Each week ACCG shares photos highlighting activities from counties around the state

and the ACCG team at work. Email your photos to locallens@accg.org.

February 18, 2023

ACCG Board of Managers, Georgia County Officials and Staff Travel to D.C. for NACo Legislative Conference

This week, Georgia county officials joined their peers throughout the country in D.C. for the NACo Legislative Conference. During their time in D.C., Georgia county officials visited Arlington National Cemetery for the annual ACCG Wreath Laying Ceremony. Additionally, ACCG President Melissa Hughes met with Ms. Virginia Ali, 89-year-old owner of the famous Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington D.C.

Custom wreath, bearing 159 red and white carnations that represent all 159 GA counties, is laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by an official four-person Wreath Party.

ACCG President Melissa Hughes, with Ms. Virginia Ali, owner of Ben’s Chili Bowl, in Washington, DC, during the NACo Legislative Conference.

President Joe Biden with Commissioner Larry Johnson.

Dekalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson and President Joe Biden

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, who serves as immediate past president of NACo, had the distinct honor of introducing President Joe Biden during the closing lunch of the NACo Legislative Conference.

Georgia County Officials Meet with Senator Raphael Warnock

During the final day of the NACo Legislative Conference, county officials embarked on Capitol Hill visits to meet with their congressional delegations. Pictured here are Georgia county officials with members of Senator Raphael Warnock’s staff.

From left to right: Donnell Preskey with the North Dakota Association of Counties, Schuyler Harding with ACCG, and Cragin Mosteller with the Florida Association of Counties.

ACCG Director of Communications & External Affairs Speaks on Panel at NACo Legislative Conference

Schuyler Harding, ACCG’s Director of Communications & External Affairs, participated in a panel presentation during the NACo Legislative Conference. She and her fellow Board members from the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) discussed the importance of building relationships with legislators, prioritizing your message, and social media advocacy.

Douglas County Firefighter & Paramedic Make Dramatic Rescue to Save Family Pet

Douglas County firefighters and paramedics made local news recently for saving a family's beloved dog during a house fire. On January 10, 2023, heavy smoke billowed from the basement area of the single-family home in the 6,000 block of Sequoia Lane, Douglasville, GA. Shortly after the family notified the firefighters that their family pet was still inside, the team went back into the burning house and recovered the animal.

Douglas County Firefighters pictured with local family's beloved pet saved from house fire.

Lowndes County Fire Holds Pinning Ceremony for 2022-23 Recruit Class

On Friday, February 10, Lowndes County Fire Rescue held a recruit graduation and pinning ceremony for Recruit Class 22-03. Their 16-week, nearly 600-hour training regimen consisted of courses in basic and advanced firefighting, hazardous materials operations, and emergency medical training. At the event, the recruits became firefighters and were pinned. Badge pinning is a proud tradition within fire departments, signifying the introduction of department members to their new duties and welcoming them.

Georgia Officials attend the South Georgia LEADS Legislative Breakfast at the Georgia State Capitol

On Thursday, February 16, Irwin County Chairman Scott Carver and Ocilla Mayor Horace Hudgins attended the South Georgia LEADS Legislative Breakfast at the Capitol.

Governmental Affairs Staff Speaks on Housing Issues

On Thursday, February 16, Director of Governmental Affairs Clint Mueller joined Jim Thorton, Director of Governmental Relations at the Georgia Municipal Association, to speak with the Legislative Working Families Caucus on housing issues.

Left to right: (Clint Mueller, Brad Mock - Georgia Realtors Association, and Jim Thorton)

Help ACCG Honor Local Leaders and Innovative County Programs in Your Community by Submitting Nominations for the 2023 ACCG Awards

ACCG is now accepting nominations for the 2023 ACCG Awards & Recognition Program and the 2023 Georgia County Excellence Awards. Both award programs provide an opportunity to showcase the talented leaders and innovative programs within your county. Award recipients will be honored at the 2023 ACCG Annual Conference in Savannah/Chatham County this April.

The deadline for the 2023 Georgia County Excellence Awards is quickly approaching! Nominations must be submitted by February 17.

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 email locallens@accg.org.

To submit photos and captions for Georgia's Local Lens, cli ck here.

To submit photos and project information for Georgia County Spotlight, click here.