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.

November 16, 2024

ACCG Past President Bids Farewell to ACCG Family and County Peers

As his term comes to an end, ACCG Past President and Baldwin County Commissioner Henry Craig (center) bid adieu to his ACCG family and county peers during the recent fall district meeting in Greene County. Craig played a pivotal role in helping the association advocate for access to better mental health resources and additional funding. He will be greatly missed and ACCG wishes him well as he prepares for his next chapter in life.

Whitfield County Teen Honored with Meritorious Civilian Award

Whitfield County Fire Department

awarded the Meritorious Civilian Award for Bravery to 15-year-old José Fernando Espinoza for rescuing his grandparents during a house fire in October. The award honors civilians who show extraordinary heroism in life-threatening situations, celebrating Fernando’s selfless actions that saved his grandparents.

Greene County Hosts Legislators and County Leaders from District 5

ACCG recently held its District 5 meeting in Greene County. County officials and staff convened to hear from various ACCG departments, state leaders, and legislators, including Rep. Houston Gaines, on issues ranging from PTSD insurance to aiding in the passage of key county bills. Registration is still open for the remaining district meetings, click here for more information.

ACCG Civic Affairs Foundation Hosts 8th Annual Golf Tournament

The 8th Annual Civic Affairs Foundation Tournament was a success. More than 80 individuals participated in the tournament to support the foundation's goal of funding internships for college and dually enrolled high school students who have an interest in county government. Thanks to the support of sponsors and this year's golfers, the Foundation raised more than $80,000.

ACCG Retirement Services Board Members Honored for Decade of Service

Glascock County Chairwoman Lori Boyen and Douglas County Commissioner Henry Mitchell were recently honored for serving on the Retirement Services boards for 10 years. They were presented with their awards during the joint Defined Contribution and Defined Benefits Board meeting.

ACCG Staff Attend Community Events

ACCG Governmental Affairs Associate Kaylon Day attended two significant events in recent weeks, the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission's legislative reception, which highlighted the efforts of the local legislative delegation, and the grand opening of Bray Senior Village in Meriwether County, a new affordable senior living community. Both events showcased the importance of community engagement and collaboration with local representatives and stakeholders.

Kaylon and Congressman Sanford Bishop

Kaylon and state Rep. Debbie Buckner 

GCIP Intern Gains Essential Skills for Future Career

Jewel Lowrey, a rising senior at Adairsville High School, interned with Bartow County’s Engineering Department where she assisted county engineers with a myriad of projects. From reviewing residential drainage and tertiary plans to assisting with erosion and sedimentation inspections, Jewel's experience provided her with the necessary skills to excel in her chosen career.

County and City Communications Professionals Connect at the Government Communicators Meeting

The quarterly Government Communicators Meeting, a joint initiative between ACCG and the Georgia Municipal Association, was recently held in Houston County at the North Houston Sports Complex. Each quarter, government communicators from cities and counties across the state gather to discuss trending industry topics and to network with others in their field. This quarter's meeting focused on communicating in a disaster and featured shared experiences from communications professionals that navigated the overwhelming task of communicating internally/externally during a disaster.

Photo Credit: Ashley Bailey, GMA

Nominations Welcome for the 2025 Georgia County Excellence Awards

ACCG and Georgia Trend are once again hosting the Georgia County Excellence Awards. Counties that have taken innovative and cost-effective approaches to solving local issues with local programs and initiatives are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until Friday, December 6, 2024. To apply, click here.

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