On Thursday, March 3, the Council for Quality Growth and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual State of Gwinnett County at 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville. This was Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson’s 2nd State of the County Address, with over 700 Council and Chamber members, supporting business, and elected officials in attendance and several more tuning in virtually.
Hendrickson touched on the many accomplishments during her first full year as Chair, highlighting a focus on people. In 2021, Gwinnett County took steps to create an equity action plan, develop a Communications Department, and combat the ongoing pandemic with a variety of resources including widespread vaccinations and new opportunities to support senior communities. Other initiatives implemented in the last year include a Police Mental Health Collaboration, OneStop Gwinnett, warming stations, a housing study, “green” programs, and efforts to improve public safety.
Chairwoman Hendrickson also discussed her plans for the year ahead, including a $2 million transit system expansion and a collaborative effort to “reclaim, reimagine, and reconnect” their recently acquired Gwinnett Place Mall. She is optimistic of the County’s future with many new opportunities to develop and attract new business, invest in infrastructure, and improve the services and quality of life for residents, upholding the Gwinnett Standard – a term she coined at last year’s State of Gwinnett.
She ended her address with the surprise recognition of 3 of Gwinnett County’s first-ever Standard Bearer Awards. These recognized 3 members of the Gwinnett community that have exemplified the Gwinnett Standard for their contributions to Gwinnett’s people, place, and promise. “Those three facets are intertwined and deeply interconnected,” Hendrickson said, “and it takes all three to make Gwinnett the community that it is.”
Re-watch the full virtual event below.
Read the full prepared text of Hendrickson’s speech here.
Event Photos
Thank you to our 2022 Sponsors
