FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANDREW CARNES WINS ’40 UNDER 40 AWARD’ IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
FOR HIS OUTSTANDING WORK IN GWINNETT COUNTY
(GWINNETT-METRO ATLANTA) March 17, 2021 – Andrew Carnes, VP of Economic Development at Partnership Gwinnett has been announced as a recipient of the 2021 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.
The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in non-profit, economic, and community development industries. An independent selection committee of six economic development professionals and site selection consultants evaluated a record-number of 200-plus nominees.
“This past year has demonstrated the importance of economic development in building and sustaining resilient communities,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “I’m especially impressed by the diverse perspectives and skillsets of this year’s winners as they lead communities to prioritize new ways of thinking, building inclusive and equitable economies, and bringing an attitude of fresh new ideas to the challenges in the industry. The economic development future is bright with these young leaders.”
Over the past 6-years, Carnes led the Partnership Gwinnett team in landing 107-projects in Gwinnett County with 35% of those projects being international-based companies.
“Andrew’s career track record has been a case of continuous upward mobility,” said Nick Masino, President and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. “From being the executive director at the Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority to now leading the largest local economic development office in the Southeast at Partnership Gwinnett, he continues to grow as a thought leader within economic development community, and I am proud to have him on my team.”
Carnes runs the largest local economic development organization within the Southeast with 13-team members. He also serves on multiple regional boards including chair of the Regional Marketing Alliance and is on the board of Innovation Crescent.
“The economic development industry is in good hands with these rising leaders,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. “The communities they represent—from Tuxpan, Mexico to Covington, Kentucky to Québec, Canada—are fortunate to have the smart, innovative ideas of this year’s winners.”
DCI and Jorgenson officially announced the winners last night at a virtual awards reception held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit.
For more information on the 40 Under 40 awards program and this year’s winners, visit econdev40under40.com.
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About Partnership Gwinnett
Partnership Gwinnett is a public-private initiative dedicated to bringing new jobs and capital investment to Gwinnett County, Georgia. Since 2006, Partnership Gwinnett has worked with its local partners to attract and retain jobs, cultivate capital investment, support educational institutions, foster workforce development, and contribute to the exceptional quality of life found in Gwinnett. Fueled by the support of over one hundred companies, municipalities, Gwinnett County, K-12 and higher education systems, the mission of Partnership Gwinnett is to strengthen the community’s diverse economy to compete in the global marketplace and position Gwinnett as the premiere place to live, work and play.
About DCI
Considered the leader in marketing places, Development Counsellors International (DCI) specializes in economic development and tourism marketing. The agency has designed integrated marketing campaigns for more than 500 cities, regions, states and countries since it was established in New York City in 1960. Services include public relations, branding, research, websites, paid media, and talent attraction. www.aboutdci.com
About Jorgenson Consulting
Founded in 1992, Jorgenson Consulting has worked diligently over the past 29 years to establish itself as a premier national executive search firm. With a focus on the fields of non-profit, economic and community development, we partner with our clients to help them identify and secure the highest caliber of executive talent. Our goal is to develop a thorough understanding of our clients and leverage that knowledge with our own expertise and resources to source executive talent that can truly serve the organization by yielding economic benefits while also contributing to a community’s competitive advantage. www.jci-inc.net
Media Contacts
Jaclyn Allison, Partnership Gwinnett, Director of Marketing, Communications & Events
jallison@partnershipgwinnett.com | 770-232-8814
Julie Curtin, DCI, President, Economic Development
julie.curtin@aboutdci.com | 303-627-0272