Happy Summer GEDA Members!
Many of you may be planning for or in the middle of a summer vacation. If so, I hope all of your travels are safe and enjoyable. Even though we don’t have a July monthly luncheon, please check out the dates below for a GEDA “Gathering” near you. In addition, here are some reminders about upcoming GEDA meetings and important statewide economic development-related meetings I’d like to make you aware of:
The August 19th monthly GEDA luncheon in Columbus: This meeting will focus on non-traditional economic development strategies and give those who sign up for them in advance a close-up perspective of how Columbus has utilized several non-traditional economic development strategies to diversify their local economy, tax digest and boost tourism.
- GEDA Annual Conference in Savannah – September 18-20th at the Savannah Westin. There are Professional Development Scholarships Grants available thanks to the GEDA Professional Development Committee.
- The November 18th GEDA luncheon at the Georgia Tech Hotel will be our annual Awards program. Award nominations are now open for the Deal of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and other GEDA awards.
- The Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Rural Prosperity North Georgia Forum will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd at the University of North Georgia Dahlonega Campus Convocation Center 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- The Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Two-Day Rural Prosperity Summit will be held October 1st and 2nd in Tifton.
- The Georgia House of Representatives’ Rural Development Council Study Committee has been re-established with the following Rural Council Members and Ex-Officio Members:
Rep. Rick Jasperse, Co- Chair
Rep. Sam Watson, Co-Chair
Rep. John Corbett, Vice-Chair
Rep. Patty Bentley
Rep. Matt Hatchett
Rep. Mack Jackson
Rep. Dominic LaRiccia
Rep. Eddie Lumsden
Rep. Tom McCall
Rep. Clay Pirkle
Rep. Trey Rhodes
Rep. Terry Rogers
Rep. Ed Rynders
Rep. Lynn Smith
Rep. Kevin Tanner
Rep. Darlene Taylor
Rep. Bill Werkheiser
Rep. Terry England (Co-chair emeritus)
Rep. Jay Powell (Co-chair emeritus)
Ex-Officio Members:
Rep. Sharon Cooper
Rep. Robert Dickey
Rep. Penny Houston
Rep. Chuck Martin
Rep. Butch Parrish
Rep. Don Parsons
Rep. Shaw Blackmon
Rep. Ron Stephens
Chairmen Emeriti:
Rep. Terry England
Rep. Jay Powell
2019 Rural Development Council scheduled meetings:
- August 20, 21 Jasper, Pickens County
- September 10, 11 Moultrie, Colquitt County
- October 29, 30 Woodbine, Camden County
- November 12, 13, 14 Eatonton, Putnam County
- December 17, 18 Americus, Sumter County
July and August Regional GEDA “Gatherings:”
- Monday, July 8, Northeast Georgia Good News Gathering, Chateau Elan, 9 AM-1 PM, hosted by Rope Roberts, Community Development Manager, Georgia Power, and sponsors. Register by contacting Rope, JERobert@SouthernCo.com.
- Monday, July 15, Regions 8 & 10 Gathering, Leesburg, Georgia Depot, 11:45 AM-1:30 PM, hosted by Grant Buckley, Executive Director, Cordele-Crisp IDA, and Winston Oxford, Executive Director, Lee County Chamber and Development Authority. Register by contacting Christy Bozeman, ChristyBozeman@CrispIDC.com.
- Tuesday, July 23, Region 9 Gathering, The Big House, 11 AM-1:30 PM, hosted by Andrea Taylor, Executive Director, Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis Chamber & JDA. Register by contacting Andrea, ataylor@jeffdavisjda.com.
- Wednesday, July 24, Northwest Georgia Good News Gathering, Northwestern Georgia Technical College, Calhoun Campus, 9:30 AM-1:00 PM, hosted by Elyse Davis, Community Development Manager, Georgia Power, and sponsors. Register by contacting Elyse, EDavis@SouthernCo.com.
- Wednesday, August 28, Coastal Georgia Good News Gathering, Coastal Regional Commission, 10:30 AM-1:30 PM, hosted by Jason Coley, Community Development Manager, Georgia Power, and sponsors. Register by contacting Jason, JFColey@SouthernCo.com.