BRASELTON
Independence Bank hosts ribbon cutting
Independence Bank of Georgia hosted its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 13 at its new offices. Terry Evans is the bank's president. Braselton Mayor Pat Graham was the featured guest for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception that followed.
The bank is located at 6323 Grand Hickory Drive, Suite 300-D in Braselton. The facility is near the intersection of GA 211 and Thompson Mill Road.
BUFORD
Buford businesses call on consumers to shop locally
The Buford Business Alliance and local merchants are asking shoppers to buy locally-sold products this holiday season.
"With economic hardships hitting our local communities very hard, we wanted to join and promote the grassroots 'SKIP On-line' campaign to help save our local merchants and businesses that are the backbone of our local economies," says Scott Snedecor, the owner of Buford-based S&S Ace Hardware.
Snedecor admits the campaign sounds self-serving, but points out that local businesses feed money directly into the local economy.
"Often as a small business, we are accustomed to struggling and look to the big businesses as our major competitors," he says. "In reflecting about trends in the news for the past several holiday seasons, the brightest spot in sales has been for online retailers, not the local big stores. Now even the local big stores are struggling. As such, our campaign also includes national chains that are part of our community."
DULUTH
Cognex closes Duluth facility, cuts jobs
Cognex Corp., a maker of machine vision sensors and systems, announced last month that it will cut 60 jobs and close its distribution facility in Duluth in order to reduce costs.
"Given the rather bleak economic outlook and the expectation that conditions will not improve soon, it is important to align our expenses as quickly as possible to the lower level of business that we anticipate in 2009," says Robert J. Shillman, chairman and CEO of Cognex. The company's distribution center that is currently based in Duluth will be consolidated into its headquarters in Massachusetts.
Cognex designs, develops, manufactures, and markets machine vision sensors and systems, or devices that can "see." Cognex vision sensors are used in factories around the world to automate the manufacture of a wide range of items and to assure their quality.
Wolverton & Associates wins three awards
Wolverton & Associates, Inc, a Duluth-based civil engineering firm were named to consulting and research firm, ZweigWhite's, "2008 Hot Firms" list, the "2008 Best Firms to Work for List" and the "2008 Pinnacle Awards."
"I am very proud of this achievement and as we strive for success in the coming year, I will make every effort to keep Wolverton & Associates a great place to work and a place where there will be opportunity for employees to thrive and grow," says Jerry C. 'Jay' Wolverton, Jr., president and founder of the company.
Established in 1989, Wolverton & Associates is a full-service consulting and engineering firm that offers services in civil engineering, transportation engineering, land surveying, traffic engineering, structural engineering and subsurface utility engineering.
Wegener president and COO speak at TelcoTV 2008
Wegener Corp., a provider of equipment for television, audio and data distribution networks worldwide, announced that President and COO Ned L. Mountain was a featured speaker at "Perspectives on IPTV," an all-day workshop that was held on Nov. 11 in conjunction with TelcoTV 2008.
Now in its seventh year, TelcoTV 2008 is the largest and longest-running telecommunications industry conference and exhibition focusing on TV and IPTV, as well as mobile video services. The conference was held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Orange County, Calif.
During the workshop, Mountain was a panelist at a session entitled, "New Technologies in STBs and Home Networking Equipment for the IPTV Environment." The panel, discussed a wide range of topics including new technologies and compared the various networking architectures. During the panel discussion, Mountain addressed "Tapping the Hidden Potential in IPTV Set Top Boxes with Built-in PVRs" and discussed ways to use existing technology for targeted advertising.
PGA tour cancels TPC Sugarloaf event
The tough market for sports sponsorships claimed another victim last month. The Atlanta Classic Foundation announced that it will not host a Champions Tour event in Atlanta in 2009.
According to a statement, "The current state of the economy has made securing a title sponsor for a 2009 event economically unfeasible. While several other scenarios were studied by the Atlanta Classic Foundation and the PGA TOUR, none proved viable.
"AT&T, the title sponsor of the AT&T Classic, discontinued its sponsorship of the PGA TOUR event following the 2008 tournament. Due to the current state of the economy, it was not possible to secure a replacement sponsor for the regular Tour event, which has been played at TPC Sugarloaf since 1997."
The Foundation has served as a host organization for a PGA TOUR event since 1967.
The Atlanta Classic Foundation says it will continue to pursue other opportunities, including a Champions Tour event for 2010.
GRAYSON
Greater Grayson Chamber to hold business after hours
The Greater Grayson Chamber of Commcer will hold its first "Hail Merry" Christmas Business After Hours celebration. The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9 at Hail Mary Sports Pub, 1950 Grayson Highway in Grayson.
The "presenting Santa" at the party will be the Gwinnett Business Journal.
