August 2024 Chair's Column

What’s up?

I don’t know about you, but with kids back in school, football season upon us and the weather starting to cool off even just an inch (and even if it doesn’t stick), I can feel fall around the corner.

 Our annual conference takes place every year in September, and I love that it coincides with that back-to-school, fall feeling. We’re letting go of our relaxed summer schedules, refueling with motivation and extracurriculars and we get back into that education mindset.

We’re back in Savannah this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all in our city. We have an impressive lineup of speakers and panels thanks to fellow GEDA board member Stacy Watson and his team. A few that I’m particularly looking forward to are Georgia Ports Authority Chief Commercial Officer Flavio Batista; State of Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr; and author, attorney and public official Michael Thurmond.

The optional activities this year should also be a hit. There’s something for everyone with a golf tournament, pickleball and a tour of Georgia Ports Authority. I definitely recommend you sign up before slots are filled as these are a great way to get to know your fellow GEDA members better and have some fun.

As we gear up for the conference, I encourage you to think about the parallels between the back-to-school season and our work as economic developers. Both of which require a mindset open to learning, a willingness to adapt and a commitment to excellence. Just as some of us watched our kids return to the classroom with a renewed anticipation and drive, let’s approach this season of work and our Annual Conference in particular with the same curiosity and passion.

I look forward to seeing you all in just a few weeks!

Trip Tollison