Business & Tech

Jim Maran Plans to Retire From Gwinnett Chamber

Chamber President and CEO has led chamber through tough economic times.

Jim Maran plans to retire as president and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce at the end of this year, according to a press release issued Sept. 7 by the chamber.

Maran has served the chamber in this position since 2003.

“Jim and his team have built one of the most outstanding and influential chambers not only in the Southeast, but in the nation,” said Gwinnett Chamber Chairman Raymer Sale in the press release.

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“He has effectively guided the organization through one of the toughest economic climates in recent decades, demonstrating extraordinary leadership abilities and dedication and has positioned the chamber on a solid financial foundation. His team exemplifies this same drive and commitment that has made the chamber the success it is today and will continue its momentum locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.”

Before he joined the chamber, Maran had a notable 30-plus year career as a corporate officer at Motorola.

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With Maran at the helm, the Gwinnett Chamber has maintained a primary focus on creating jobs and improving quality of life.

“I am proud of the accomplishments that have been realized at the chamber and within our community during my nine-year tenure,” said Maran in the press release. “We maintain our footing at the forefront of advancements when it comes to community evolution. And today, our membership growth is strong as we continue to attract an excellent array of new board members from companies such as RockTenn, the Atlanta Falcons, Willis Mechanical, T.Y. Lin International, Infiniti of Gwinnett, and more.”

Partnership Gwinnett, the chamber’s economic development initiative, has played a key role in recently attracting and expanding businesses such as NCR, Hyundai Construction Americas, Asbury Automotive, Suniva, RockTenn, Primerica, Mitsubishi, Ricoh, FedEx Ground, Kaiser Permanente and other companies, according to the press release.

The chamber has not yet determined who will take Maran’s place when he retires.

“You can’t just replace one of the county’s most dynamic and influential leaders,” said Chamber Chair-Elect and Partnership Gwinnett Chairman Phil Wolfe of Duluth in the press release. “We can only seek a new leader who can build upon the work and accomplishments that Jim has initiated.”

Maran's retirement will be effective Dec. 31.


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