Business

Hargray Fiber Settles In as Corporate Citizen

Published

4 years ago

October 21, 2020

Donna WIlliam Lewis

Chuck Waters

In just one year of work within the city, telecommunications company Hargray Fiber is increasingly becoming an integral part of the fabric of Peachtree Corners. This summer, the company expanded its partnership with Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners to go beyond providing fiber connectivity for the smart city living laboratory’s 1.5-mile autonomous vehicle test track.

Hargray is now also providing the same critical infrastructure for Curiosity Lab’s Innovation Center, a 25,000-square-foot facility in which early-stage startups and tech companies test new ideas and corporate innovation teams discover one another.

“The Hargray Fiber team is committed to helping Curiosity Lab grow its technology ecosystem through fast, uninterrupted network connectivity,” said Betsy Plattenburg, executive director of Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, in a July 27 press release. “They have worked with us and the City of Peachtree Corners to provide critical connectivity for our autonomous vehicle test track, and their local presence made them a natural choice to provide our Innovation Center residents with fiber connectivity as well.”

To better foster technology innovation at Curiosity Lab, Hargray now provides fiber connectivity for Innovation Center members at speeds of 1 gigabyte upload/download, using a diversified path for fiber that minimizes service interruption and downtime.

Chuck Waters, General Manager EAS, Hargray Fiber, said the company “really values and appreciates” its relationship with Curiosity Lab.

“We’re thrilled to be part of such a forward-thinking initiative in the Peachtree Corners community,” Waters said. “Smart cities provide the technology infrastructure essential to drawing new businesses, jobs, and residents to the community and we are proud to be part of the tremendous success in Peachtree Corners.”

‘A philanthropic mindset’

Founded in 1949, Hargray Fiber has grown from a local telephone company to a regional telecommunications company offering a wide variety of internet, TV and phone services in cities throughout the southeastern U.S.

The Savannah,Ga.-based company makes a point of being active in the communities it serves by supporting local charities, organizations, projects and events. That’s definitely the case in Peachtree Corners, where Hargray is already making its mark, according to Brandon
Branham, assistant city manager.

“Hargray has jumped in to being a part of the community, not by just selling fiber services, but joining local chambers and supporting events at both the Innovation Center and Atlanta Tech Park,” Branham said. “They also have a very philanthropic mindset and have already taken on projects with several community organizations. They are a great addition to our already wonderful business community.”

Waters said community involvement helps Hargray provide services “relevant to customers’ needs.”

“Our belief is by being deeply involved in our local community we gain a better understanding of the business requirements and truly understand what’s important to the community. This helps us provide better business solutions through technology, not just selling cookie-cutter products and services,” Waters said.

He said Hargray wants to be part of helping Peachtree Corners develop and grow the incubator companies that evolve at Atlanta Tech Park.

“Providing high-quality, resilient and reliable fiber-based data service is critical to attracting these startups,” Waters said. “Insuring these new businesses stay in our community as they launch, enjoying the same exceptional customer experience they had at the Atlanta Tech Park, is why we have built the state of the art fiber network in Peachtree Corners, an investment in the growth of our city.”

Nashlee Young, Atlanta Tech Park’s Director of Business Operations, said Hargray is a partner in the tech park’s “ecosystem.”

“They join us at our networking events, have their staff meetings here, participate in the daily work environment and help sponsor some of the community building we do at Atlanta Tech Park,” Young said.

“It allows us to continue building relationships and build an ecosystem that not only helps Hargray build relationships but also helps companies to stay connected in Peachtree Corners,” she continued.

“Their participation in events and speaking to our community makes them more aware of the technology that is being put in place here at Peachtree Corners. They financially help support some of our events as well.”

In August, Hargray sponsored the tech park’s Cyber HealthTech Conference and was a presenting sponsor for the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s First Friday Breakfast, which was held at Atlanta Tech Park.

“The city of Peachtree Corners’ progressive leadership and vision for a smart city that will serve its residents and businesses for many years to come is why we have made a substantial investment in this community,” Waters said. “The tremendous support from city management and leaders, along with the Atlanta Tech Park and Curiosity Labs, has been essential to the early success Hargray Fiber has enjoyed.”

