The 2008 Commissioners Summer Training Program will be held June 5-6 at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. Click the "Learn More" button to download the registration form.

Starbucks Coffee Company Supports GCAPS

ACCG sincerely thanks Starbucks Coffee Company for its financial support of the Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS). Click the "Learn More" button for information on this important ACCG initiative that aims to raise civic awareness among youth, one Georgia county at a time!

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Conserve Georgia Initiative Launched

Governor Sonny Perdue recently launched a new conservation campaign aimed at creating a culture of conservation among Georgia residents, businesses, organizations, local governments and schools. Conserve Georgia is a statewide multi-agency marketing and public education effort aimed at promoting the conservation of energy, land and water; the prevention of litter; and the promotion of recycling. Click the "Learn More" button to visit the Conserve Georgia Web site (www.conservegeorgia.org).

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Clover Country CD Generates Funds for 4-H

A new country music CD featuring Johnny Cash, Jennifer Nettles, Luke Bryan, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, has been released as a fundraiser for the nation's 4-H program. The megastars on the compilation not only have their musical talents in common, they were all 4-H'ers. The CD costs $9.99 plus shipping and handling. Orders can be placed through the Georgia 4-H Web site at www.georgia4h.org or by calling 1-800-ASK-UGA1.

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Nominations for the 2008 Outstanding Archives Awards Program

The Georgia Historical Records Advisory Board (GHRAB) calls for nominations for the 2008 Outstanding Archives Awards Program. Every community has in its midst individuals and organizations that protect and encourage others to use Georgia's historical records. Nominate that person or organization by June 1.

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Fuel Conservation Tips

Gas prices are soaring with no relief in sight. Although fuel costs are increasing, the demand for government services is not decreasing. Several counties have requested information about steps they can take to conserve fuel. ACCG has compiled information on fuel conservation methods that were used by counties after Hurricane Katrina caused a fuel shortage in 2006, as well as information on what some counties are doing today. Please visit our Web site at www.accg.org to learn ways to conserve fuel in your county. Also, we encourage you to contact ACCG with tips about what your county is doing to save gas. Send an e-mail to mnesmith@accg.org with recommendations.

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New Drought Designations Announced

On May 6, Georgia's Drought Response Committee announced several changes to the State's current Drought Response Level. In making these recommendations, EPD Director Dr. Carol Couch stated, "It is important to recognize that the drought does still continue, and I urge every citizen to continue to conserve". She added that "Georgia's drought indicators are at a worse starting point than this time last year, but we are better prepared to deal with the challenges of water allocation in some areas. The Winter use reductions have been very successful and we need to continue with this culture of conservation."

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ACCG Group Health Benefit Plan - Immediate Savings Expected for Member Counties

ACCG Announces the new Inmate Medical Savings Program: Effective April 1, 2008, counties will be able to access the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) provider network discounts for their jail inmates. Until now, these were the only significant county medical costs that were unmanaged.

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2008 Development Authority Training Program

The Fanning Institute presents the 2008 training program in the following areas: Board Member Basic Training Classes, Board Member Advanced Topics Classes, Law Seminar and the Development Authority Executive Skills Institute. Sign up now!

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E-Verify: What is it? How Does My County Stay in Compliance?

State law requires that every public employer must be registered with the E-Verify program. As of May 7, 2008, sixty-four Georgia counties had not registered. This program is free and it is the best means available for determining employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security Numbers.

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Work Zone Training Courses Available

The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) was awarded a four-year, $11.9-million grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to provide roadway safety training nationwide for workers and others who make their livelihood on America's roadways. Public Officials receive training at a discounted rate.

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Safety Coordinator III Training - "Tying it All Together"

This program is the final part of a three-part series dealing with the duties of the designated safety coordinator position in your organization. Continuing our "focus" on activities and tactics to help prevent accidents on the job and thus lessen the exposure to all forms of accidental loss. One session left, June 18, in Hall County Georgia. Sign up now!

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GEFA Establishes Georgia Reservoir and Water Supply Fund

With the signing of the Water Conservation and Drought Relief Act (SB342) by Governor Perdue on May 13, 2008, the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) Board of Directors approved program policies for the Georgia Reservoir & Water Supply Fund. GEFA also issued guidelines for the Georgia Water Supply Competitive Grant Program, which will distribute $40 million in grant funds recommended by Governor Perdue and approved by the General Assembly for reservoir and water supply projects.

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Associate Member Corner

Arnall Gregory LLP

Andrew Schutt
171 17th Street NW, Suite 2100
Atlanta, GA 30363
404-873-8778
andrew.schutt@agg.com
www.agg.com

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Forestar Real Estate Group

Glenn Cornell
3330 Cumberland Boulevard
Suite 275
Atlanta, GA 30339
770-272-7760
GlennCornell@forestargroup.com
www.forestargoup.com

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The LPA Group, Inc.

Paul Holt
3595 Engineering Drive
Norcross, GA 30092
770-263-9118
pholt@lpagroup.com
www.lpagroup.com

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Verizon Wireless

Richard Long
Two Verizon Place
GA2B3BBS
Alpharetta, GA 30004
404-217-2417
Richard.Long@VerizonWireless.com
www.verizonwireless.com

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Association County
Commissioners of Georgia

Officers serving through April 2009

President
VIRGINIA GRAY
Clayton County

First Vice President
JAN TANKERSLEY
Bulloch County

Second Vice President
LAMAR PARIS
Union County

Third Vice President
G. MELVIN DAVIS
Oconee County

Executive Director
JERRY R. GRIFFIN

Board of Managers
1st District JERRY SHEARIN, Paulding County
2nd District MIKE BERG, Dawson County
3rd District BURRELL ELLIS, DeKalb County
4th District EUGENE HARDWICK, Lamar County
5th District KEVIN LITTLE, Walton County
6th District C. BROOKS BAILEY, Pulaski County
7th District JOHN R. GRAHAM, Warren County
8th District CLINTON PERRY, Taylor County
9th District D. M. MULLIS, Laurens County
10th District CHARLES LINGLE, Dougherty County
11th District EUGENE DYAL, Bacon County
12th District JOHN McIVER, Liberty County

Consolidated Government Representative
HEIDI DAVISON, Athens-Clarke County

At-Large
DAVID GAULT, Jones County
JAMES KHOURY, Peach County
SAM OLENS, Cobb County
HELEN STONE, Chatham County
AARON VARNER, Newton County

Active Past Presidents
GLENDA BATTLE, Decatur County
CLARENCE BROWN, Bartow County
BILLY CROKER, Polk County
JAMES V. HAM, Monroe County
BENJAMIN HAYWARD, Mitchell County
TOM MCMICHAEL, Houston County
O. D. NETTER, Ben Hill County

Ex-Officio
NACo Board Members/Officers:
RICHARD ENGLISH, Troup County
JAMES HAM, Monroe County

Section Presidents
Attorneys’ Section:
MICHAEL LONG, Houston County

Managers’/Administrators’ Section:
KEVIN POE, Floyd County

Clerks’ Section:
BRENDA STALVEY, Echols County

Service Program Chairs
ACCG Insurance Program Representatives (IRMA)
JOHN STRICKLAND, Clinch County

Group Self Insurance Workers’ Compensation Fund (GSIWCF)
WALTER L. SANDERS, Greene County

Pension Representative
H. JAY WALKER, Houston County