Georgia Service Delivery Regions

Regional Advisory Council Minutes
April 22, 2001
City Hall - Camilla, GA

The Region 10 Regional Advisory Council meeting was called to order by Chair Courtney Brinson. A welcome was extended to everyone in attendance.

A special welcome to Jerome Brown and Linton Thompson, guest speakers representing Golden Triangle Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc. and to Senator Harold Ragan.

Senator Harold Ragan gave an overview of the Legislative Session which included some of the following key points.

Ragan asked for each community's support in letting him know the needs and concerns of each community. He writes the local leaders before the Legislative Session begins and if there are particular needs he will try to get them some assistance during the Session.

Highway 27 four-laning is a top priority in completing.

Governor Roy Barnes held a press conference in Bainbridge reference the Welcome Center at the junction of Highway 27 and 84. This will be a big impact on the area, especially since it was a regional effort.

Bainbridge State Hospital will now house At Risk Youth with drug rehabilitation and some of the older prisoners.

Lake Seminole State Park will be seeing more activity in addition to four more cabins being built.

Kolomoki State Park is in the process of getting a new administrative building and possibly an Interpretative Center.

Bagby State Park is putting in more motel space.

Agricultural Projects include additional research for mushroom, grapes, vegetable, irrigation research and cotton study.

Ragan expressed his thanks for the assistance Lt. Governor Mark Taylor had given the communities in Region 10.

Courtney expressed his thanks to Senator Ragan for his efforts in support of Region 10.

Minutes from the February 13, 2001 meeting were distributed and reviewed. The minutes were approved by Richard Crowdis and seconded by George Loyed. Motion carried unanimously.

Courtney requested that the Resolution for the Regional Comprehensive Plan Update be approved as recommended by the RAC Committee. Motion for approval was given by Richard Crowdis and seconded by George Loyed. Motion carried unanimously.

Dara Barwick, DITT, gave a report on READI. She briefly explained that the Regional Economic Advancement and Development Initiative (READI) is Georgia's certification program that prepares communities and regions for growth and development. By creating and monitoring standards, READI guides communities in their efforts, and encourages them to work together to foster successful regional economic development. All 14 counties in Region 10 should have their applications completed by May 15. Dara stated that Commissioner R. K. Seghal would try to present all the communities with their READI certificates.

Dara announced that Development Authority Board Member Training would be held in Tifton on August 7 and 8, 2001. It is a requirement that all new Board Members of the Development Authorities attend.

Courtney expressed his thanks to Dara Barwick and Julianne Hudson for their assistance in setting up the RAC meetings.

Report on RAC Retreat - Courtney extended thanks and appreciation to Jim Finch, DCA and Tom Croteau, DITT for their follow-up on some of the issues raised during the RAC Retreat. Wesley Wynans, Carl Vinson Institute was an excellent facilitator. Creekside Educational Center at Chehaw Park in Albany was a very good location.

Spencer Mueller, DCA thanked Jud Vann, Planters and Citizens Bank for the paperweight that were given out to the RAC Members at the Retreat. Spencer gave a description and shared the logo with the members: "We will make a difference in Region 10."

Report on Retreat Initiatives
CEO/Business Round Table - Courtney gave an overview due to the absence of Duane Dodson. The committee had some concerns regarding surveying industry and businesses. The BREP study and READI application already are doing some of the same things. Members offered some of the following suggestions:

Add specific question to the BREP survey that would benefit Region 10.

Needs may be small or local issues only, example: rail spurs, extra lane for trucks or entrance into plants

Some businesses/industry personnel are reluctant to ask local government for help

Workforce development issue

RAC communicate with a letter attached to the BREP Survey to advise Region 10 communities the purpose of the group.

Jim Finch announced that once the BREP Survey material is put into a report it would identify trends, address problems or solutions to the needs of the community. RAC members can view and focus on a particular business as a project.

Spencer announced that several communities are planning to conduct a BREP Survey. The communities are Albany, Camilla, Sylvester, Blakely, Bainbridge and Donalsonville.

