I got invited to hang out with some of my girlfriends last night.  We were supposed to go to a Thai restaurant in Duluth, but I found out about Stories On The Square when I was doing the show yesterday morning.  I asked them if they mind switching our meetup location to Bibas which is an Italian restaurant located on Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville.  They all agreed, so we attended Stories On The Square and had a wonderful time listening to the stories from the group.  

I had no idea that story telling was so big here in Georgia and other places around the US & London.  Stories On The Square which meets the first Tuesday of each month in Lawrenceville is a part of Southern Order Of Story Tellers.  I found out there are conferences and conventions.  So, I had a very informative and entertaining evening.  Check out the pictures below of some of the story tellers.

Good Morning Gwinnett hosted the first annual Pop-Up Small Business Saturday this past Saturday at the Cornerstone Co-Working Space in Lawrenceville Georgia.  There were over 20 small home based businesses who were in attendance.  Many of the business owners I spoke to said that this was their first time ever vending at an event and that they were just launching out into the deep as an entrepreneur.  I was so happy that I decided to host this event.  I even had to turn vendors away because I ran out of space.  Next year I'm planning an even better event with workshops as well as vending spotlights.  There were a few hiccups that were beyond my control, but all in all I feel the event was a success because it did what I set out for hit to do.  That was to give small businesses who don't have a brick and mortar location the opportunity to get face to face exposure on Small Business Saturday.  Next year the event will be bigger and better.  Check out some of the vendors below.

This evening I hosted a virtual town hall with three hopefuls looking to take office here in Gwinnett County.  In attendance at this virtual town hall were Derrick J. Wilson, Rebecca Mitchell and Patsy Austin-Garson.  Each candidate talked about issues that they felt would make our community better.  You can watch the full event here.

https://www.facebook.com/703942414/posts/10157067062437415/

It's that time of the year again.  The Gwinnett County Fair is opening Thursday September 12, 2019.  The fair will run from the 12th-22nd.  On Thursday fair goers can get in free.  There will also be some great discounts for children.  If you love cotton candy, candy apples and foot long hot dogs, then you don't want to miss the fair.  I actually got a chance to go last year with my daughter who was about 5 months pregnant at the time.  This year I get to go with my daughter and my granddaughter.  

On opening day there will be a variety of activities through the day. Here are a few of the activities that you can attend when you purchase your tickets to the fair.

• Dairy Goat Show
• Gusty The Flying Fox
• Dr. Magical Balloon Show

Just to name a few.

I remember being a kid in Albany, GA  when the fair would come to town.  That was such an exciting time for my brother and I.  Last year was my first time going to a Georgia fair in about 35 years.  I had a great time and even ate a corn dog.  

This year I will go again and maybe this time I will eat something new.

Hope you go out and enjoy the fair. The fair is located at the county fairground 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway Lawrenceville, GA 30045.  To purchase your tickets in advance and take advantage of the discounts go to www.GwinnettCountyFair.com

Until Next Time
Make It A Great Day!
Audrey

Local elected officials, members of law enforcement, contractors and engineers celebrated the “groundbreaking” of roughly $5 million Georgia State Patrol facility that will serve as a command post for 16 troopers, including HERO Unit along the Interstate 85 corridor in Suwanee.

Keeping Gwinnett safe is one of the top initiatives for all of the county government leaders.

I had an amazing time on Saturday broadcasting live from The Get Connected Parents Expo in Snellville hosted by therapist Monica Douglas Davis.  The idea for the expo was to bring awareness to mental health and depression by introducing the community to people and resources that could help those who may be in need of the services.  Although mental health is a serious matter, the event had some fun elements in it as well.  There was music, face painting for the kids, a book bag drive and Zumba.  I got a chance to talk to some of the vendors there and in this episode I talk to Karen Everett who is a part of the new hit reality show The Family Chantelle.  Karen talks about how she was able to come up out of a rabbit hole now she is on a national TV show.  Check out this episode for the full story.

Gwinnett County (METRO ATLANTA) GA – July 31, 2019– The Gwinnett Chamber’s Moxie Awards will recognize women who are making it happen. Recognized as an area leader, Audrey Bell-Kearney, CEO Of ABK Media Group and the host of the Good Morning Gwinnett Podcast has been named a finalist in the Greater Good category.

"This is indeed and honor to be recognized as someone who is doing good in the community.  I’m passionate about podcasting and happy that I can use the platform to shine the spotlight on small business owners and community leaders in Gwinnett County states Audrey."

The Moxie Awards will recognize individuals and organizations alike. Organizational awards will highlight companies that support the advancement of women, as well as those that are women-led. In addition, individual awards will honor those who are trailblazers in a male-dominated field, Gwinnett County champions, emerging leaders, professionals who are at the peak of their career and those who are generous with their time, talent or resources.

Designations will be given for the following awards.

· Enlightened Employer Award
· Greater Good Award
· Influence Award
· On the Rise Award
· Outstanding Organization Award
· Moxie Award
· Pay It Forward Award

“We are fortunate to have such a standout network of women in Gwinnett,” said Alicia Krogh, senior vice president of programs & events at the Gwinnett Chamber. “Last year this new program was a smashing success and this year will give the Gwinnett Chamber an even bigger opportunity to thank and pay tribute to those who do so much for our community.”

The awards ceremony will conclude a two-part program on August 29. It will begin with a panel, featuring Liz Gillespie, Partner and Vice President, North American Properties; Sara Irvani, CEO, Okabashi; Hala Moddelmog, President & CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Natalie Morhous, President, RacTrac. The event will take place at the Infinite Energy Forum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

​For more information, visit GwinnettMoxieAwards.com.

​For Media In Inquiries Contact:
Audrey Bell-Kearney
ABK Media Group | 678-809-0344 | Audrey@ABKMediaGroup.com

PROGRAM CONTACT Alicia Krogh | 770.232.8809 | AKrogh@GwinnettChamber.org

Therapist Monica Douglas Davis is hosting the first Get Connected Parents Expo in Snellville on August 3, 2019 from 9am-2pm.  The expo is intended to bring awareness to mental health and how it effects people in our communities.  This expo is like non other.  Come out and meet others in this industry and get your questions answered on things that are myths when it comes to mental health.

Proud is what a lot of us here in Gwinnett County.  Proud of Judge Tadia Whitner who was sworn in as the first African American Superior Court Judge ever in 200 years since Gwinnett County has been in existence.  This is an amazing accomplishment and a lot of us are very proud of her.  Watch the swearing in video for the full ceremony.

Well summer vacation is almost over and it's about that time for the students to return to school.  Here is a back to school message to parents and teachers.