Georgia's Local Lens (Week of January 14, 2024): Georgia Films, Grand Openings and More...

Each week ACCG shares snapshots of counties, highlighting activities from around the state and the ACCG team at work. Email your photos to locallens@accg.org.

Note: Local Lens submissions submitted prior to 12:00 p.m. on each Friday will be included in that week's edition. Submissions received after that will be included in the following week’s newsletter.

January 20, 2024

Harris County Holds Ribbon Cutting for New EMS/VFD Facility

Harris County has unveiled its new EMS and Volunteer Fire Station. The new 8,500-square-foot facility houses a full-time EMS crew and volunteer fire department. The facility was funded by the general fund and will help lower response times and insurance premiums for surrounding businesses and residents.

Carroll County Featured in New Movie The Color Purple

Carroll County welcomed the Georgia film industry to its Moore's Bridge Park with the filming of the recently released major film The Color Purple. The park was featured in many scenes with the most popular filming location being the old house (pictured) located at the park. The County's Community Development Department was invited to the film's premiere screening in Atlanta before its movie theater debut on Christmas Day.

Monroe County EMA Chief Named 2023 Region 5 Director of the Year

Monroe County Emergency Services Chief Matthew Jackson was recently named the 2023 Region 5 EMS Director of the Year. Jackson has served as Monroe County’s Fire Chief and EMA director since 2020.

New Junior Achievement Discovery Center Opens in Augusta-Richmond County

In partnership with Augusta University, a new Junior Achievement Discovery Center is now open for local youth in August-Richmond and Columbia counties. Students can receive real-life simulations on how to work, budget, save, spend, and even vote. The indoor town features a model Chick-fil-A, Bank, Augusta University, Augusta-Richmond Town Hall, Publix and more.

Fulton and DeKalb Partner with Grady for New Clinics

Fulton and DeKalb counties have partnered with Grady Hospitals to provide new health clinics to residents in the Atlanta area. The 60-million-dollar deal will provide five new health clinics, two located in Fulton County and three located in DeKalb County.

ACCG Governmental Affairs Team Meets With Officials at Georgia State Capitol

While the Georgia General Assembly was in recess this week, the ACCG Governmental Affairs Team stayed active by meeting with state officials and partnering organizations to discuss how they can help to create legislation that benefits Georgia's 159 counties.

ACCG Governmental Affairs Associate Dante Handel and ACCG Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs Todd Edwards reviewed ACCG's 2024 Policy Agenda with Senate Minority Caucus Chair Elena Parent (center).

ACCG Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs Todd Edwards and ACCG Director of Governmental Affairs Clint Mueller met with GMA Director of Governmental Relations Jim Thornton and GMA Deputy General Counsel Ryan Bowersox.

Apply Now for the 2024 Georgia County Excellence Awards - Deadline Extended to February 28

Does your county have an outstanding program that you want to share? Apply now for the Georgia County Excellence Awards. More details, including information on submission guidelines and requirements, can be found in the nomination packet.

Click here to download the fillable award application.

Award applications are now due Wednesday, February 28, 2024. All nominations should be submitted via email to Madeline Shank at mshank@accg.org. No late entries will be accepted.

All questions may be directed to Madeline Shank at (470) 891-0224 or mshank@accg.org

More details are also available on the ACCG Website.

Upcoming Events:

Click below for more information about upcoming events.

2024 Legislative Breakfast

2024 Annual Conference