Grayson race driver hits wall at Road Atlanta
During a practice session before last month's Sports Car Club of America race at Road Atlanta in Braselton, driver Keith Converse of Grayson lost control of his Formula Mazda and hit the cement wall on the outside of turn number three. According to American Patriot Motorsports of Grayson, his racing team, Converse was uninjured but the car was extensively damaged but was back on track for qualifying Friday morning.
American Patriot Motorsports' other driver, Casey Carden of Braselton, piloted his Formula Mazda sponsored by ABC Recycling of Marietta to a 17th position start in the same field, which included many pro-level drivers.
LAWRENCEVILLE
Karate studio offers anti-bullying program
Appalachian Karate Academy Atlanta in Lawrenceville is offering a series of seminars called "Bully Proof," that it says can help kids handle bullying situations.
"In the past we have seen amazing results as kids learn these tricks to thwart bullies." Says Larry Bullard, owner of the academy.
According to Bullard, kids learn how to handle these situations in a safe and fun environment. The program focuses on teaching kids how to recognize bullying behavior, avoid it before it starts, understand how a bullies thinking and teaches students how defend themselves without resorting to aggressive behavior.
The Bully Proof seminars were held at noon on Saturdays in November as well as on Dec. 13. The Appalachian Karate Academy Atlanta is located at 3157 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville. For more information, call 404-644-2973.
Maxwell High School launches aircraft flight operations course
Gwinnett County Public Schools students enrolled in Maxwell High School of Technology courses will have an additional field to explore come the 2009-2010 school year. In addition to its existing programs of study, the Lawrenceville school will launch an Aircraft Flight Operations course next school year.
According to the school system, this course is intended for students serious about pursuing a career in the aviation industry. Students in the course will build a solid knowledge base in the history of aviation, the principles of flight and navigation, the aerospace community and aviation meteorology. This course will help students make an informed college and/or career decision upon completion. Leadership development activities through the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and industry mentorship will provide students with a competitive edge for the global marketplace.
Wings Air lands at Hartsfield
Wings Air celebrated the launch of its new Hartsfield air shuttle service last month with a cook-out with the American Airlines staff at its new T-gate.
The Lawrenceville company now has a more visibile presence at the airport after numerous signs were installed by the airport and the airline. Wings Air President Robbie Rupard and CEO Charlie Mintz stood beneath the North Terminal entry sign and greeted passengers.
"This is the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of talented professionals and the beginning of a service greatly needed in the area," Rupard says.
The shuttle service offers regular flights from Athens, Macon and Lawrenceville to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta. Before the company established its own T-gate, passengers were required to pass through TSA security checks before proceeding to the gate for their connecting flights.
"We are excited about our affiliation with American Airlines which affords our passengers the easiest access available at Hartsfield" Mintz adds.
Wings Air was established in 1996 and is headquartered at Gwinnett County Airport-Briscoe Airfield in Lawrenceville. In addition to new Athens-Atlanta and Macon-Atlanta shuttle service, Wings Air also offers UGA game-day shuttles, charters and on-demand flights to key destinations in the Southeastern U.S.
Lawrenceville man called ringleader in fraud case
State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine said last month that arrest warrants have been issued on 19 suspects in an insurance fraud ring that allegedly collected $995,641.75 in misappropriated claims from a Japanese insurance company.
In a statement, Oxendine says the suspected "ringleader," Ken Dewberry, 42, of Lawrenceville, worked for Sompo Japan Insurance Company of America at the time the theft occurred -- March 1, 2001 to March 30, 2004. He has been charged with 30 counts of theft by taking, as well as charges under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
"Someone at the Sompo Atlanta office was changing the names and addresses of vendors and then requesting and distributing medical claim checks to people that had not performed any services on the claimants," Oxendine says. "Our investigation has led us to suspect Ken Dewberry."
A total of 473 checks were issued to 21 different individuals. Oxendine says the checks were cashed by the individuals, who typically kept some money for themselves and then passed the rest to Dewberry. Dewberry's financial records during the time of loss show approximately $154,000 in unexplained deposits into his checking and savings accounts. Also, personal connections can be drawn between Dewberry and nearly all of the check recipients, many of whom he knew from previously living in New York.
A total of 19 suspects will be charged under the RICO Act in connection with the case, and other charges are possible, Oxendine says.
NORCROSS
Dixie HomeCrafters announces expansion to new atlanta office
Hugh Harris, CEO of Dixie HomeCrafters, announced recently that the company is expanding into a new 14,000 square-feet corporate office and warehouse space in the Medlock Oaks Business Center in Norcross. Based in Atlanta since 1991, Dixie HomeCrafters is a leading home renovation companies and has been ranked in the top 10 of replacement companies by Replacement Contractor magazine.
"This new space will give us the opportunity to expand and keep up with the demand for all of our energy-saving products and services," Harris says. "With the high price of energy, homeowners are looking to save money with our reflective insulation, triple pane windows and other energy efficient products."
