BY VEENA RAO

Culturefest 2009, a family friendly cultural festival was held at the Global Mall in Norcross recently. The one-day event was co-organized by Nancy Trujullo from Vision Gwinnett and Vandana Aggarwal of Global Mall.

“The objective of the event was to bring the entire Gwinnett community together to celebrate the various cultures that reside in the county. It also served to bring awareness about the various activities and opportunities available in Gwinnett County,” said Vandana Aggarwal, in an email interview with NRI Pulse.

“Vision Gwinnett is set up to bring the entire Gwinnett Community together. It is a great organization and we are honored to have them host the event at the Global Mall,” she added.

Several Gwinnett County vendors set up booths at the mall. Vendors included the new Gwinnett Braves Stadium and Team, Brenau University, Georgia Family Development Center, Annadale Village, New Horizons Family Clinic, American Diabetes Association, Partnership Gwinnett, The Mission Society, The Gwinnett Coalition, Virtual Properties, Latin American Society and Ekal Vidayala amongst others.

The cultural extravaganza showcased talents and cultures from around the world. The Mayor of Norcross, Bucky Johnson and Commissioner of Norcross, Keith Shewbert attended the event. Shiv Aggarwal, owner of Global Mall recognized the volunteers of Vision Gwinnett and the efforts of his daughter Vandana in organizing the event. He called upon prominent community member Subash Razdan to felicitate mayor Johnson.

Aggarwal’s involvement in the culture fest is part of his work as chairman of the Gwinnett Village Community Improvment District (CID). The CID is a special benefit district supported by commercial area property owners. It provides vision and leadership that has become a catalyst of change for southern Gwinnett County. The CID currently generates over $2 million in annual revenue to increase property values, promote economic development, and improve the quality of life in the county.