Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Archives

Episode 10: AAPI Insights for Tomorrow

May 9, 2025 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 10: AAPI Insights for Tomorrow

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AAPI Insights for Tomorrow with Bin Liu and Jay Patel

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Gwinnett Chamber Voice of Business Podcast shines a spotlight on the rich contributions and cultural values shaping our business community. This episode features two inspiring Chamber Board Members: Bin Liu, owner of Simple Floors, and Jay Patel, founder of Maison6405 and JMS Family Properties.

Together, they share powerful first- and second-generation Asian-American experiences, exploring how heritage, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit have influenced their approach to business and success here in Gwinnett—the global corner of Metro Atlanta.

The “Gwinnett Chamber Voice of Business” Podcast is presented by Gwinnett Magazine and produced in partnership with Business RadioX. Hosted by President & CEO Nick Masino, this show features engaging fireside chats with prominent business leaders, offering invaluable insights into leadership, small business growth, economic development, and inclusive best practices in business.

Episode 9: Inside the Gold Dome: Legislative Recap

April 15, 2025 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 9: Inside the Gold Dome: Legislative Recap

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Inside the Gold Dome: Legislative Recap with Senator Shawn Still and Paul Oh

Welcome to this episode of Voice of Business, presented by the Gwinnett Chamber! Today, we’re diving into the 2025 Legislative Session with guest host Paul Oh, Vice President of Public Policy and External Affairs at the Gwinnett Chamber, and special guest Senator Shawn Still, who represents Georgia’s 48th Senate District. From his entrepreneurial background in the pool industry to his current role under the Gold Dome, Senator Still shares an engaging perspective on the legislative process and how real relationships—across the aisle and across chambers—shape the future of Georgia.

In this Episode:

0:00 – Intro
0:29 – From Pools to Policy – Senator Still’s Journey
2:10 – Building Trust: Why Relationships Matter
10:00 – Paging at the Capitol – Behind the Scenes
12:42 – Tort Reform and Third Party Litigation Funding
21:54 – Georgia’s Bold Move on Income Tax Reductions
33:21 – SR48 – Recognizing the Gwinnett Chamber’s Impact
36:23 – Finding Your Bill – Using legis.ga.gov
37:46 – Looking Ahead: 2026 Is an Election Year

Resources & Links

Senator Shawn Still – Georgia Senate District 48
Paul Oh – LinkedIn
Gwinnett Chamber Public Policy
Georgia General Assembly

Episode 8: The Global Business Playbook in the #1 State for Business

March 13, 2025 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 8: The Global Business Playbook in the #1 State for Business

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The Global Business Playbook in the #1 State for Business with Kristi Brigman and Trevor Williams

Welcome to today’s episode of Voice of Business, presented by Gwinnett Magazine! We’re thrilled to be joined by Kristi Brigman, Chief Economic Development Officer at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Trevor Williams, Managing Editor at Global Atlanta, for an insightful conversation on what makes Georgia the #1 state for business for the 11th year in a row. Our guests break down the impact of foreign direct investment, why exports matter for businesses of all sizes, and how initiatives like the Metro Export Challenge are helping small businesses expand internationally. Plus, we explore how companies can leverage consulates, embassies, and Atlanta’s diverse business ecosystem to compete on a global scale—all without leaving Metro Atlanta. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or just curious about the future of global business in our region, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

In this Episode:

Guest Introduction 00:00
The Georgia Partnership Approach 01:35
FDI: Foreign Direct Investment 08:46
Existing Industries Leading Growth 16:21
Export Strategy – Why & How? 20:46
Utilizing Consulates & Embassies 30:30
Global Business Without Leaving Atlanta 36:35
Competitive Advantage of Diversity in Gwinnett 41:55
A Look to the Future 43:20

Resources & Links:

Kristi Brigman – LinkedIn

Metro Atlanta Chamber Website

Trevor Williams – LinkedIn

Global Atlanta Website

Episode 7: Celebrating Black Business Leaders: Leadership, Legacy & Impact with Tami Wilder and Lanier Levett

February 11, 2025 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 7: Celebrating Black Business Leaders: Leadership, Legacy & Impact with Tami Wilder and Lanier Levett

