Souto Foods, a Lawrenceville food supplier specializing in high-quality products from Latin America and the Caribbean, plans to invest $28 million and hire 70 new positions here. This significant expansion marks a tremendous milestone as the company enters into a joint development agreement to kickstart the redevelopment of the underutilized former Cisco corporate campus.
Founded in 2010, Souto Foods has seen significant growth over the years. In 2017, when Alex Lee of Hickory, N.C., ranked 139 on the list of largest privately held companies in the United States as listed by Forbes, acquired Souto Foods, it was able to grow its business on an even larger scale.
Kimberley George, senior vice president of Alex Lee, says: “We are pleased with the opportunity for Souto Foods to expand and remain in Gwinnett. The county’s multicultural community has long fueled the growth of Souto Foods and was a driver for remaining local with this expansion.”
Partnership Gwinnett Economic Development Director Andrew Hickey managed the project in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Power, Gwinnett County government and McGuireWoods Consulting.
“It’s been a joy and a privilege working with Souto Foods to continue their growth here in Gwinnett County,” said Partnership Gwinnett Economic Development Senior Director Deven Cason. “We are excited for the further growth and opportunity they will offer our Gwinnett County workforce, along with their continued success.”
Duluth launches Selfie Stands in its downtown
Say Cheese! Duluth has launched new “Selfie” locations downtown.
Selfie takers in downtown Duluth no longer have to settle for stretched arm shots, and people squeezed into frame. With the addition of new Selfie Stands, visitors now have the extra hand needed to grab the perfect shot. These strategically placed cell phone holders highlight downtown Duluth’s best features and offer excellently framed photos.
The Selfie Stands are already in active use, and sparking joy among visitors.
The idea is intended to touch the whole community. Community Development Specialist Jessica Bianchi says: “Every day, I see people taking pictures around downtown Duluth. How can I help them capture the best shot while promoting our downtown?” Bianchi devised the idea for the selfie station and designed the concept for the cell phone holder.
“No one has done this near us,” she noted, “and I couldn’t find a place to purchase what we needed that would hold up outdoors, so we made them.” Duluth worked with A1 Signs in Norcross to produce the final product.
The playful picture frame design stands out, grabbing the attention of passersby. Each station is directly aligned to capture the picture-perfect scene ahead of it—from Duluth City Hall and its Eastern Continental Divide Marker to the culturally significant public art pieces like the Phoenix in Parsons Alley and the Historic Duluth Mosaic mural.
“In a way, it’s an extension of our Public Art downtown,” said Bianchi. “Photography is art, and downtown Duluth is such a beautiful focus to capture.”
The cell phone holder was thoughtfully designed to hold a phone both vertically and horizontally, allowing for flexibility in the shots that can be taken. Its ease of use is best seen when paired with a phone’s camera timer function.
The next time you’re in downtown Duluth, check out these unique selfie stands. See if you can find them all. Altogether, there are 11.
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