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Regional
Advisory Council Minutes
Members Present:
Ms. Regina Storey, Mr. Troy Mattox, Mr. Jerome Tucker,
Mr. Robert Rentfrow, Mr. Charlie Howell, Mr. Wink Strickland,
Mr. John Adams, Mr. Willie Hardee, Ms. Wendy Moore, Mr. Tony Hamm,
Ms. Valerie Palmer, Mr. Steve Nance, Mr. Lamar Park, and Mr. Horace
Hudgins. Members Absent: Mr. James Chavez, Mr. Charles Perry, Mr.
Michael Lee, Mr. Buddy Duke, Ms. Hazel McCranie, Ms. Saralyn Stafford,
and Mr. Van Waters. Regional Staff Present: Ms. Kelly Folsom-Lane, Ms. Michelle
Nelson-Hawkins, Mr. Scott Purvis and Ms. Sandy Ponder. Guests Present: Ms. Rhonda Geiger, Mr. Byron Hickox, Mr.
Ken Garren, Mr. Fred Lamb, Ms. Nancy O'Quinn, Ms. Diane Kilgore,
Mr. Clarence Parker, Mr. David Dunn, Ms. Jeanie Boland, Ms. Shelley
Zorn, Ms. Vicki Hughes, Ms. Joyce Evans, Ms. Mary Alice McGee,
Ms. Debra Pennington, Mr. Raymond Moore, Mr. Jimmy Rainwater,
Ms. Myrna Ballard, Mr. Frank Burnett, Mr. Jerry Turner, Ms. Sheila
Stidham, Ms. Mary Ellen Massello, and Mr. Jim Steed. Chairman Tucker called the meeting to order at 10:45 a.m. Ms. Scott Purvis gave the invocation. Chairman Tucker led the Council and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Tucker welcomed everyone to the meeting where Region
11 would receive their READI certificates. He thanked everyone
for their attendance. Chairman Tucker introduced the guest sitting at the head table.
They included Ms. Michelle Nelson-Hawkins, Mr. Troy Mattox, Mr.
Horace Hudgins, Ms. Kelly Folsom-Lane, Ms. Joyce Evans, and Mr.
Jimmy Rainwater. Commissioner Joyce Evans welcomed everyone to Lowndes County
on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners. Mayor Jimmy Rainwater welcomed everyone to Valdosta and the beautiful
Conference Center. He congratulated everyone on receiving their
READI certificates. Chairman Tucker asked that the minutes from the June 20, 2001
meeting be approved. Mr. Troy Mattox made a motion that the minutes be approved. Mr.
Robert Rentfrow seconded the motion. The vote to approve the minutes
was unanimous. Ms. Michelle Nelson-Hawkins gave a Power Point Presentation giving
a brief amount of information on READI. She stated that everyone
had a READI summary in front of them. She thanked READI Champions
Horace Hudgins and Van Waters for their hard work on getting half
of the READI surveys completed prior to her coming on board with
GDITT. She stated that Region 11 certified with 410 points out
of 550 points. Ms. Nelson-Hawkins pointed out that Region 11 had
a strong regional leadership program. She said that the following
things were noted in the READI survey: "The region had almost
100% participation in the Georgia Academy. The region identified
an increased need and desire for sales team training. A Regional
Technology Asset Inventory and Strategy was established and lots
of available sites and buildings for industrial development were
identified. " Ms. Nelson-Hawkins also stated that she would be
working with counties to help fill in their gaps that was identified
in the READI process. Chairman Tucker said READI has given us a great opportunity to
identify our strengths and weaknesses. READI will allow our Region
to be better prepared. He stated all the counties can stand together
and look good. The step now is to take care of our weaknesses.
He thanked Mr. Horace Hudgins, Mr. Van Waters, Ms. Michelle Nelson-Hawkins
and the communities for their participation and hard work during
the READI process. Chairman Tucker stated that out of READI it was determined that
the RAC had a plan for Economic Development. It was decided that
the RAC needed to hold a retreat. The Retreat has been set for
October 4 in Tift County. At this time the RAC will review the
READI information and develop a new strategy for Region 11. Mr.
Scott Purvis stated that at the retreat current RAC strategies,
RDC comprehensive plans, and READI outcomes would be laid out
for the RAC members. The RAC members will then be led in a facilitated
session and will develop a new Economic Development Strategy for
Region 11. Mr. Scott Purvis gave an update on the Fall Academy. He announced
that the Academy for the fall had been cancelled. The Curriculum
Committee will be incorporating a leadership component into the
Academy. The Academy will probably start in February with six
sessions. He stated staff would be making contacts later in the
year for nominations for the Academy beginning in February. Chairman Tucker stated the next meeting of the RAC would be in
January in Brantley County. The Regional Staff will provide more
information at a later date. Chairman Tucker welcomed Ms. Mary Ellen Massello and Mr. Jim
Steed of the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism. Ms. Massello congratulated the Region on becoming READI certified.
She introduced Deputy Commissioner Jim Steed who gave his comments
on READI. Mr. Jim Steed gave his comments on the READI program. Mr. Steed
thanked Chairman Tucker for his efforts and guidance. Mr. Steed
pointed out that Region 11 is the largest in the state. He said
everyone was present to share the region's good work by passing
out READI certificates. He said that READI was a governor's initiative
to prepare communities for Economic Development. He once again
congratulated everyone on becoming READI certified. Mr. Steed presented READI Certificates to the following counties
and their representatives:
There was no one present to receive the READI certificate for Ben Hill County or Echols County. Ms. Nelson-Hawkins will be delivering their certificates to them. Mr. Steed also recognized READI Champions Horace Hudgins and Van Waters with certificates. Mr. Steed presented the Region 11 READI Certificate to Chairman Tucker. Mr. Scott Purvis gave the invocation for the meal. Chairman Tucker adjourned the meeting at 12:20 p.m.
 
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