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.

July 20, 2024

Georgia County Officials Participate in NACo Annual Conference

More than 100 Georgia county officials traveled to Hillsborough County (Tampa), Florida to participate in the 2024 NACo Annual Conference & Exposition. The conference provided diverse opportunities to hear from speakers, participate in continuing education sessions and explore the vendor floor. Several Georgia county leaders were also appointed to serve in a leadership role on NACo Steering committees and caucuses. Click here to view the full list of Georgia county officials serving on a NACo committee or caucus.

ACCG hosted several Georgia county leaders at the Georgia reception during the conference.

ACCG President & Toombs County Chairman David Sikes showcases his vocal prowess prior to announcing Georgia's vote for the NACo 2nd Vice President.

ACCG Communications & External Affairs Director Provides Media Tips to Elected Officials and Staff

ACCG Communications & External Affairs Director Schuyler Harding participated in a session on navigating press interactions in times of crisis. Alongside her counterparts in the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO), Schuyler offered insights on how county officials can leverage their county association.

Chatham County Commissioner Represents Georgia During

Session on Youth Substance Use Disorder

Chatham County Commissioner Helen Stone participated in a panel discussion on innovative approaches to combat youth substance use disorder (SUD). The session explored county-led initiatives that have proven successful in preventing and addressing youth SUD and highlighted federal resources and funding available to help other leaders replicate these initiatives in their own communities. Stone serves as the NACo representative on the ACCG Board of Managers and vice chair of the NACo Health Steering Committee.

Innovative County Approaches to Combat Youth Substance Use Disorder Panel at the NACo Annual Conference.

ACCG staff with DBHDD Commissioner Kevin Tanner (middle), Forsyth County Commissioner Cindy Mills and Chatham County Commissioner Helen Stone.

Two Georgia Counties Receive NACIO Awards

Two Georgia counties were recognized with National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) Awards of Excellence. NACIO announced award winners during its business meeting at the NACo conference. Cherokee and Macon-Bibb counties were recognized for their newsletters and public information campaigns. Counties across the country won awards ranging in categories from printed publications, online communications, social media and graphic design. Macon-Bibb received three awards, including a Meritorious designation in the e-newsletter category. Cherokee County received two awards for its e-newsletter and annual report.

Macon-Bibb's "We are More Similar than Not" article received Best of Category in the featured article/editorial category.

Glynn County Celebrates 100 Years of the FJ Torras Causeway

Glynn County officials, City of Brunswick leaders, state legislators, and Gov. Brian Kemp commemorated the centennial of the FJ Torras Causeway. The festivities began with a parade in downtown Brunswick, continued with a motorcade across the Causeway, and concluded with a Fish Fry at Gascoigne Park on St. Simons Island, mirroring the celebrations of its opening day a century ago.

Dougherty County Recognizes 2024 Dougherty County Summer

 Enrichment Internship Program Participants

Dougherty County recently presented certificates of completion to 15 interns for participating in the Dougherty County Summer Enrichment Intern Program. Introduced by Dougherty County Commissioner Victor Edwards, the enrichment program provides hands on training to college and high school students over a period of six weeks. During the experience, the interns connect with various county departments and learn the inner workings of county government.

Lumpkin County GIS Department Hosts GCIP Intern

Adam Piejak is interning with the Lumpkin County GIS Department this summer through the Georgia County Internship Program (GCIP). Adam has worked closely with Martin Durand, Lumpkin County GIS Administrator, on several GIS projects, including creating emergency markers at the Yahoola Creek Reservoir to better provide emergency services to people who are on the trail. Adam is a rising senior at Kennesaw State University majoring in geospatial science. 

Floyd County Police Officer Rescues Injured Hawk

Floyd County Police Officer Tucker recently rescued an injured fledgling hawk from the highway. The young hawk was taken in by the raptor rehabilitation program at the Lake Arrowhead Wildlife Center.

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