The possibility of establishing the City of Mulberry in Gwinnett County hurdled another step last week as the Georgia Legislature sent a bill creating the city to Gov. Brian Kemp. Once signed by the governor, and if approved by voters, it would become the 17th city in Gwinnett, more than in any other Georgia county.
House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration (R-Auburn) and State Senator Clint Dixon (R-Gwinnett) led the effort for the bipartisan legislation to create the City of Mulberry in northeastern Gwinnett County. If signed by Governor Kemp, it would place the question of cityhood on the spring primary ballot for residents in the proposed city.
If signed by the governor and approved by voters, the City of Mulberry would provide planning and zoning, code enforcement and stormwater management services and would not be allowed to implement a city property tax. More information about the City of Mulberry, including the feasibility study which found the city would be financially viable without collecting any city property taxes, can be found at https://www.cityofmulberryga.com/.
Northeast Boy Scouts to honor 3 individuals
Three individuals will be honored by the Northeast Georgia Boy Scouts of America Council at its 24th annual Gwinnett American Values dinner on March 5.
Hall
Carr
Bilbrom
Being recognized will be Debbie Bilbrom CEO, Northside Hospital; Brad Carr partner, Andersen, Tate and Carr, P.C.; and Stan Hall, CEO, Gas South District/Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau. They each will receive the Scott Hudgens Distinguished Citizen Award for their contributions to Gwinnett County.
Noggle
Keynote Speaker will be Caylee Noggle, CEO of the Georgia Hospital Association. Each year, over 400 business and community leaders are in attendance at this event. It is a signature event for Gwinnett County and Scouting.
The Host Committee is made up of 30 community leaders and is chaired by Jay Dennard, Northside Hospital; Attorney J. Michael Levengood; and Don Swift of Andersen, Tate and Carr. Tables of ten may be sponsored for $2,500, while individual seats are $250. Proceeds from this event benefit over 5,000 Scouts and Scout leaders in Gwinnett County.
Two Norcross Gallery paintings stand out
“Sunflowers”
“Not coming home”
In the Norcross Gallery and Studios current exhibit, Warm Hearts, showing Council Member’s work, two paintings stand out.
The first is by Mike MacManus and is titled “Not Coming Home”; the painting shows some small children in a school hallway. The children standing in the foreground have haunted, sad expressions and there are children lying on the floor behind them. MacManus says it was inspired by a Nashville school shooting and about the families’ loss, anger about guns, and concerns for safety. No one thinks about the children who survived to come home and their confusion and sadness.
“Sunflowers” is by Kathy Collins; the beautiful flowers are a favored subject for many artists and after the invasion of Ukraine many of Gallery artisans used art as an expression of their feelings at that time, says Collins.
The exhibit ends February 17 so see these outstanding works soon.
Davis is new general manager at Aurora Theatre
A familiar face is coming to Gwinnett County. Jono Davis, former artistic director and manager of Cobb County’s T. Anderson Theatre, is joining the Aurora Theatre as the new complex general manager. He leaves Cobb County after 8.5 years.
Davis
In his time at the Anderson Theatre, he managed rentals, brought in touring acts, and created the southeast’s first concert musical series, entitled The Overture Series, which proceeded to win several Suzi Bass Awards and a Telly Award. As the general manager, he will oversee management of the entire campus and facility rentals at the Lawrenceville Arts Center.
Jono says: “I have watched this area grow and develop for many years, and I cannot wait to explore and get to know this community. This city has built a beautiful arts center, and I am honored to be a part of its history.”
Producing Artistic Director Ann-Carol Pence is ecstatic. “Jono is the ideal candidate. He will be able to bring new solutions to the table as to how we best activate the entire campus; plus, with his background in marketing and public relations, he will expand the brand of Aurora Theatre as a nationally recognized institution.”
Two executives join Georgia Banking Company
In response to the remarkable growth experienced by Georgia Banking Company (GBC) over the last three years, the organization is announcing strategic leadership changes that reflect its commitment to maintaining momentum and focusing on key strategic priorities.
Reagan
Black
Effective immediately, David Black will step into the role of chief commercial officer, a pivotal new position overseeing GBC’s asset-generating lines of business, including commercial and specialty lending, commercial real estate, and mortgage warehouse. Black is a native of Clyattville in Lowndes County.
Black holds a BBA and MBA from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. He met his wife, Kristin, in Athens. They have two sons and the family lives in Sandy Springs. Prior to joining GBC, he served as the Chief Risk Officer at Cadence Bank. He came to Cadence via their 2019 acquisition of State Bank Financial Corporation, where he served as Chief Credit Officer since 2013. He joined GBC in 2020.
Simultaneously, Wes Reagan will transition from director of credit risk to assume the role of chief risk officer. Reagan’s diverse background and proven track record in navigating complex risk landscapes position him well for this critically important role.
Reagan is a native of Snellville, where he grew up. He is a CFA charterholder and holds a BBA and MBA from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. He and his wife, the former Lainie Reagan of Lilburn, with their two sons live in Sugar Hill.
Prior to working at GBC, he served as a Managing Director, Underwriting at White Oak Commercial Capital. Prior to that, he held various positions at State Bank and Trust Company, most recently as a Regional Credit Officer. He got his banking career started at Brand Bank, where he worked from 2005 – 2011.
The announcement came from Bartow Morgan Jr., CEO of GBC: “David Black and Wes Reagan bring adept and complimentary experience to their new roles, and I am confident that their leadership will contribute significantly to the continued success of GBC.”
Homeowners hit by Covid could get mortgage help
If you are a homeowner who has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, then you may be eligible for mortgage assistance. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs launched the Georgia Mortgage Assistance Program to provide financial aid to those in need. It could reduce delinquent payments or payments currently in forbearance, lower your mortgage balance after income loss, or cover housing-related expenses. To check whether you are eligible to receive assistance, visit GeorgiaMortgageAssistance.GA.gov.
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