Gwinnett Daily Post PodcastAffordability a Top Concern as Lawmakers Prepare for Georgia Legislative Session | Srim Academy to Host Series of Free Seminars for Young Parents | Christkindl Market Drove 77% Increase in Downtown Lawrenceville Visitors
Top Stories for January 10th
Publish Date: January 10th
PRE-ROLL: Kia Mall of Georgia
From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
Today is Saturday, January 10th and Happy Birthday to Rod Stewart
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia.
- Affordability a top concern as lawmakers prepare for Georgia legislative session
- Srim Academy to host series of free seminars for young parents
- Christkindl Market drove 77% increase in downtown Lawrenceville visitors
All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe!
Break 1: EAGLE THEATRE
STORY 1: Affordability a top concern as lawmakers prepare for Georgia legislative session
When Georgia lawmakers head back to the Capitol next week, it’s all about affordability—or at least that’s the plan.
House Speaker Jon Burns isn’t mincing words: “We’re laser-focused on making life affordable,” he said Wednesday, pointing a finger at property taxes for crushing the dream of homeownership. “For too many families, it’s slipping out of reach. We’ve got to fix that.”
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are eyeing income taxes. A committee led by Sen. Blake Tillery wants to nix the 5.19% tax for individuals earning under $50,000 (or $100,000 for couples) and eventually scrap it altogether by 2032.
But affordability isn’t just about taxes. Rising medical costs? A mess. The end of federal health insurance subsidies? A looming crisis. Burns says the House will tackle health care, focusing on keeping doctors in Georgia by expanding residency programs.
STORY 2: Srim Academy to host series of free seminars for young parents
Srim Academy, a Montessori school in Norcross, is kicking off a series of free seminars for young parents—because, let’s face it, parenting is hard. Topics? Everything from potty training and screen time battles to fostering independence and getting kids to actually move their bodies.
The first session, “Fostering Your Child’s Independence: Lemonade, Ladybugs and Learning,” happens Saturday, Jan. 31, at 10:30 a.m. at 5511 Williams Road. Expect 90 minutes of practical advice, hands-on activities (think crafts and cooking), and maybe even a few lightbulb moments.
Led by Srim’s seasoned faculty and guests from Gwinnett Building Babies’ Brains, it’s all about building confidence—for kids and parents. Bonus: giveaways!
Details? Visit www.srimacademy.com or call 678-808-9813.
STORY 3: Christkindl Market drove 77% increase in downtown Lawrenceville visitors
Lawrenceville’s first year hosting the Atlanta Christkindl Market? A total game-changer. Nearly 371,000 people visited the market during its debut season downtown—more than double the attendance from its Buckhead days, even with fewer open days. And here’s the kicker: 159,500 of those visitors wandered over to the Lawrenceville Square, boosting local restaurants and shops by 77% compared to 2024.
Free parking, shuttles, and a glowing Winterlight Walk helped draw crowds, with visitors from 48 states. Downtown businesses saw sales jump 5–30%, and vendors reported 20–30% higher sales than the previous year.
The collaboration between the city and Gwinnett County was key, with County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson adding, “This event showed what’s possible when partnerships thrive.”
Lawrenceville’s officially on the holiday map.
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We’ll be right back
Break 2: Ingles Markets
STORY 4: 2026 Beer Chaser 5K Registration is open
Whether you’re a speed demon or a beer-loving stroller, the Beer Chaser 5K is calling your name. On March 7, Suwanee Town Center Park transforms into a St. Paddy’s Day celebration with a twist—running, sipping, and plenty of green.
This isn’t your average 5K. Sure, it’s a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, but it’s also a beer lover’s dream. Choose your adventure: run straight through or stop at five beer stations along the scenic Suwanee Creek Greenway. Each station features a different Georgia brewery, so your taste buds get a workout too.
Not into mid-run sips? No worries. Every runner (21+) gets a full beer at the finish line. And the party doesn’t stop there—StillFire Brewing is hosting an after-party with live music, food trucks, and 25 beers on tap.
Registration starts at $55 for the straight-through option or $65 if you want those beer stops. Prices go up Feb. 1, so don’t wait. Oh, and don’t forget your festive St. Paddy’s Day gear—there are prizes for best costume, best group, and best kilt.
Proceeds benefit Kiwanis Charity, supporting local causes like the North Gwinnett Co-Op and Children’s Healthcare.
Details? Head to SuwaneeBeerFest.com/beer-chaser-5k/.
STORY 5: Lanier Islands Resort looks back at 2025, forward to an exciting 2026
Lanier Islands Resort just wrapped up a big year—its 50th anniversary—and it’s clear they’re not slowing down anytime soon. Recognized as one of Georgia’s Best Vacation Destinations, the resort is leaning into its legacy while planning some exciting upgrades for 2026.
Last year was packed: a new chapel and garden for weddings, a free summer concert series, the return of Magical Nights of Lights, and even a lantern festival that drew 4,500 people. Oh, and they snagged awards from The Knot, WeddingWire, and GolfPass, among others.
Looking ahead? A $3 million refresh for Legacy Lodge, a revamped golf clubhouse, and Georgia’s first lighted Par-3 course. Plus, new events like a Fall Songwriter Series. Big things are coming.
We’ll be right back.
Break 3: GCPL Passport
STORY 6: Rep. Andrew Clyde announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition
Hey, high school artists in Georgia’s Ninth District—Congressman Andrew Clyde wants *you* to show off your talent in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Got a creative spark? Here’s your chance to have your work displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a whole year.
Submissions are due Feb. 20, and the process is simple: send a digital image of your piece first, and if you’re a finalist, drop off the physical artwork by March 13. The theme? Anything that reflects North Georgia—think landmarks, industries, or even your school.
Accepted mediums include paintings, drawings, mixed media, photography, and more. Just keep it two-dimensional, under 26x26 inches framed, and under 15 pounds. Oh, and no copying or controversial content—this is about originality.
Questions? Call Clyde’s Gainesville office at 470-768-6520. Let’s see what you’ve got!
STORY 7: Gwinnett Chamber introduces Elevate Business series
The Gwinnett Chamber is shaking things up with the launch of the Elevate Business Series (EBS)—a fresh, expanded take on their long-running Small Business Series. Starting in 2026, this revamped program is all about helping small and medium-sized businesses level up with sharper insights, practical strategies, and tools to thrive.
Why the change? Simple: demand. Attendance has been climbing, industries are diversifying, and businesses are hungry for deeper, more advanced content. “Elevate reflects how far we’ve come—and where we’re going,” said Megan Lesko, the Chamber’s Senior VP of Membership.
The first event? Feb. 24, featuring Media Frenzy CEO Sarah Tourville on strategic communications.
We’ll have closing comments after this
Break 4: Sugar Hill Ice Skating Rink
Signoff –
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com
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