On January 23, I will once again be attending GMA’s annual Mayors’ Day Conference in Atlanta.  The Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House are invited to the breakfast to share their perspectives on the 2015 legislative session, scheduled to start on Jan. 12, 2015.

This will be four days of intensive networking and training.  On past conferences, I have even taken Hawkinsville’s success stories to the other cities, speaking in detail of our successes with Cotton Mill Lofts.

This year, I am attending training on both OPEN MEETINGS and MUNICIPAL LAW.   I not only want to do the RIGHT THING, but I want to do it in the RIGHT WAY!  These sessions will help me do just that.   This will add 9 hours to my current training credits of 72 hours.   I personally believe that the more training any elected official can obtain, the better he/she can do their job!

University of Texas Communication studies and management professor Dr. John Daly will be the keynote speaker at the Mayors’ Day awards luncheon on Sunday, Jan. 25. Daly will provide tips to city leaders on improving communications skills and becoming more effective community advocates.

“We expect a thought-provoking presentation from Dr. Daly at our Mayors’ Day,” Norton said. “He will provide action steps that city leaders will be able to implement back home.”

The GMA Board of Directors will hold an open meeting on Saturday, from 3:45-5:15 p.m.

The LPC (Legislative Policy Council) of which I am a new member, will be holding a meeting at 4:30 on Sunday.

Sunday will also host our District Caucuses.   This is where cities in our surrounding area meet to discuss regional issues.