Van Otteren, who has worked for the city for more than four years, won the Imagination category which also featured Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris, Eagle Rock Distributing Company and Fusion Creative. Van Otteren has led initiatives such as the Snellville Entrepreneur Council and programs which educate and involve local students in entrepreneurship initiatives.
“I am truly humbled by Partnership Gwinnett’s selection of me as the Award for Imagination winner,” Van Otteren said. “It is an honor to be recognized by my peers and the community for my work.”
Van Otteren was joined at the event by Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts and councilmen Bobby Howard and Dave Emanuel.
“Eric is one of the most well-rounded Economic Development specialists I have known,” said City Manager Butch Sanders. “He has a great background in planning and project management and that makes him a very valuable and appreciated city employee. He is able to visualize a project or program from inception through completion and then creatively work through the tough issues. Everyone at the city is very proud of Eric and glad Partnership Gwinnett has recognized his abilities.”
Finalists were selected from a record-setting field of 34 nominees that collectively represent the best of Gwinnett leaders and corporations, positively impacting economic development.
Partnership Gwinnett is Gwinnett’s economic and community development initiative. A public-private partnership, the goal of the initiative is to promote economic wealth and diversification, increase education and workforce excellence, improve quality of life and heighten visibility through marketing and outreach programs for the entire Gwinnett community.
For more information about the efforts of the Partnership Gwinnett initiative visit www.partnershipgwinnett.com.
