Dog Days of Summer
I trust that all of you have had a great summer, perhaps with a vacation (or two), some time off or just enjoying our hot, Georgia dog days. Did you know that the original meaning of “Dog Days” had nothing to do with dogs, or even the lazy days of summer? Dog days actually refer to the dog star, Sirius and its position in the sky, … but I digress.
Perhaps you have been able to see other GEDA members in one of the regional gatherings this summer, in place of a monthly GEDA meeting. I want to thank those who organized regional meetings in July to allow us to have somewhat of a fix for missing our typical GEDA meetings. There are still a couple of regional gatherings that will take place in August, since that was the best time for them.
It is hard to believe, but many schools have already started back after the summer, and football season is coming up fast. We in GEDA are not far behind. We are gearing up on several fronts, with our meetings, legislative issues and planning for the last part of the year.
After having a couple of months off, it is time for us to get back together in Columbus this month on the 19th. Christie Gribble of Fannin County and Brian Sillitto of Columbus-Muscogee County have put together a strong program on the Transformation of a Downtown through Public-Private Partnerships for this event, and there are some exciting optional activities after lunch for us to enjoy. If you haven’t done so already, make plans to attend and register today! We thank our first-time sponsor, Barge Design Solutions.
If the August meeting is here, the Annual Conference (AC) is not far behind. We’ll meet in September in Savannah at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa. Andrea Schruijer of Valdosta-Lowndes County is busy putting final touches on a great program of Leading Georgia Towards Economic Prosperity. While the early-bird rate has ended, there is plenty of time to register for the AC and make your hotel reservations; but don’t delay, register today. Sponsorship opportunities of all sorts and sizes are available for the AC, and we are especially grateful for our Presenting Sponsor, the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA), as well as our Platinum Sponsors: Evans General Contractors and Georgia REALTORS. We appreciate all of our AC sponsors! They can be seen by clicking here.
On the legislative front, the Rural Development Council Study Committee has been re-authorized for the next two years and has new leadership with Co-Chairs Rep. Rick Jasperse and Rep. Sam Watson, and Rep. John Corbett as Vice-Chair. Rep. Terry England and Rep. Jay Powell remain involved as Co-Chairs Emeriti. The first session will be in Jasper-Pickens County on August 20th. Additional information can be found here. Also, the Georgia Commission on Freight & Logistics is a Joint Study Committee, with Sen. Brandon Beach and Rep. Kevin Tanner as Co-Chairs, that has its first meeting on Wednesday, August 14that GDOT. Click here for additional information. There are lots of other areas being studied and you can access the House Special & Study Committees here and the Senate Study Committees here.
As you can see, and experience in your own realm, there is no shortage of issues in which we can be involved. I appreciate your membership in GEDA, and your engagement makes us a better organization. Let me know if there is anything that I, as Chair, or we as Officers, Board Members and Committees/SIG Chairs can do better for you. Enjoy the last of our Dog Days of summer!