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Celebrating Black Business Leaders: Leadership, Legacy & Impact with Tami Wilder and Lanier Levett

Welcome to today’s episode of The Voice of Business, presented by Gwinnett Magazine! We’re thrilled to be joined by Tami Wilder, Co-CEO at Positive Impact International, and Lanier Levett, 2024 Board Chair and 3rd Generation Funeral Home Owner at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory. Together, we explore the pivotal moments that shape leadership, the challenges businesses must prepare for, and the role of resilience in driving success. As we honor Black History Month, our guests offer personal reflections on its significance, highlight the role of allies in fostering inclusive business environments, and discuss how representation fuels stronger, more connected communities. From leadership growth to embracing diversity at every level, this conversation is filled with powerful insights—plus, we’ll dive into The Six Triple Eight, Tyler Perry’s latest film!

In this Episode:

Intro 00:00
Pivotal Moments that Shape You as a Leader 02:50
Business Challenges to Prepare for 09:55
What does Black History Month Mean to Me? 16:08
The Six Triple Eight Review 25:36
The Importance of Allies in Business 28:50
Being a Reflection of our Community 39:27
Advice to the Younger Generation 48:49

Resources & Links:

The Positive Impact – Website

Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory – Website

The Gwinnett Chamber’s “Voice of Business” Podcast is presented by Gwinnett Magazine and produced in partnership with Business RadioX. Hosted by President & CEO Nick Masino, this show features engaging fireside chats with prominent business leaders, offering invaluable insights into leadership, small business growth, economic development, and inclusive best practices in business.

Episode 6: Business Trends to Look For in 2025

January 16, 2025 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 6: Business Trends to Look For in 2025

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Workplace Evolution in 2025 with Fred Dawkins and Jeff Spence: Trends in Culture, AI Innovation, Legal Shifts, and More

Welcome to today’s episode of Voice of Business, presented by Gwinnett Magazine. We’re thrilled to be joined by Fred Dawkins, Owner at Frederick C. Dawkins, Esq., P.C., and Jeff Spence, Founder and CEO at WithFuel, for an in-depth discussion on the dynamic shifts shaping the workplace in 2025. Together, we’ll explore the evolution of workplace culture, the growing complexity of management, and the transformative impact of AI innovation. This episode also covers timely legal and business topics such as recent rulings on salary thresholds and non-compete agreements, the rising use of fractional employees, and strategies for leveraging remote work to solve complex challenges. Whether you’re leading a startup, managing a team, or running a large organization, this episode is filled with actionable insights to help you thrive in the year ahead.

In this Episode:

Intro 00:00
Trends in Workplace Culture in 2025 03:35
Calling Employees Back to the Office 03:40
There Should be Complexity to your Management 08:36
Knowing How to Manage People 13:00
Utilizing Fractional Employees as a Small Business 19:14
How Will AI Impact the Workplace? 21:15
Salary Threshold Increase Struck Down in Texas 29:55
Non-Compete Ban Blocked Nationwide 31:24
Immigration Enforcement in the Workplace Ramped Up 39:50
Using Remote Opportunities and AI to Solve Problems 43:40

Resources & Links:

Jeff Spence – LinkedIn

Unconstrained: Fueling Opportunities & Unsucking Your Business by Jeff Spence

Fred Dawkins – LinkedIn

Frederick C. Dawkins, Esq. – Website

Episode 5: New Year, New Leadership

December 19, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 5: New Year, New Leadership

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New Year, New Leadership with Dr. Darice Irby and Rick Packer: Common Leadership Lessons, Navigating Change Management, Combating Burnout, and More

Welcome to today’s episode of “The Voice of Business” presented by Gwinnett Magazine, where we’re thrilled to have Dr. Darice Irby, Owner of Thriving Partners LLC, and Rick Packer, Principal Consultant at The Table Group, joining us for an inspiring conversation led by Nick Masino, President and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber. Together, they’ll dive into the art of authentic leadership, strategies for preventing burnout, the transformative impact of AI innovation, and how to choose the right mentor to guide your leadership journey. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a new leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights to inspire your growth in the new year.

