group will be led by Bruce McClelland, previously ARRIS VP & GM CPE Products, who is promoted to President, Broadband Communications.
  • Access, Transport, and Supplies Group will incorporate the current C-COR Access and Transport business and the current ARRIS Telewire Supply business. This group will be led by John Caezza, previously C-COR President Broadband Systems Solutions, who will assume the title of President, Access Transport & Supplies.
  • Media and Communications Systems Group will include the C-COR OSS Software and On Demand businesses, as well as the ARRIS Fixed Mobile Convergence products. Combining these businesses will enable the Company to realize the vision of a unified set of offerings operating on a shared platform. This group will be led by Bryant Isaacs, previously ARRIS President, New Business Ventures, who now becomes President, Media & Communications Systems.
A few other changes of note:
  • Supporting these three product groups will be a sales and marketing organization which combines the teams of both ARRIS and C-COR. This group will be led by Ron Coppock, ARRIS President, Worldwide Sales, and will be organized around three geographies: Americas; Europe/Middle East/Africa and Asia Pacific
  • Jim Lakin, previously President ARRIS Broadband Products, becomes President Advanced Technology and Services, a new organization created to coordinate areas of major synergy among the product groups
  • Reporting to Chairman and CEO, Bob Stanzione, are Larry Margolis, Executive Vice President Strategy & General Counsel and David Potts, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer who continue in their same responsibilities.
 Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:20:24 EST Hospital construction underway http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=16
Construction of Gwinnett Medical Center's new tower on its Lawrenceville campus is underway. Contractor R. J. Griffin & Company recently held a "topping out" ceremony for Gwinnett Medical Center's new 155-bed patient tower addition. According to the company, more than 450 employees and guests were present "to celebrate a successful and safe project to date."
When completed in summer 2009, the new eight-story patient tower will feature:
• 155 beds with patient rooms almost twice the size of the current tower
• the latest medical technology and patient conveniences
• patient/family suites on each floor
• a renovation of the Surgical Suite — new operating rooms dedicated to orthopedics, neurosurgery and vascular surgery
• 4 separate intensive care units each with a different focus
• 5 specialty care centers including orthopedics & neuroscience, a joint replacement center, a spine center and a cardiovascular center

R. J. Griffin & Company has constructed and remodeled more than 700,000 square feet - nearly $121 million worth of ! work - for the hospital system since 1990, including the construction of the existing hospital.

 Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:01:22 EST Med Center addition is underway http://gbj.com/blog_comments.cfm?BlogEntryID=15 Construction of Gwinnett Medical Center's new tower on its Lawrenceville campus is underway. Contractor R. J. Griffin & Company recently held a "topping out" ceremony for Gwinnett Medical Center's new 155-bed patient tower addition. According to the company, more than 450 employees and guests were present "to celebrate a successful and safe project to date."

When completed in summer 2009, the new eight-story patient tower will feature:
• 155 beds with patient rooms almost twice the size of the current tower
• the latest medical technology and patient conveniences
• patient/family suites on each floor
• a renovation of the Surgical Suite — new operating rooms dedicated to orthopedics, neurosurgery and vascular surgery
• 4 separate intensive care units each with a different focus
• 5 specialty care centers including orthopedics & neuroscience, a joint replacement center, a spine center and a cardiovascular center

R. J. Griffin & Company has constructed and remodeled more than 700,000 square feet - nearly $121 million worth of ! work - for the hospital system since 1990, including the construction of the existing hospital.

 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:31:09 EST