The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners have approved infrastructure projects to improve road conditions and expand pedestrian access across the county during its Feb. 1 meeting.
Via Unsplash
To maintain and improve county roads, the Board awarded six term contracts totaling $36 million for the resurfacing of more than 119 miles of residential streets. These contracts cover the entire county and include pavement patching, asphalt milling, asphalt topping, water valve and manhole cover adjustments and new pavement markings Stewart Brothers, Inc. of Doraville will manage resurfacing for three of the contracts, while Scruggs Company of Valdosta will oversee the remaining three.
Commissioners also approved a contract to build new sidewalks on the east side of Pucketts Mill Road, from Lilly Way to Hamilton Mill Road. The project includes curb and gutter installation and drainage improvements, enhancing pedestrian connectivity and safety.
Backbone Infrastructure, LLC of Sugar Hill was awarded the $491,753 contract, which is funded by the 2017 SPLOST program.
Norcross hires firm for those with sensory needs
The City of Norcross is entering into a new partnership with KultureCity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs at city events held at Thrasher Park. Norcross is now the first city in Gwinnett County to partner with KultureCity of Vestavia Hills, Ala.
The certification process involved training the city staff at Thrasher Park by medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize and assist guests with sensory needs and handle sensory overload situations. Sensory bags, which include noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads, will be available to any guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment during events.
Individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other conditions may experience sensory sensitivities, and age is no factor in these challenges. The sensory-inclusive program at Thrasher Park ensures that everyone can enjoy the sights, sounds and atmosphere of local events with greater ease and comfort.
Walton EMC awards $143,490 in Gwinnett school grants
In an annual ritual, a small caravan of Walton Electric Membership Corporation employees – armed with signs and checks – zig zags throughout the cooperative’s service territory stopping at schools along the way recently.
When the crew arrives, waiting administrators with wide grins usher them inside to take part in an exciting surprise. Sometimes, the unsuspecting educator gets called to the principal’s office. In other cases, the entire procession makes its way to the teacher’s classroom.
In either case, the look on the recipient’s face tells the story – they have won a Walton EMC School EmPOWERment Grant!
This scene was repeated 70 times recently as $366,164 in grants in its service areas to both public and private schools were awarded in the 2024-25 distribution. The money comes from unclaimed refunds and is authorized by Georgia law. No grant money comes from members’ power bills.
Since the School EmPOWERment Grant program began nine years ago, more than $3 million has gone to school systems across Walton EMC’s 10 counties.
Walton EMC CEO Ron Marshall says: “Our co-op is focused on providing reliable, affordable electricity and serving our local community. One of the highlights of our year is helping to make classroom dreams come true for these deserving educators.”
The $143,490 grants in Gwinnett went to these schools (click here to see list.)
GGC Gala nets $275,000, recognizes leaders
At the GGC Four Pillars Gala were, from left, John D. Stephens, Judy Jordan Johnson, GGC President Jann Joseph, Jonelle Faal, Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman and Tom Willard, of Sugar Hill, who is chair of the GGC Alumni Board.
Scholarship. Leadership. Service. Creativity. These four pillars define Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). On February 21, more than 500 guests, ranging from business and community leaders to GGC alumni, gathered at the college’s new Convocation Center to celebrate their support of the college.
By the time the evening ended, GGC’s inaugural Four Pillars Scholarship Gala raised more than $275,000 to support student scholarships and emergency fund needs memorabilia.
During the evening, four community leaders received awards recognizing their contributions to the college and the surrounding community.
John D. Stephens, a Gwinnett County native, businessman and philanthropist, received the GGC Visionary Award, a tribute to his lifetime of giving, dedication and civic vision on behalf of GGC’s students, faculty and staff.
The Honorable Judy Jordan Johnson, a lifelong resident of Lawrenceville and math teacher who served as the city’s mayor, received the GGC Community Champion Award. This award honors her for going above and beyond to support GGC in the community and region.
Jonelle Faal, senior vice president of SitusAMC and GGC alumna, received the GGC Alumni Legacy Award, given by the GGC Alumni Association. This award recognizes alumni who have achieved distinction in their careers, demonstrated exceptional leadership and have made a significant impact on their communities, the college and future generations.
Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman, GGC’s first president, was honored with the President Emeritus Medallion for his leadership and service to the college from its formation in 2005 through 2013.
Thermacell in new and expanded facilities in Buford
Thermacell, a manufacturer of zone mosquito repellents, has relocated its operations in Gwinnett County with the development of a new 256,000-square-foot facility at 3157 Buford Highway in Buford. This significant capital investment, totaling $4 million, will increase the company’s overall capacity by 38 percent, enabling Thermacell to meet growing market demand and continue its commitment to employee-centered growth.
Thermacell’s rechargeable technology keeps mosquitoes away with the only EPA-registered formula that creates a 20-foot zone of protection. There is also no need for unpleasant chemical sprays or lotions, as Thermacell repels mosquitoes in the air, not on your skin. Thermacell rechargeable repellents are people and pet-friendly and provide a better way to repel mosquitoes through heat-activated technology. The proven protection is independently tested and EPA-reviewed for safety & effectiveness, and repels dangerous mosquitoes, including those that may transmit Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and Zika Virus.
The new facility at 3157 Buford Highway in Buford will consolidate Thermacell’s existing operations, including the distribution center on Gainesville Highway and the manufacturing facility on Distribution Drive in Buford. This expansion will centralize Thermacell’s 60 full-time employees currently working across two shifts, 52 percent of whom are in direct labor roles. Additionally, the new site will accommodate up to 75 temporary employees during the busy summer season from May to September. The larger facility positions Thermacell for long-term growth, with ample space to support workforce expansion over the next decade.
Rebecca Illsley, Chief Operating Officer at Thermacell, says: “We’re thrilled to expand our operations in Buford and grow alongside our employees in Gwinnett. Our new facility is not just about increasing capacity; it’s about supporting our people, improving our processes, and positioning ourselves to make a meaningful impact in the community.”
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