In this Episode:

Intro 00:00
Common Leadership Lessons in 2024 03:18
Navigating Change Management 09:20
How Leaders can Prioritize their Growth & Development 10:50
Advice on Choosing a Mentor 14:30
Strategies to Combat Burnout 24:32
Advice for New Leaders 34:08

Resources & Links:

Dr. Darice Irby – LinkedIn

Thriving Partners LLC Website

Rick Packer – LinkedIn

The Table Group Website

GACC South Unplugged – Nick Masino, President & CEO of Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

November 14, 2024 by Mike

GACC South

GACC South Unplugged - Nick Masino, President & CEO of Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

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In this episode of GACC South Unplugged, host Matthias Hoffman is joined by Nick Masino, the President & CEO of the award-winning Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Nick discusses his background, including his years serving as the Bürgermeister (Mayor) of Suwanee; how he has brought diversity to the Chamber’s Board of Directors; and his vision for the future of Gwinnett County.

From the Autobahn to Gwinnett: A Journey of Leadership & Growth! Tune in now to uncover what makes Gwinnett a global business hotspot. You’ll also discover:

The secrets behind Gwinnett’s international business success
How Nick’s “Fish Philosophy” keeps his team thriving
Why Gwinnett feels like home to over 100 German companies

About GACC South

Founded in 1978, the German-American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States (GACC South) promotes bilateral trade and investment between Germany and the United States. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and with a branch office in Houston, Texas, it serves eleven Southern states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas. As one of the largest bi-national chambers in the U.S., GACC South is part of a global network of 150 German Chambers of Commerce across 93 countries. This international reach provides businesses with market insights, strategic connections, and growth opportunities. GACC South is more than a chamber – it’s a catalyst for transatlantic success.

GACC South Unplugged is presented by

Episode 4: Small Business, Big Goals

November 14, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 4: Small Business, Big Goals

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Building Big Goals with Joy Mitchell and Charbel Aoun: From Gwinnett Roots to Entrepreneurial Impact and Community Collaboration

Welcome to today’s episode of “The Voice of Business”, where we’re thrilled to have Joy Mitchell, CEO/Owner of Office Creations, and Charbel Aoun, Founding Executive Director of the Georgia First Generation Foundation, sharing their journeys and insights in a conversation led by Deirdra Cox, Executive Director of the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation.

Both proud Gwinnettians, Joy and Charbel dive into the highs and challenges of starting a business, the essential differences between sponsorship and mentorship, and how for-profit and non-profit organizations can work together to make a real impact. Plus, we’ll talk about the power of a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal), find inspiration in Kung Fu Panda quotes, and hear what’s kept these leaders motivated as they turn their visions into reality. Tune in for an inspiring mix of grit, goals, and Gwinnett pride!

In this Episode:

Intro 00:00
What prompted Charbel to start his non-profit? 02:02
The Leap of Faith 05:45
Gotta Have A B.H.A.G. (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) 05:45
Breaking Barriers for Women in Business 07:58
Early Challenges in Starting a Business 11:27
Strategies for Business Growth & Partnerships 15:49
How to create an Impact as a for-profit business? 20:20
Advice for Others Starting their own Business 23:08
What does the future hold for business? 26:07
How can for-profits & non-profits partner together in 2025? 30:00

Resources & Links:

Joy Mitchell – LinkedIn

Office Creations Website

Re:Creations Website

Charbel Aoun – LinkedIn

Georgia First Gen Foundation Website

Episode 3: Healthy Culture, Happy Teams

October 17, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 3: Healthy Culture, Happy Teams

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Exploring Organizational Culture with Evie Suarez: From First-Gen Professionalism to Leadership’s Role in Shaping Workplace Success.

This month, we dove deep into the heart of workplace dynamics with Evie Suarez, Founder of WorkWise Guide and a first-generation professional blazing trails in organizational culture. Tune in to explore what it means to be a first-gen pro, the essential ingredients of the “organizational soup” recipe, and how culture is shaped by both leadership and employees. Evie shares actionable insights on recognizing when culture is at risk, the top three things employees desire most, and how leaders can actively impact and nurture a thriving workplace culture.

In this Episode: