Georgia County Government - Fall 2016 - 76

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 2016 CONFERENCE PREVIEW LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP By Branson Mikell VAST BEACHES, marshes flourishing with animal life, bright blue skies and oak trees as far as the eye can see. Set the stage for the 2016 ACCG Legislative Leadership Conference - also known as the LLC - held at the spectacular Jekyll Island. Following the great success of last year's conference, ACCG is overwhelmingly excited to hold the 2016 LLC at the Jekyll Island Convention Center on Sept. 28-30, 2016 once again. "Our Legislative Leadership Conference implements influential and innovative programming to get officials engaged in ACCG's policy process," said ACCG Executive Director Ross King. "The Legislative Leadership Conference is a staple event of ACCG and our commitment to advancing Georgia's counties. We hope that county officials will come join us in Jekyll Island for an unforgettable experience." The LLC is vital to continuing the success of county government. The training and information provided are tremendously helpful to local government officials. The conference provides officials with the proper tools and knowledge on a variety of local government functions, so that they will be ready for the upcoming legislative session. Officials will find themselves surrounded by opportunities to better serve their community through networking, learning and engagement in ACCG's policy process. Jekyll Island Convention Center The Jekyll Island Convention Center is perfectly located on the Atlantic Ocean shore line, with a picturesque view that is seemingly something off a postcard. The convention center includes 11 meeting rooms as well as a 45,000 sq. ft. ballroom for a conference experience like no other. County officials can 76 GEORGIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT stroll down to the beach or take in the scenery just outside the convention center following sessions and training courses. Green grass, beaches, sunny skies and palm trees will be the backdrop for officials attending this year's LLC. 2016 Legislative Leadership Conference This year's agenda is shaping up to be the best yet. The ACCG policy staff will outline what can be expected from the 2017 legislative session and, most importantly, those designated as their county's voting delegate will have a chance to a vote on the 2017-2018 County Platform. Officials will hear from the Georgia General Assembly with their thoughts on the 2017 legislative session. They will also be discussing health care reform, changes in technology and other key points that impact policy decisions. Take advantage of the two days filled with education courses in the ACCG Lifelong Learning Academy taking place on Sept. 28 and 30. These classes will cover core and specialty item topics. Commissioners can also earn Continuing Education credit at conference sessions on Sept. 29. ACCG aspires to fully engage and involve county officials in the legislative process through the LLC. By attending, officials will be able to take back indispensable information to their constituents to get their county running more effectively and efficiently. Top Reasons to Attend the 2016 LLC There are many reasons to attend this year's Legislative Leadership Conference, but here are a few of the top reasons why Georgia's county commissioners should head to Jekyll: * Insight from State Leaders. Engage with Georgia House and Senate leadership on key issues before the General Assembly convenes. * County Legislative Advocacy. Vote on the issues that will guide the policy staff during the 2017 legislative session. * Shared Experiences. Collaborate with officials from all over the state to gain insight on what's happening around you. * The Sights and Sounds. Experience all that Jekyll Island has to offer. * Experiential Learning. Learn about how certain federal and state legislation can impact your county and how best to apply those lessons to what's taking shape in your county. * Education is Key. Complete courses to receive credit in the Lifelong Learning Academy. * Face-to-Face Interaction. Speak with ACCG staff on ways to improve and change legislation. * Knowledge is Power. Attend breakout sessions to learn about health care reform, technology and the new overtime rule. * Proactive County Leadership. Learn how to prevent certain issues from arising in your county. Fun in the Sun What is there to do on Jekyll Island you might ask? The island offers an endless amount of activities. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy biking, fishing, camping, kayaking, golfing, tennis and horseback riding to just name a few. In addition, Jekyll offers fine dining, shopping and historic tours.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - Fall 2016