Norton’s top 10 events

Top 10 significant events of the decade, according to Norton Native Intelligence:

1: The opening of the Mall of Georgia in Gwinnett County and the launch of the region’s biggest economic catalyst.

2: Toyota locating a parts manufacturing facility on 150 acres in the Valentine Farm Industrial Park in Jackson County.

3: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers environmental mandated cap on the number of boat docks. The ceiling was reached in 2009.

4: Acquisition of a second Northeast Georgia Healthcare System campus in southeastern Hall County.

5: Wal-Mart’s nearly completed expansion and retail category domination throughout North Georgia.

6: Relocation of the Atlanta Falcons football headquarters to Flowery Branch.

7: The new city of Johns Creek, covering Forsyth, Gwinnett and northern Fulton counties.

8: Del Webb’s purchase and development of The Village at Deaton Creek in south Hall.

9: The master planning and initial rezoning of part of Glades Farm in northeastern Hall.

10: Sewer extension up Ga. 400 and into north Forsyth, opening up the next frontier of development.

Norton’s top 10 ‘giants’

Top 10 local economic figures of the decade, selected and with comments by Norton Native Intelligence.

• Wayne Mason: Gwinnett County land investor who “has stimulated and pushed the urbanization of the North Georgia region.”

• Jimmy Tallent: President of the United Community Bank Inc. who has, “assembled a powerful network of community-oriented banks.”

• Pat Graham: Former mayor of Braselton, “created the foundation for what will be I-85’s largest city circa 2050.”

• Randall Pugh, Jackson County: President and CEO of Jackson Electric Membership Corp.; as leader of a rural electric membership corporation, “created a powerful urban economic business recruitment program.”

• Jim Walters: Hall County businessman, political supporter, developer, banker and philanthropist whose “roots run deep with strong extended branch foliage.”

• Jackie Joseph: President of the Lake Lanier Association. “We best call her Queen of the Lake.”

• Paula Gault: former superintendent of Forsyth County school system, “architect, engineer and contractor for the new Forsyth school system.”

• Philip Wilheit: owner of Wilheit packaging, “a one-man army for strong economic expansion, business development and community vibrancy.”

• Philip Beard: Buford commission chairman, whose single-mindedness and vision “propelled Buford from rough manufacturing to a powerhouse business center.”

• Sonny Perdue and Casey Cagle: Georgia’s governor and lieutenant governor who have “transformed Georgia politics from a one-horse to a two-horse race.”