REWATCH: “Above & Beyond” Book Launch featuring Wayne Mason, Dr. Catherine Lewis

On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the Council for Quality Growth and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce hosted a historic gathering of 150+ to launch the book “Above and Beyond: The Mason Family and the Transformation of Gwinnett County” by Dr. Catherine Lewis. Decades of Gwinnett’s leaders filled The 1818 Club to reflect on the impact the Mason Family has had on the community through private investment, business development, public works, and public service. Attendees heard from the author, who has spent the last few years studying and learning this important family in our region’s history. Nicole Love Hendrickson, current Chair of Gwinnett County Government, also gave remarks.

Her book tells the story of Gwinnett’s growth from unpaved county roads to the second-most populous county in Georgia through the lens of one of its most significant families — the Masons. It serves as a motivating and compelling story of hard work and dedication.

This historic and emotional evening featured remarks from Bill Russell and Richard Tucker as they reflected on the transformation of Gwinnett alongside their close friend, Wayne Mason. Dozens of Mason family members were in the room and those that saw firsthand the hard work of Wayne and Jimmy Mason to build the diverse and robust economic center we have in Gwinnett today.

Speakers: Michael Paris (Council for Quality Growth), Nick Masino (Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce), Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson (Gwinnett County), Dr. Catherine Lewis (author), Bill Russell (Russell Landscape Group), Richard Tucker (Arlington Capital), and Wayne Mason.