Related Topics:Business chuck waters Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners Featured Hargray Fiber

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Donna WIlliam Lewis

Donna Williams Lewis is a freelance journalist who covered metro Atlanta for decades as a writer and editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Around Atlanta

Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Visionaries Honored at 2024 MARS Summit

Published

2 weeks ago

November 8, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

A group of award winners in front of a Partnership Gwinnett sign

Tim Perry, managing director and chief investment officer of Jamestown named Redevelopment Champion of the Year

The Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit (MARS), presented by Gwinnett’s Community Improvement Districts and co-hosted by Partnership Gwinnett and the Council for Quality Growth, offered an exclusive look at major redevelopment projects shaping the future of the region.

This year’s event not only highlighted emerging trends in the redevelopment industry but also provided valuable networking opportunities for professionals across metro Atlanta. Attendees gained insight into best practices through discussions on successful revitalization projects.

The summit’s marquee moment was the presentation of the annual MARS Awards, recognizing remarkable achievements in redevelopment that are transforming the metro Atlanta landscape.

The keynote address was delivered by Joe Minicozzi, a renowned urban planner and founder of Urban3, who shared his expertise on land use, urban design and economics. In addition to the keynote, the event featured dynamic panel discussions with local leaders and key partners from across the metropolitan area, spotlighting successful projects and innovative strategies in the region.

Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson concluded the summit with closing remarks, emphasizing the continued growth of the region and the collective efforts driving its future.

2024 MARS Awards winners

The MARS Awards ceremony celebrated projects that have made significant economic impacts on their communities and honored Tim Perry, an individual who has dedicated his career to advancing successful redevelopment initiatives.

Redevelopment Champion of the Year: Tim Perry, managing director and chief investment officer of Jamestown

Runner up: Paul Radford, Sugar Hill city manager

Small Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Historic Jones Building

The historic Jones Building, one of the oldest structures in Cherokee County, has been revitalized to meet modern needs while preserving its storied past. This ambitious 28-month restoration culminated in August 2024, breathing new life into this cornerstone of downtown Canton and creating a dynamic space for work, dining, and play.

Runner up: The Hands of Christ Duluth Co-Op

Medium Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Grove at Towne Center

The Grove at Towne Center is a transformative development in the heart of Snellville. With 33,000 square feet of restaurant space, 10,000 square feet of retail and the new Elizabeth H. Williams Branch of the Gwinnett Public Library, The Grove offers an ideal blend of dining, shopping and cultural experiences.

Runner up: Springside Powder Springs

Large Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Works

The Works is an innovative, 80-acre adaptive reuse community that reimagines a historic warehouse district in Atlanta’s Upper Westside. The first phase, spanning 27 acres, introduced a dynamic mix of 218,000 square feet of unique retail and dining spaces, 118,000 square feet of creative office space and Westbound at The Works — a modern 306-unit multi-family residence.

Runner up: The Forum at Peachtree Corners

“Community redevelopment is essential in creating vibrant, thriving spaces that enhance the quality of life and drive sustainable economic growth for the entire region,” said Deven Cason, vice president of economic development for Partnership Gwinnett.

“We proudly congratulate this year’s award winners and finalists for their innovative contributions and tireless efforts in revitalizing our communities. Their work is not only reshaping local landscapes but also fueling long-term economic prosperity in metro Atlanta. We are grateful for their dedication to building a brighter, more prosperous future.”

2024 sponsors

The program was held at the former Georgia Baptist Convention Center, Maison6405, and welcomed more than 200 industry attendees.

Sponsors included Evermore CID, Gateway 85 CID, Gwinnett Place CID, Lilburn CID, Sugarloaf CID, C2H Air, Hogan Construction, Northside, Primerica, The Forum, Gas South, Jackson EMC, Select Fulton, True North 400, ABEV Power Solutions, City of Suwanee, Curiosity Labs, Geo Hydro Engineers, Georgia Power, Lose Designs, City of Lawrenceville, City of Norcross, City of Peachtree Corners, City of Sugar Hill and Town of Braselton.

For more information on revitalization and redevelopment efforts in the region, visit partnershipgwinnett.com.

Business

TransPak Acquires Reid Packaging to Expand East Coast Presence

Published

1 month ago

October 16, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

group of people in a warehouse with two men in front shaking hands

The strategic acquisition strengthens TransPak’s Southeast presence and expands their capabilities in custom packaging for military, aerospace and high-value equipment.

TransPak, a global leader in logistics, packaging and crating services, recently announced the acquisition of Reid Packaging, a long-standing provider of custom packaging solutions based in Peachtree Corners. Both family-owned and operated companies share a deep-rooted commitment to quality craftsmanship, reliability and customer service, making the acquisition a natural fit.

