Business & Tech

Snellville Commerce Club More Than Just Networking

The club now serves as the membership arm of Snellville Tourism and Trade while maintaining the tradition of philanthropy and community.

The Snellville Commerce Club began in the mid-80s as a place for local business owners to get together and network. Originally called the Snellville Merchants Association, around a dozen of them met at the former Ryans in Snellville on a regular basis.

Its purpose is to "showcase the business community," according to long-time member and co-president Jimmy Norton.

The club disseminates information to the community and provides an opportunity to network with a wide variety of people.

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"Snellville’s got great demographics, disposable income, schools that succeed and low crime," added Norton. "It serves everyone to be involved because we all want it to be a success."

The club focuses on more than just networking and business tips, though. Monthly speakers range from state senators to high school principals and include topics like current events or trends, district changes, school updates and messages from residents who are doing good in the community. 

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Past speakers include Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner Richard Steele, Congressman Rob Woodall and Valerie Garner with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. 

On May 7, the club will gather to present Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)/ Distributive Education Club of America (DECA) scholarships to local students. Last year, Brookwood's Robert “Cole” Hembree and South Gwinnett High School senior Asante Farquharson were the recipients of the $1,000 scholarships. 

Other philanthropic efforts include an annual Toys for Tots drive over the holidays and Teacher Appreciation Coffees. 

Recently, the Commerce Club and Snellville Tourism and Trade (STAT) merged. The club serves as the membership arm of STAT; if you're a member of one, you're automatically a member of the other. 

"It seemed like we were doing a lot of the same things, and so it was a natural fit," said Don Britt, president of STAT. "Now the monthly meeting is an event of our group."

Part of STAT’s mission is to serve as the marketing organization for everything in the city, which includes local business, city and cultural events, so it falls under their charge to make sure those kind of things move forward in the city, according to Britt.

"We want to connect the community and celebrate Snellville," Britt added. 

The Snellville Commerce Club meets the first Tuesday of each month from 12-1 p.m. If you are interested in attending, you may visit once at no charge. 


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