Among the fastest growing segment of Dixie HomeCrafter's product lines is Diamond Barrier, a reflective insulation that blocks radiant heat in attics. Dixie HomeCrafters also carries Energy Star Windows, a triple pane glass system that offers lower energy costs and saves furniture, carpets and draperies from UV damage, as well as GutterGuardian clog-free gutter systems, T-Plank Vinyl siding and Soffit and Trim.
In addition to its Atlanta location, Dixie Homecrafters also operates sales offices in Asheville, Baltimore, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Columbus, Greenville, Knoxville, Nashville and Raleigh.
EMS acquires British satellite firm
EMS Technologies, Inc. announced late last month that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Satamatics Global Ltd., a provider of satellite communications services. Satamatics is headquartered in Tewkesbury, U.K.
Operating with what's known as a "machine-to-machine" satellite service, Satamatics enables organizations to locate, track and communicate with mobile assets; safeguard fleets, cargo and personnel and monitor fixed assets in the world's most hostile and remote areas. Founded in 2001, Satamatics has a worldwide distribution network of value-added resellers, but also supplies direct to end users complete tracking and monitoring solutions (hardware, airtime and mapping) for a variety of industries. Since 2005, the company has had a consistent compounded annual growth rate of 29 percent.
"Acquiring Satamatics extends EMS's satellite capabilities into the growing M2M market using low-cost satellite data terminals, and further strengthens EMS as a market leader in satellite-based applications for tracking people and assets worldwide," says EMS President and CEO Paul Domorski. "We anticipate significant synergies with EMS's current satellite-based helicopter and military-vehicle tracking businesses. In particular, we expect promising growth for security and logistics applications in the road transport market, particularly in South America, Africa and the Middle East."
According to EMS, Dino Koutrouki, CEO of Satamatics, will continue to lead Satamatics post-closing. According to Koutrouki. EMS plans to retain Satamatics' staff and current operations in the United Kingdom.
EMS expects the acquisition to be accretive and to add EBITDA of $3 million to $5 million in the first year post-acquisition. The parties anticipate the transaction to close in the first half of 2009, subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of necessary regulatory approval.
Gwinnett Village CID recognized for beautification efforts
The Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District recently received the Grand Award for Outstanding Streetscape Revitalization in the state of Georgia at the 18th annual Excellence in Urban Forestry Awards in Augusta. The award was presented by the Georgia Urban Forest Council and was awarded to those organizations that have demonstrated outstanding service toward preservation and enhancement of urban forests.
The CID was recognized for its $825,000 landscaping project for the three southernmost I-85 interchanges in Gwinnett County – Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Indian Trail Road and Beaver Ruin Road.
The landscaping project was designed by landscape architect PBS&J. Leach Landscaping of Loganville and Imagescape of Duluth completed the installation in late 2007.
DULUTH
Street Smarts and Mathias open new offices
Street Smarts, Inc. and Mathias Corp. held a ribbon cutting ceremony last month for their new offices located in downtown Duluth.
"We are very pleased to be part of the re-development of downtown Duluth and look forward to making this our new home" says Marsha Anderson Bomar, president of Street Smarts. "Downtown Duluth offers us the 'live, work, and play' amenities of a modern city, but with a comfortable, down-home feel."
"Despite the difficult, even unprecedented times we are experiencing, this ribbon cutting is a sign that there are still positive things happening economically, as well as within our community - things that hopefully allow us to be a part of the recovery process by taking proactive steps in economic development and corporate investment," says Dave Heydinger, president of Mathias Corp.
Refreshments were provided by Chocolate Perks, a new chocolate and coffee bistro that Anderson Bomar says will open this month in the retail portion of the development.
Street Smarts is a privately held planning, design and engineering consulting firm. Mathias Corporation is a privately held construction firm.
SNELLVILLE
AT&T opens company-owned store in Snellville
AT&T Inc. expanded its retail presence in Gwinnett County last month with the opening of its first company-owned wireless store in Snellville. The store, which is more than 7,300 square-feet in size, is located at 1919 Scenic Highway in front of Target and Publix. AT&T says it has hired seven new employees to staff the Snellville store location, bringing the total number of employees to 15.
"This location showcases AT&T's wide portfolio of advanced voice and data products in a way that redefines a customer's wireless sales experience," says Keith Holmes, vice president and general manager for AT&T's wireless operations in Georgia. "With this new store we are demonstrating our commitment to providing Snellville customers with cutting edge services, streamlined customer care and greater convenience when purchasing communications and entertainment products and services."
The new store features a state-of-the-art layout designed to engage customers and provide a fun and interactive service experience. The floor plan includes 12 customer stations to serve a larger volume of customers; 11 wall displays – with more than 50 live phones for on-site demos; and easy-to-access parking. The store has an automatic bill-payment station and an in-store Repair Depot where customers can get assistance with their phone repairs on the spot.
