Gwinnett approves expansion of Infinite Energy Center

Gwinnett commissioners have approved several actions intended to endhance tourism and support the expansion of the Infinite Energy Center. Courtesy Infinite Energy Center

Gwinnett commissioners have approved several actions intended to endhance tourism and support the expansion of the Infinite Energy Center. Courtesy Infinite Energy Center

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners took several actions recently intended to enhance tourism and support the expansion of the Infinite Energy Center.

For nearly 30 years the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau, now known as Explore Gwinnett, has promoted Gwinnett as a tourist destination. Commissioners formalized the relationship through an agreement appointing the organization as the county’s destination marketing organization. In exchange, the GCVB will receive a portion of the county’s hotel/motel tax for the purposes of promoting tourism, conventions and trade shows.

The move preceded another action increasing the county’s hotel/motel tax rate to 8 percent. The new rate takes effect on Aug. 1. The last rate change occurred 18 years ago.

Two years ago, Gwinnett Commissioners endorsed the master plan for the Infinite Energy Center campus. In addition, voters approved $67.34 million in 2017 SPLOST funding for expansion projects at the center.

Commissioners have now amended the operation and management agreement with the GCVB to manage the center’s expansion and authorizing them to set parameters for a bond issue to fund construction of a conference center, parking deck and other improvements on the campus.

According to Explore Gwinnett, the Infinite Energy Center provides $200 million in economic impact annually.