On the Cover: Catching Up with Experience Snellville

By Kristen Eleveld

It’s no secret that the city of Snellville has become one of the top cities in Gwinnett, evolving into a community that allows its residents and neighbors to experience a wide variety of events, restaurants, family activities, businesses, and historical education. These opportunities have been made available as a result of the combined efforts of many local restaurants and businesses, the Snellville Historical Society, and Experience Snellville, the city’s tourism and trade organization. But even with this impressive array of opportunities made available to all who are interested, the team behind Experience Snellville isn’t slowing down any time soon. In fact, they are ramping up to make 2024 one of their best years yet.

Known as Snellville Tourism & Trade Association (STAT) from inception in 2010 to 2021, STAT rebranded in 2021, changing its name to Experience Snellville as a way to promote the experience in all things Snellville. The mission of Experience Snellville is to promote business, tourism, and events in the city.

Executive Director Kelly McAloon says, “Now, in our fourteenth year, we have not only brought a sense of community to Snellville, but have created a destination that people visit from near and far. Snellville is a melting pot of cultures, rich in tradition that brings a magical experience to the community as well as the visitor.”

Kelly, who serves alongside the Experience Snellville Board of Directors – (seen on the cover from to

Melvin Everson, Traci Leath, Vice President Kurt Schulz, President Don Britt, Alice Snipes, Administrative Assistant Jessica Manis, Treasurer Stephanie McDonald, Deborah Jones, Executive Director Kelly McAloon, Richelle Brown, and Liz Jackson. Not pictured are Secretary Kathy Emanuel and Jared Eakins) – was appointed by the mayor and city council in 2010 as one of the first five board members to serve on the newly created Snellville

Tourism and Trade Association board. She served on the board as vice-president for two years before being asked to become the executive director in 2012. Kelly handles all the day-to-day business of the organization, creates and produces all the events, works with businesses in the community, and produces the Snellville Spirit magazine.

The team at Experience Snellville has a passion for not just making their community look great or hosting events that everyone will love –though they have accomplished both of these goals in spades – but to create a genuine community that fosters friendships, grows businesses,

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