Each week ACCG shares photos highlighting activities from counties
around the state and the ACCG team at work. Email your photos to bbrown@accg.org.
Troup County Renames Employee Recognition Program in Honor of
Late Commissioner Richard English, Jr.
The Troup County government employee recognition program formerly known as "The Strongest Link Award of Excellence" has been renamed to honor the late Commissioner Richard English, Jr. and his dedication and service to the community. Commissioner English, who passed away on August 3, 2021, served as a county commissioner for 43 years and was also the first African-American commissioner in the county's history.
With COVID-19 Cases on the Rise, County Officials Should
Share Their Story
Georgia passed the 1,000,000 case mark for positive COVID-19 cases this week. Hospitals across the state are reporting increased hospitalizations, ICU stays and deaths - with the overwhelming majority of those needing this medical care being people who are not vaccinated. County officials, like Liberty County Chairman Donald Lovette, are helping to encourage people to get vaccinated and working to offset vaccine hesitancy by participating n the Georgia Department of Public Health Coastal Health District's "share your vaccine story" initiative.
Ben Hill County Holds 5th Annual Backpack & School Supply Giveaway
Each year, Ben Hill Vice Chairman and ACCG Board member Hope Harmon organizes a backpack and school supply giveaway sponsored by local businesses and private donations. This year, the group was able to distribute 300 backpacks packed with school supplies by local high school JROTC and band members. The group also donated 86 backpacks filled with school supplies to CASA for children in care, gave away Walmart gift cards and help families purchase clothes for school.
Policy Development Season Underway
The ACCG policy development process kicked off this week with the Northern Region Policy Committee Meetings. County officials came together to discuss issues involving revenue and finance, natural resources, public safety, transportation and more. The Southern Region Policy Committee Meetings are scheduled for next week. Learn more here.
County Officials Testify before House Annexation and Cityhood Study Committee
Barrow County Chairman Pat Graham, Houston County Chairman Tommy Stalnaker, DeKalb County Commissioner Jeff Rader and ACCG Deputy Legislative Director Todd Edwards testified before the House Study Committee on Annexation and Cityhood this week. Learn more about ACCG's recommendations for the committee on Georgia's Annexation Dispute Resolution / Arbitration Process here and watch the meeting here.
Meet an ACCG Staff Member
Name: Lori Nilson

Program: ACCG Insurance Programs

Position: Medical Only Claims Examiner

Joined ACCG: 2013

About Lori: Lori's favorite thing in the world to do is to spend time with her two boys (Corban and Carter) who are grown. As a mom of adult children, she says it's a great feeling to know your kids still want to spend time with you and they always have a great time. Both are musicians and it is incredible when she gets to watch them play. She is excitedly awaiting the marriage of her oldest son to his high school sweetheart in 2022! Lori is a big sports fan and enjoys going to Braves and Falcons games and loves live music. She also enjoys trying new restaurants and foods.
Tell Us What's Happening in Your County!
ACCG wants to share positive news about events and projects from your county with your peers from across the state. Photos and story ideas submitted to ACCG for Georgia's Local Lens or the Georgia County Spotlight may be used in this e-newsletter or on ACCG's website or social media. Photos and other information used are provided courtesy of our county constituents and ACCG staff. For questions or information, please contact Beth Brown at bbrown@accg.org.
To submit photos and captions for Georgia's Local Lens, click here.
To submit photos and project information for Georgia County Spotlight, click here.