Nick Masino with Partnership Gwinnett was September’s guest speaker and shared information on the robust business climate in Gwinnett County where unemployment is at 4.5% with a 77% labor force participation. Gwinnett is considered the most diverse county in the Southeast. With more than 600 internationally based companies including multiple Asian and German companies, Gwinnett boasts one of the most global populations in the region.

Nick reports that Gwinnett County has 4-5 opportunity zones but Georgia is not going to extend opportunity zones across the state. With the last ones approved in 2010 set to expire at the end of their 10 year period, only specific parcels will be eligible for continuation. If however you get into a building within an opportunity zone in year 10, the benefits extend for the next five years.