Transitions. (September 2022 Chair's Column)

Transitions.

I think it’s fitting that I’m writing this month’s column while sitting in Terminal A at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, watching all of these people moving swiftly from one place to another. It’s also fitting that I’m writing this late (as usual – forgive me, Kevin!) at the end of Labor Day Weekend, a time of year that signals the transition from summer to Fall and from vacation to school.

I’ve always liked Labor Day weekend. I’m sad that my kids don’t have the MDA Telethon to watch for 24 hours like we did growing up. I’m also sad that my kids aren’t as nerdy as I was, ready for school to begin. And the weekend makes me sentimental for my undergraduate and graduate days, mostly Georgia Southern and friends made too long ago.

This Labor Day weekend, I’m dealing with another type of transition – the moving on of a colleague and friend as she starts a new path in her job. Many of you know Rachel Barnwell, who has worked with me in Bulloch County for over 9 years, God bless her. She never knew she wanted to work in economic development, but she gave us a chance, and she’s been so great for our community, our industry partners, and for me. I’m very sad to lose her to Screven County, but so excited about her next chapter.

It seems that this type of transition happens often in our profession. There aren’t that many of us working in economic development in Georgia, but in my experience, we work together often, helping one another, providing expertise and advice – often through GEDA’s events like this month’s Annual Conference in Savannah. People at the beginning of their careers often find out about economic development in their first jobs with GDEcD or DCA, a utility or a Chamber, or a Development Authority. Then, when they’ve really caught the bug, they look for new challenges. It’s a great process, if you think about it – helping others grow and then work alongside them to help provide better futures for the people around us.

It's the kind of thing that makes you happy with your life’s work, particularly at the beginning of Fall, my favorite season (the best season) that signals new starts to life’s chapters. I look forward to seeing you all soon in Savannah and celebrating transitions with all of you. See you soon.