It’s one thing to talk about global connection. It’s another to live it, and few communities do that better than Gwinnett. That was clear during the most recent Consular Conversations OTP, presented by Miller Martin, and hosted in partnership with Global Atlanta, Partnership Gwinnett, and the Gwinnett Chamber.
The featured guest: Rosaline Kwan, Consul General of Canada in Atlanta. The conversation lead: Trevor Williams, CEO of Global Atlanta. And the event opened with Kevin Carmichael, Senior Vice President of Partnership Gwinnett whose remarks reminded everyone in the room that global trade and investment aren’t just about economics; they’re about relationships, reputation, and readiness.
“Canada represents one of Georgia’s largest trading partners, and Gwinnett’s business community is at the heart of that connection,” Carmichael said.
He pointed to the Chamber’s recent Strategic Leadership Visit to Montreal, where Gwinnett leaders explored global best practices in infrastructure, innovation, and public-private collaboration. From AI-driven industries to transit solutions like Montreal’s REM system, the visit reinforced what local leaders already know: staying competitive in today’s market means thinking—and operating—globally.
A Fireside Chat with Global Perspective
Following those remarks, Williams sat down with Kwan for a fireside chat that bridged continents and perspectives. A British Hong Kong native who grew up in Montreal, Kwan shared a story that embodies what global connection looks like in practice. Her diplomatic career has taken her to New Delhi, Taipei, and now Atlanta, where she represents Canadian interests across the Southeastern United States.
Kwan discussed outcomes from the recent USMCA meeting in New Brunswick, where leaders from North America reaffirmed cooperation amid shifting global trade conditions (WUGA.org). Her message was clear. The Canada–U.S. relationship remains one of the most stable and mutually beneficial in the world, grounded in shared values, deep economic ties, and a joint commitment to innovation and inclusion.
Global Business, Local Relevance
For Gwinnett, that relationship hits close to home. With more than 500 international businesses, a 1.5% annual growth rate, and residents who speak over 100 languages, Gwinnett isn’t just part of the global economy—it’s helping define it.
Kwan noted that this global diversity in Gwinnett is more than a statistic—it’s a strength. The county’s workforce reflects the world, and its businesses operate with a global mindset that continues to attract foreign direct investment and build international partnerships.
Her perspective aligned perfectly with the Chamber’s mission: to position Gwinnett as a globally connected, economically competitive community where business growth is driven by inclusion and collaboration.
A Model for Connection
Consular Conversations OTP continues to serve as a powerful platform for business networking in Gwinnett, connecting local executives with international leaders whose work impacts trade, innovation, and investment around the world.
As global and local interests converge, events like this remind the business community that Gwinnett’s growth story isn’t just regional; it’s international. And while trade agreements and economic policy often make the headlines, it’s the relationships formed through dialogue, trust, and shared vision that move real progress forward.
Gwinnett’s global future is being written today—through the companies, leaders, and partnerships choosing to invest here. Want to experience that global connection for yourself? Sign up to attend the upcoming Global Chamber Mixer at Gas South District, where more than 15 bilateral chamber partners and a dozen international restaurants will deliver a spectacular display of Gwinnett’s global community. Register at GwinnettChamber.org/global-chamber-mixer.
