Georgia's Local Lens (Week of July 29, 2023) Georgia Counties Represented at NACo Annual Conference

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.

July 29, 2023

ACCG President and Baldwin County Commissioner Henry Craig Speaks on Mental Health at NACo Annual Conference

ACCG President and Baldwin County Commissioner Henry Craig spoke during a mental health summit at the 2023 NACo Annual Conference. The summit "Enhancing Wellbeing: Summit on Mental Health" highlighted how counties across the country are partnering with other local and state leaders to respond to the mental health crisis in their respective communities. He was accompanied by Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Kevin Tanner.

Georgia County Commissioners Serve as Leaders at the National Level

Georgia county commissioners serve in several leadership positions within NACo and were tasked with leading different conference sessions. From moderating panels on housing affordability, to leading policy steering committee meetings and presiding over conference-wide sessions, Georgia’s county commissioners were front and center in Travis County (Austin), Texas.

County Officials and ACCG Staff Represent the Peach State at NACo Buisness Meeting

Also in attendance at the 2023 NACo Annual Conference were ACCG staff - Executive Director Dave Wills, Director of Governmental Affairs Clint Mueller and the association's Communications & External Affairs Team. They, along with the state’s attending county officials, represented the Peach State during the Business Meeting.

Three Georgia Counties Win NACIO Awards

Three 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, Forsyth and Rockdale counties were recognized for their public information and engagement campaigns. Counties across the country won awards ranging in categories from printed publications, online communications, social media and graphic design. Rockdale County received a Meritorious designation in the category of Electronic Communications - Specialized Website. Forsyth County received a NACIO award for Best in Category in the category of Printed Publications - Annual Report, while Cherokee County received a Superior designation for its Quick Facts brochure, Best in Category for the Featured Article category and a Meritorious designation for its 2022 Annual Report.

Left: Rockdale County Director of Public Relations Melissa Mims and Senior Services Director Sue Sanders.

ACCG Director of Communications and External Affairs Schuyler Harding Advances to NACIO 1st Vice President

During NACIO's Board Meeting changes to the Board were announced, including the installation of ACCG Director of Communications & External Affairs Schuyler Harding as the 1st Vice President.

Chatham County Commissioner Helen Stone to Chair NACo Steering Committee

Chatham County Commissioner Helen Stone was one of many Georgia representatives elected to lead a NACo steering committee. Commissioner Stone will Chair the NACo Health Steering Committee. To view the full list of Georgia officials elected to NACo committees click here.

Congratulations to the Georgia county leaders elected to serve in a leadership role on a NACo steering committee.

National Park and Recreation Month

July is National Parks and Recreation Month! Throughout the month, ACCG will highlight important resources and information about parks and recreation. To join the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) in participating, or to get information on how your county can celebrate through social media, proclamations, and more, click here. Follow us @gacounty on both Facebook and Twitter as we celebrate National Park and Recreation Month.

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.