Eco-Tourism - Richard Crowdis gave an overview of tourism in Southwest Georgia. He stated some of the positive points of Region 10; we are known as the land between the two rivers, having some of the best hunting land, the "Quail Capital of the World," Kolomoki State Park and the list continued. Region 10 has a wealth of natural resources and we should find a way to capitalize on this.

(CLEP) Certified Literacy Community Program - Gail Rakel reported that information had been received from Billy Izak with the State identifying the counties that are taking part in CLEP. Arrangements are being made to put together a Speakers Bureau to talk with the counties that need some assistance. It is a goal of this committee to get all counties in Region 10 to participate. Also, to have a leadership class in each county.

Irrigation - Crop Research Diversification Park - Courtney reported for Ralph Powell. Research process is being done on irrigation, vegetable crops, wine and other industry and/or options for additional use of farming land. Lawrence Barker and Ralph Powell were instrumental in getting a research farm in Camilla.

Dr. Jim Hook, NESPAL was unable to attend. He will be asked to report on the Ag Irrigation Research Park at a later date.

Program - Jerome Brown and Linton Thompson, Southwest Georgia Outdoor Outfitters and Adventures Program, a part of Golden Triangle Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) presented the program. Jerome explained that the Outdoor Outfitters program assists landowners in caring for their wildlife and wildlife habitat. Hunting, fishing, bird-watching, hiking, and other outdoor or wildlife-associated recreation could be the alternative income source for landowners. Other benefits include:

Help improve the environment of the region.

Create additional jobs by utilizing existing resources.

Employment for local citizens in the form of outfitters, guides and helpers.

Utilizing hunting and fishing supply stores - motel/hotels, restaurants, mechanic shops, gas stations, veterinarians, taxidermists, grocery stores, gift shops and a variety of other existing businesses.

Fall Feather Hunt and Quail Unlimited are two of the largest hunting projects in the area promoting Region 10 and involving business prospects, celebrities and State department personnel. "Buck Daze" a two-day hunting event is a project for a private school and is one of the most successful moneymaking projects for the school. This event brings hunters with their spouses and children into Early County to hunt, shop and dine in the area.

Linton stated that the demand for quality outdoor and wildlife-related recreation is on the increase. Nature-based tourism and rural tourism are two of the most rapidly growing segments of the tourism industry. Bird-watching population has increased. He encouraged Region 10 to get involved. Jerome and Linton expressed thanks to the RAC Members and asked for the committee's support with the Outdoor Outfitters program.

Richard Crowdis encourage RAC Members to read the handouts and be prepared to take action at the next meeting if RAC Members wanted to support Outdoor Outfitters as a project. RAC Members could adopt this as a goal and be a partner with Outdoor Outfitters to secure additional funding. Richard stated that RAC should find a way to market the natural resources we already have in Region 10. Eco-tourism is the key and Outdoor Outfitters already has a business plan in place.

It was suggested that Outdoor Outfitters present this presentation to Commissioner's Tommy Irvin-USDA, Jim Higdon-DCA, and R. K. Sehgal-DITT. A target date was discussed. Richard Crowdis and Committee will get with Tom Croteau to set a date. Senator Ragan suggested sending a letter asking for their support. Investigate other agencies for funding this project. Courtney asked RAC Members to make a personal commitment to act on this project at the next meeting.

Old versus New Initiatives- Courtney asked RAC Members if they wanted to continue with the Old Initiatives or go with the New Initiatives that were brought into play as a result of the retreat. A motion was made by Jud Vann to do away with the Old Initiatives and to add READI to the New Initiatives. Marty Shingler seconded motion. Motion carried.

Announcements
Courtney asked everyone to take note of the upcoming events in the Region. Camilla Payne gave everyone an update on the Rose Festival activities and invited everyone to attend.

Mary Jo Dudley announced that the Southwest Georgia Brochures were available.

Spencer informed RAC Members about the Federal Emergency Grant for fire protection and/or training and that every city/county is eligible to apply.

Meeting date was discussed. As a result of the Retreat, members suggested that RAC meet once a month, especially since the momentum is going. Everyone is excited about Eco-tourism. The date for the next meeting will be Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at City Hall Building on the 4th floor.

Meeting was adjourned.