NORCROSS, Ga., Aug. 17, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Gwinnett Innovation Park, a 150,000 square foot, five building complex in Gwinnett County, announced today the launch of its innovative facility, uniquely designed to provide the flexibility and support that start-up and growing companies need. Sponsored by Intelligent Systems Corporation, a Gwinnett-based technology veteran, the Gwinnett Innovation Park builds on the company's more than 30 years of commitment and success in understanding and supporting the needs of entrepreneurs as they create products, companies and jobs.
The Gwinnett Innovation Park provides an affordable environment in which new and growing businesses can succeed. With flexible, short-term leases from six months to three years, entrepreneurs can focus on business development without wasting time and money on infrastructure hassles. The Gwinnett Innovation Park is ideally suited for growing companies with its "instant" office and manufacturing space for one to 15 employees complete with telecom and Internet service, and the added benefit of being able to expand within the complex as they add more employees and operations, without a disruptive move or changing phone numbers and address. As a community of dynamic companies, clients in the Gwinnett Innovation Park can tap into peer-to-peer CEO roundtables, the extensive business experience and network of Intelligent Systems executives, potential sources of capital and many shared amenities such as conference rooms and presentation equipment.
Sponsored by long-time technology pioneer, Intelligent Systems Corporation, the Gwinnett Innovation Park encompasses the former Intelligent Systems Incubator, an award-winning program and facility that has been ranked as a Top 10 Technology incubator in a national survey. For more than 15 years, the incubator has been one of the longest-running, privately funded incubation programs in the country and has been home to over 50 companies that are estimated to have created 800 to 1,000 new jobs in the Gwinnett County area.
Bonnie Herron, Executive Director of Gwinnett Innovation Park, said, "The Gwinnett Innovation Park name will make our facility and services more widely known to Gwinnett companies and entrepreneurs. We've renovated and reconfigured our complex to better serve our clients based on over 15 years experience working with start-up and fast-growth companies. As the Gwinnett Innovation Park, we want to make it clear that we're a resource for Gwinnett-based companies and entrepreneurs, including start-ups, fast growth ventures, corporate spin-offs or companies looking for a 'landing-pad' in the Atlanta market." Herron is a two-term board member of the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA), former chair of the NBIA and 2005 "Woman-of-the-Year in Technology" for Georgia companies under $500 million.
Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jim Maran voiced support for the Gwinnett Innovation Park. "The Gwinnett Innovation Park is an important economic development tool for Gwinnett County, providing a valuable resource for entrepreneurs that will help them build sustainable, successful companies in our community. We know that start-ups and small businesses are vital components of a vibrant economy. The Gwinnett Innovation Park and Intelligent Systems provide a unique facility and a wealth of experience that is invaluable to these companies and to Gwinnett County. This will also be an integral component of our entrepreneur and small business development initiative."
J. Leland Strange, President and Chief Executive Officer of Intelligent Systems Corporation, commented, "We are pleased to be the catalyst and sponsor of the Gwinnett Innovation Park. I know first-hand as an entrepreneur that it's impossible to predict exactly when or how large a business will grow, so it's important to have a place close to home that allows young companies to preserve their flexibility, time and capital. As a Gwinnett-based technology company since 1973, it is fitting and rewarding for Intelligent Systems to be part of a group of dynamic companies and to support the entrepreneurial spirit."
Strange is an inductee in the Georgia Technology Fall of Fame and the Georgia Tech School of Management Hall of Fame, and currently serves as Chair of the Georgia Tech Research Corporation and a trustee of the Georgia Tech Foundation. J. William "Bill" Goodhew, Vice President of Intelligent Systems and former president of Peachtree Software, is also an inductee in the Georgia Technology Hall of Fame and currently serves as Chairman of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association and trustee of the Georgia Tech Foundation.
About Gwinnett Incubation Park -- The Gwinnett Innovation Park is a five building complex of approximately 150,000 square feet in Gwinnett County that offers an affordable environment for new and growing companies. Entrepreneurs can focus on business development and enjoy an "instant home" for their company without having to deal with facility and infrastructure hassles or lock into long-term commitments. They also have access to the business expertise of on-site executives and benefit from peer interaction, shared services and an extensive network of resources. Sponsored by Intelligent Systems Corporation, an AMEX traded company (AMEX:INS) with operations principally in the technology arena, the Gwinnett Innovation Park encompasses the former Intelligent Systems Incubator and continues its 15 year tradition. Information about the Gwinnett Innovation Park is available at www.gwinnettinnovationpark.com or send a message to info@gwinnettinnovationpark.com.
About the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce -- Founded in 1947, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce is Gwinnett County's leading advocate and champion for business and leads the county's economic development efforts. With more than 2,500 corporate members, it is one of the largest chambers in Georgia and the Southeast. Its primary objective is to create a climate of growth and success in the community. The Gwinnett Chamber provides leadership programs and opportunities as well as volunteer programs and business-building initiatives that focus on the critical priorities of the community. By leveraging the support, talent, and resources of its members, the Gwinnett Chamber is one of the leading organizations helping to improve the economic vitality and quality of life for everyone.