Southwest Gwinnett Chamber marches into its 10th year

Accompanied by the Norcross High School Marching Band’s drumline, past and current chairs kicked off its anniversary month with high spirits.

The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber literally decided to “March Forth” to commemorate its ten-year anniversary. The Chamber kicked off the month celebrations with The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber quite literally decided to “March Forth” in commemorating its ten-year anniversary. The Chamber kicked off the month celebrations with remarks from past chairpersons, founding chair Steve Dorough (2012-2013), Chuck Paul (2014), Bill Brown (2015), Dave Jones (2016), Dorothy Jarrett (2017), Barry Adams (2018), Weare Gratwick (2019-2020) as well as present Chair Margie Asef. But, in order to march in properly, a drumline from Norcross High School’s Marching Band helped spark excitement. Under the leadership of Corer Fair, associate director of bands at Norcross High, the students helped the chamber keep the pep in their step as they proceeded to the stage. 

“These mature and hard-working students who we enjoyed having with us and sharing our breakfast with … were a pleasure to have as our guests,” said Beth Coffey, director of Membership Sales & Service for the Chamber.

“First Friday Breakfast was full of history as well as looking forward and we’ll do that at our 10th Anniversary Celebration in downtown Norcross on March 24,” added Coffey.

The service project for this month is a fundraiser for USB charger stations for patients at Northside Hospital Duluth. Many Emergency Room patients have cell phones with them, but not chargers, and visitors are likely there unexpectedly and haven’t prepared to spend long hours waiting or are unaware of COVID protocols that may limit or not allow visitation of loved ones. Low mobile device batteries only add to the stressful emotions of a hospital visit, but this could be remedied by using portable device chargers strategically located at nursing stations, explained Asef during the breakfast meeting. To allow them to keep in contact with friends and loved ones and helping to ease some stress during their hospital stay the Chamber has a goal to raise $750 and provide at least six charging stations.

Those willing to donate and assist hospital nursing staff in helping patients and families connect and engage with those they love with fully- charged mobile devices may do so through this link: business.southwestgwinnettchamber.com/events/details/chargers-for-patient-devices-northside-hospital-donation-3200 

Donations are being accepted through April 1.

Upcoming Southwest Gwinnett Chamber events:  

March 11 and 18 Coffee Connections  (no registration or cost)

March 18  SWGC Nonprofit Roundtable immediately following Coffee Connections

March 24  SWGC’s 10-Year Anniversary Celebration from 5:30 – 8:30 in downtown Norcross at The Brunswick.  Don’t miss this fun evening of great food, live music, a word from our mayors, and prizes, all in this fabulous new space.  Register by March 18.

April 1 First Friday Breakfast:  Step into our next decade with a practical and invigorating message from Dr. Randy Ross, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and craftsman of culture and hope.

Information: southwestgwinnettchamber.com