Georgia County Government - February 2009 - (Page 10)

TRAINING continued from page 9 of instructors, the relevancy of the material and the richness of the learning environment. Evaluations are tabulated, reviewed and analyzed to determine if changes need to be made in order to constantly improve the class. When needed and necessary, changes are made immediately in line with feedback and course content recommendations. The end-of-class evaluation format was reviewed and revised in mid-2008, and a new database with more demographic data and consistency has now been implemented. Instructors debrief after each course, often in concert with feedback from ACCG and Vinson Institute staff, and relevant corrections are made before the next session. Regular diagnostic discussions at ACCG Training Committee meetings occur regarding courses that, after numerous revisions, may need to be totally revamped or eliminated. Periodic random group training evaluations are conducted to get insight into participants’ views regarding the relevance of topics and content, the impact training has on the performance of participants’ local governments, and gather ideas for possible new courses. ACCG and Vinson Institute staffs constantly talk with ACCG members to determine levels of satisfaction, practicality and relevance of the training, and solicit suggestions for new courses or course improvement. Future plans include consistent improvement of training evaluation methods, including mid- and longterm evaluation of some programs. Participants in ACCG’s Training Programs report that the programs have a positive impact on commissioners’ effectiveness and the counties they serve. Success is Measurable Participants in ACCG’s Training Programs report that the training programs have a positive impact on commissioners’ effectiveness and the counties they serve. Courses are presented in partnership with the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government and taught by Vinson Institute faculty, ACCG staff and the best presenters on the topics of local government from around Georgia. The training certificate programs (Certified Commissioner and CCAP) provide ACCG members with a wide variety of opportunities to learn about current and emerging issues and trends facing elected officials and their counties. The training also provides knowledge and skills to more effectively oversee the policy and operational environments of the counties and citizens they represent. Over the last 20-plus years the county training program has grown tremendously, beginning with two or three courses offered only at Fall Policy Conference and the annual convention with barely enough people to conduct the classes. In 2008, 45 courses in 12 different venues were offered, including nine concurrent courses at the 2008 Annual Meeting in Savannah. Most courses fi ll within days of being open for enrollment, and some have a waiting list. One of the partnership’s greatest challenges is that of meeting the increasing demand and maintaining the quality of the effort. For FY 2008, there were a near record number of registrations for ACCG’s training programs of 1,301 registrations, further signifying ACCG’s national leadership role in the provision of training to its members. Art Dunning, the University of Georgia’s senior vice president of Public Service states: “The University of Georgia’s commitment to public service and outreach to Georgia’s counties is exemplified by our 25-year partnership with the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and their nationally recognized training programs created in partnership with the University of Georgia’s Vinson Institute of Government for the preparation and education of Georgia’s county leaders. The broad reach of these programs touches every county in Georgia and has in many ways improved government and governance as evidenced by the many testimonials from commissioners from across our great state.” To be able to maintain that success, ACCG and the Vinson Institute are constantly looking for creative and innovative ways to meet the demands and needs of the membership from increasing the class size without reducing learning opportunities, offering mobile workshops that enrich learning and do not require on-site meeting space, and spacing out the scheduling of the most popular classes. All of our efforts are geared around the demand curve of Georgia’s county elected and appointed officials and ultimately improve the performance of county governments in Georgia. In the future, members will see greater diversity of courses, more online opportunities for learning, more frequent updating of courses and materials, and new course delivery methods, all in an effort to maximize the opportunity for members to get the information they need, when they need it and how they get it. ■ • • • • • 4931 Riverside Drive Macon, Georgia 31210 478-474-9092 Proudly Supplying Quality Asphalt Products and Pavement Solutions to Georgia Counties Since 1955 Visit www.reevescc.com for locations in your area. 10 GEORGIA 385057_Reeves.indd 1 COUNTY GOVERNMENT 6/23/08 8:52:28 AM http://www.reevescc.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - February 2009

Georgia County Government - February 2009 Contents President’s Message County Matters ACCG Training Programs: A Foundation for Excellence in County Government ACCG Welcomes Newly Elected Commissioners Georgia’s Trauma System: The Emergency Management System Component Demographics Program Addresses County Planning Extension News: 4-H Camping Program Benefits Georgia Youth Research Corner: Promote Economic Development in Your Rural County County Parade Index of Advertisers

Georgia County Government - February 2009

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