For nearly two decades, these visits have served as intentional benchmarking opportunities for Gwinnett’s leaders. Past trips have sparked transformative initiatives at home, from the creation of Partnership Gwinnett, which has helped bring more than 38,000 jobs to the county over 15 years, to the founding of the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, now one of the top public high schools in the nation. Even major assets like Coolray Field, home of the Gwinnett Stripers, trace their inspiration to this program. Montreal proved no less compelling.

A Global Lens on Economic Competitiveness
The visit began with a welcome from Isabelle Dessureault, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, followed by U.S. Consul General Robert P. Sanders. Both leaders outlined the economic climate of Greater Montreal, emphasizing the region’s strength as a global trade hub and its ability to attract top talent and investment. Discussions with Montreal International reinforced the importance of international partnerships, entrepreneurship, and public-private collaboration in driving growth. 56% of the Montreal population is bilingual (French and English), compared to 7% in Toronto and Vancouver.

Infrastructure and Placemaking as Economic Engines
Transportation emerged as a central theme, with leaders exploring Montreal’s Réseau express métropolitain (REM), a bold investment in a fully automated transit system. Gwinnett delegates studied how similar infrastructure strategies could shape growth patterns and enhance mobility at home.

In Laval, Quebec, the delegation examined major redevelopment projects, including Espace Montmorency and Place Bell. These initiatives demonstrated how a coordinated vision, anchored by collaboration between city leaders and private developers, can create vibrant spaces where business and community life intersect.

Education and Cultural Assets as Catalysts
Gwinnett’s own education leaders joined counterparts from the English Montreal School Board to address shared challenges in multilingual education and student success. Delegates also explored Montreal’s cultural assets, including Cirque du Soleil’s headquarters and the city’s thriving arts districts, underscoring the role of creative industries in shaping a region’s identity and attracting talent.

Positioning Gwinnett for Emerging Industries
The trip concluded with a fireside conversation featuring Fred Chanay of Mila, Montreal’s world-renowned artificial intelligence research institute. Chanay offered a forward-looking perspective on AI’s role in economic development and its ability to position cities as global innovation leaders.

A Proven Model for Progress
The Strategic Leadership Visit is not simply an annual trip but a deliberate strategy to position Gwinnett for long-term success. By studying communities that share similar challenges and opportunities, Gwinnett’s leaders return home with actionable ideas to strengthen economic vitality and enhance quality of life. Montreal added another chapter to a long tradition of trips that have sparked transformative results for the county.

As Gwinnett continues its rapid growth, the lessons learned in Montreal reaffirm a key principle: vision paired with collaboration drives progress. These visits ensure Gwinnett remains not only competitive but prepared to lead.