Summer Ends and Fall Begins
I can’t help but think back to when I was in school, back when Labor Day was the last chance for a summer get-away before the school year started again. Summer seemed to last forever as early-morning sunlight came into the window at 7 am, and fireflies twinkled as hot day faded into cool twilight. These final days of summer are my favorite time of year: memories of football weekends, family cookouts, and friendly rivalries echo in my imagination, all with expectation of new traditions and memories for 2019.
Even though Labor Day was the unofficial end of summer, that doesn’t mean the fun has to end! In just a couple weeks, you and 406 of your closest friends will gather in Savannah for the GEDA Annual Conference (hurry… online registration closes on September 9th). I trust that you are ready for an educational and entertaining conference with the theme “Leading Georgia Toward Economic Prosperity.” Many thanks to our Second Vice-Chair Andrea Schruijer for planning a conference that will cover topics ranging from Cybersecurity and Logistics to Negotiation Tactics and Strategic Planning. And of course, only one team will walk away with the coveted Cornhole Cup at the 2019 GEDA Cornhole Tournament!
Education isn’t just for the kids, especially in the economic development world. Not only are there many educational seminars planned for the coming month, but there is also a renewed focus on workforce development in the United States. There are more jobs open than there are unemployed people to fill them, and many of our Georgia communities are struggling to help industries find talent to fill those slots. If you don’t know your Georgia Department of Labor rep, your technical college VP, and your regional university community outreach coordinator, plan a coffee get-together with them soon!
Additionally, take time to invest in your own education. Technology and tactics change so frequently, economic developers must stay on their toes when it comes to marketing, the law, management, education, and everything in between. Thankfully, we have excellent partners who keep us on the cutting edge of trends in economic development. Between the University of Georgia’s Workforce Pipeline Conference, IEDC’s CEcD certification, and the numerous programs at our regional universities, there is no better time to expand your understanding of this very important topic. Don’t forget, there are scholarships through GEDA, and you can apply for financial assistance at any point in the calendar year.
As Summer fades and gives way to Fall, let’s remember that we are working to make our community and state a better place for our friends and family. Our professional calling allows us to make a positive impact in the world, and that is something we should never take for granted. The next time you host a backyard cookout or cheer on your high school football team, remember that your work directly impacts everyone you know. Work like your community depends on it, and in equal measure, enjoy the rewards that your work brings.
Hope to see you in Savannah!
Pat Merritt
2019 GEDA Chair