Reid Packaging, founded in 1982, has distinguished itself as the go-to customer industrial packager in the metro Atlanta region, providing corrugated, foam and custom-engineered crating solutions, particularly in the military and aerospace industries.

two people from Reid Packaging standing in front of crates and boxes in a warehouse — Ward and Anne Phillips of Reid Packaging

Under the ownership of Ward Phillips since 2008, the company has grown to become one of the largest packaging facilities in the region, with a 60,000-square-foot site.

The acquisition will allow TransPak to expand its local manufacturing capabilities in the Southeast, while leveraging Reid Packaging’s expertise in specialized and heavy-duty custom crates.

Strategic Atlanta location and enhanced capabilities

The acquisition is part of TransPak’s strategic expansion into the Atlanta market, a critical logistics hub for both the renewable energy and semiconductor industries.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Reid Packaging into the TransPak family,” said Tomas Molet, executive vice president of East and Midwest Operations, TransPak. “With Reid Packaging’s prime location in Peachtree Corners, we are now able to serve customers throughout the Southeast, including direct routes to the Carolinas and beyond. This acquisition strengthens our ability to meet the needs of existing clients, especially those in the semiconductor and renewable energy sectors.”

four people at a ribbon cutting as TransPak acquires Reid Packaging — Tomas Molet and Amanda Gautney with Anne and Ward Phillips

In addition to the strategic location, the acquisition brings new manufacturing capabilities to TransPak’s East Coast operations. Reid Packaging’s facility is now the largest of TransPak’s locations in the region. Its offerings include enhanced services, such as heavy-duty and triple-wall corrugated packaging, which will enable TransPak to meet the growing demand for custom-designed packaging solutions for fragile, high-value equipment.

Commitment to employees and leadership appointments

A key focus of the acquisition was ensuring a smooth transition for Reid Packaging’s employees.

“We made a commitment to Ward Phillips to take care of the staff, and we’ve delivered on that promise,” said Molet. “All employees were retained, and we’ve introduced benefits they previously didn’t have as part of our commitment to making this a positive transition for everyone involved.”

Amanda Gautney, a longtime member of TransPak’s leadership team, has been appointed as the operations manager for the Peachtree Corners facility. “I’m excited to work with the team at Reid and continue the legacy of this respected company,” said Gautney.

two people from TransPak standing in front of crates and boxes in a warehouse — Amanda Gautney and Tomas Molet

Looking forward in Atlanta

TransPak plans to continue operating under the Reid Packaging name for the immediate future. However, the facility will gradually transition to full integration under the TransPak brand, reflecting the shared values and commitment to quality of both companies.

About TransPak

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, TransPak has been providing innovative and cost-effective design, crating, packaging and global logistics for over 70 years.

As a customer-focused, women- and family-owned company, TransPak combines the agility of a small business with the reliability of a global powerhouse. TransPak lives by the slogan, “We make it happen,” ensuring that high-value, fragile, and oversized goods reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

For more information about TransPak, visit transpak.com.

Business

Lisa Anders Promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Explore Gwinnett

Published

2 months ago

September 17, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Explore Gwinnett, the destination marketing organization for Gwinnett County, has announced the promotion of Lisa Anders from executive director to chief operating officer (COO). Since joining the organization in 1996, Anders has demonstrated outstanding leadership and has established a track record of developing partnerships essential to leading and expanding the evolving destination marketing organization. The creation and oversight of both the Gwinnett Film Commission and Gwinnett Creativity Fund are just two of her achievements.

“I am honored to step into the role of chief operating officer at Explore Gwinnett,” said Anders. “Over the past 13 years as executive director, I have had the privilege of witnessing remarkable growth for our destination. I am eager to enter this new chapter, and I’m looking forward to continuing to see how we expand.”

As COO, Anders will take on the additional responsibility of overseeing the Gwinnett Sports Commission. This division is dedicated to driving economic development through sports, managing a variety of events for youth, collegiate, amateur and professional athletic organizations. Ander’s innovative approach and extensive network of local and national connections will further support the commission’s overall mission to establish Gwinnett County as a premier sports destination.

“The Gwinnett Sports Commission team has excelled in attracting and managing a diverse array of sporting events over the past several years,” Anders added. “I look forward to working closely with this talented team to support their ongoing efforts and foster economic development for our community.”

For more information, visit exploregwinnett.org.