Spring is Springing
Life last year was tremendously different due to the COVID-19 and it is still turned upside down for all of us. We are having virtual events for the GEDA monthly meetings, at least for now. However, there is hope with the new vaccines that we might get back to a sense of normalcy, perhaps even by this summer. This hope coincides with the change in the seasons. With spring in the air, there are buds on the trees, daffodils and tulip trees are blooming, the temperature is warming-just a tad and it is lighter for more of the days. Even Daylight Savings Time is coming at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 14th. Aristotle said that "It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light."
One of our areas of emphasis this year is on special topics and adding value to our members. Jason Dunn, Chair of the GEDA Professional Development Committee, and Executive Director of the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Development Authority, is offering the first of five webinars this month on March 25th at 10 AM. It will feature Tim Chason, President & CEO of the Chason Group, who will speak on Investing in Your Career, and you can register by clicking here. There is a small fee to attend and we thank Jason and his organization for being our first sponsor.
Another topic that impacts our daily lives is the Georgia Lottery Corporation because it provides funding for a number of levels of education. Gretchen Corbin, President & CEO, who “grew up” in our economic development family, will be on hand to share with us the magnificent opportunities that the Georgia Lottery makes available to us. Register here to join us on Monday, March 15th at 10 AM for the GEDA March meeting. Also make sure to join us for the networking time beginning at 9:30 AM (separate sign-in credentials).
Trip Tollison, President & CEO of the Savannah Economic Development Authority, GEDA Secretary-Treasurer and Chair of this year’s Spring Workshop, and his committee are diligently working to allow us to have a 2021 Spring Workshop in-person (YAY!) at the Legacy Lodge at Lanier Islands on May 19-21. There will still be a virtual option since we will still be coming out of the tunnel of COVID. His theme this year is GEDA- Family Reunion and promises to be an unforgettable, fun event and an extraordinary learning experience for us all. Registration is still being finalized but keep on the lookout; it should be available soon.
Lastly, take a look at the Committees and Shared Interest Groups in GEDA and sign-up to be a member of one. The Action Plans for these groups were in last month’s newsletter and can be found by clicking here. It is only by getting involved that you learn more about our organization and can assist in improving your understanding about the business of economic development. Who knows, you might even meet a friend or two while you’re at it. As Ben Franklin said "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."
Some areas of economic development are still tremendously hard-hit, especially tourism, and others are doing extremely well, such as new and expanded business announcements. As I mentioned earlier, the outlook is getting brighter, so hang in there tourism reps! Let us roll up our sleeves and dig in the dirt, both literally and figuratively, to prepare the soil and get ready to reap the rewards of our preparation. We must do the best with the hand that we have been dealt and work hard to make our communities, regions and state a better place for us all. And for my last quote, I refer to that great philosopher, Dr. Seuss, who said "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." Happy Spring!
Andrea Schruijer
GEDA 2021 Chair
Executive Director
Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority