Nicole Hendrickson, chair of Gwinnett County Council. Photo provided.
By Deborah Tuff
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | After her first full year in office, Gwinnett County Commission Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson last week addressed residents and businesspeople during her second State of the County address.
She said: “In Gwinnett, our kaleidoscope is the lens through which we view progress, which represents Gwinnett County as we vibrantly connect the unique people, place and promise of our community.”
Hendrickson called Gwinnett’s people as “Our greatest asset.” The 2020 Census shows the county’s population is close to a million people, or about nine percent of Georgia’s total population. She added that 26 percent of all Gwinnettians came from other countries.
“Last year, we took the first steps toward creating an equity action plan to help us bring our people to the forefront,” she said. “The plan will analyze our current policies and practices and chart a path forward to ensure we center equity in County government operations. It is our desire to ensure that no family or community is left behind.”
The chairwoman said that one bridge has been built with education. Through partnerships with the Gwinnett County Public Schools, leaders have invested in early childhood education programs that offer enriching courses for newborns, toddlers and children up to age 8. The Building Brains Anywhere program focuses on literacy, STEAM and nature. B2 Anywhere also provides suggestions for caregivers to help children thrive.
From newborns to seniors, Chairwoman Hendrickson noted that our population over the age of 60 has nearly doubled since the turn of the century, meaning that providing adequate resources to support our seniors and their caregivers will have to be a priority.
She says: “Our work to continually improve services and quality of life is an example of the ‘Gwinnett Standard.’ It showcases our promise — to support our vibrantly connected community by delivering superior services.” In keeping with that standard, the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center opened earlier this year. It’s a place where budding entrepreneurs receive mentoring and connections to valuable resources. A partnership between the County and Georgia Gwinnett College, the center offers coworking and office space, classes, workshops, business coaching and peer learning. The inaugural group is already hard at work.
She concludes: “Through the kaleidoscope, our dynamic people and place will continue to evolve, bringing everchanging possibilities… and through it all, we’re counting on community leaders like you to help us uplift our vibrant people and keep Gwinnett the preferred community where everyone thrives.”
Hendrickson presented three Standard Bearer Awards during her talk, each representing an aspect of Gwinnett’s kaleidoscope.
- Chef Hank Reid with Lettum Eat was honored in the People category for providing high-quality meals to people facing food insecurity. Chef Hank became a partner with the County, donating healthy meals during drive-up food distribution events.
- The Place award went to Plaza las Americas for embracing Gwinnett’s unique spirit and providing an inclusive environment. The community center served as a host site for the County’s year-end vaccine events and was chosen by Comcast as a home for its Internet Essentials program and Lift Zone to boost digital literacy and academic achievement.
- The Gwinnett County Grants Division was recognized with the Promise award for its work to use federal pandemic-relief funding efficiently and effectively. Funds were used for PPE to protect first responders, support for struggling businesses, emergency rental and utility assistance, and gift cards for vaccine incentives.
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