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Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle Greets Graduates During

University of Phoenix Commencement Ceremony

Sunday, June 29 at Gwinnett Center

 

 

Left to Right, Steve Flatt, VP Atlanta Campus of University of Phoenix; Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, and Shane Clem, VP of Georgia Campuses visited backstage prior to entering Gwinnett Center for the 2008 Commencement.

 

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle led the processional of 956 graduates of University of Phoenix 

 

Greeting the graduates and  guests, Lt. Gov. Cagle commended each for determination in accomplishing their important goal in life.

 

 

Six Thousand Guests filled Gwinnett Center for the largest Commencement Ceremony held in Georgia by the University of Phoenix Atlanta Campus.

Georgia Beat Photos

 

 

A VARIETY OF WAYS CANDIDATES RAISE MONEY

 

State Rep. Margaret Kaiser doesn't let the cemetery behind  her complicate her presiding over a political fundraiser on Tuesday at the Six Feet Under Restaurant on Memorial.   Kaiser, who serves the Grant Park area and has been recognized as one of the outstanding freshmen legislators has only token opposition in the primary. 

 

Candidate for the U.S. Senate Jim Martin stood next to a television set that was tuned to the Braves game as he made his pitch for the July 15th Democratic Primary.  He spoke during a reception by Ann Rose in Dunwoody.  During his remarks, the Braves loaded the bases but came up short.

Georgia Beat Photos

 

 

 

 Ready for Golf near Augusta -- Rep. Chuck Martin (left) was among the friends participating in a golf tournament to benefit the campaign of Rep. Ben Harbin (R) chairman of the House Appropriation Committee.  The event was held on June 18 at the Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans. 

 

Senator Michael Meyer von Bremen, in light suit, use a traditional breakfast with friends to talk about his campaign for a seat on the Georgia Court of Appeals.  Left to right, Tom Boller, Fred Kitchens, Michael Meyer von Bremen and Chuck Clay.

 

 

Going Hunting for Support for Rep. Allen Freeman ---  Georgia's Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson, left, demonstrated his support for a colleague, Rep. Allen Freeman, right, during a skeet shoot in Forsyth on June 25.   One of Freeman's finance leaders said, "It's getting harder to think up ways to have events to attract contributors.   Freeman, of Macon, is  on several important committees and is rated as one of the most effective members of the Georgia General Assembly.    (Georgia Beat Photo)

 

 

GEORGIA CATRALA HOSTS STATE OFFICIALS AT CONVENTION

 

Convention Speaker --  Members of Georgia Catrala, (Car & Truck Renting and Leasing Assoc. ) were impressed by the youthful appearance and the professional speaking skills of Georgia's Commissioner of Driver Services, Greg Dozier, during a recent meeting at King and Prince on St. Simons.

 

Entertainment --  The late Roy Rogers (cutout) made an appearance during an after-dinner entertainment performance by Brooks Coleman of Duluth.  Coleman has enjoyed wide success in taking his witty and inspirational "poney" show on the road throughout the U.S. including the Catrala convention at St. Simons.  Georgia Beat Photos.

 

Award Winners at Catrala Convention -  Dee and Kirk Mooney, right, were recipients of the annual Joseph A. Sports Public Service award given each year by CATRALA, the Car and Truck Renting and Leasing Association.   They have been active in the association for over a dozen years and serve on the board of directors.  The award is given each year to the member or members "serving with persistence, with love, and with a smile.

 

 

Some photos from recent days: 

 

 

 

 

 

gabeat.com 

 

Bagdad to Buckhead ---   Dr. Julie L. Gerberdine, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, was featured speaker on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 during the 19th Annual Meeting of the Buckhead Coalition, Inc. at 103 West.  Dr. Gerberdine, recently recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of 100 most powerful women, reviewed her recent travels which took her from Bagdad to Buckhead.  She is pictured above with Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle(left) and Buckhead Coalition President Sam Massell.    (Georgia Beat Photo)

 

 

 

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 Photos of the Week 

 

President and Mrs. Carter Host Winter Weekend in Cancun Mexico

Participants in Support of the Carter Center Usually Go Skiing

But This Year it was 80 Degree Weather Enjoyed By All

 

President Jimmy Carter welcomes the bus upon arrival at the Club Med of Cancun with guests of the annual Carter Center

 Weekend. They had flown to Cancun on a Delta Charter.

 

President and Mrs. Carter briefed 300 guests on worldwide activities of The Carter Center.

 

 

Delta Is My Delta proclaimed President Carter as he greeted Demi Insco of American Express, Tampa, during opening night's reception.

  Delta won a "takeover" victory over U.S. Air the next day. 

Georgians Posed. -- Left to right, Joe Sports, Editor of Georgia Beat,  Sue Hrib of Marietta and Ruby Crawford of Atlanta

Visited during the Opening Night Reception.   (Joe went to the barber shop the next day.)

 

Rebekah Stewart, left, donated a weekend at her Brigadoon Lodge, located in north Georgia for the Carter Center Auction.  

At right is Sacha Taylor of Atlanta.

Deborah Grossman, Vice President for Global Strategy/Public Policy for Monsanto discussed

The Carter Center's activities in Africa regarding agriculture during breakfast on Thursday morning.

 

 

Ruby Crawford of Atlanta was surprised with a birthday cake during final night banquet.  Ms. Crawford was an early Carter supporter

 and Peanut Brigade participant. 

Cathy Lieneck of American Express Corporate Services, Tampa, and Carlos Cardoso of HP in Atlanta enjoyed\

fine dining at Club Med during The Carter Center Weekend. 

 

Noted author Jimmy Carter signed more than 500 books for friends and guests which were purchased during the weekend.  The annual auction broght $1.3 million to the Carter Center from items donated by supporters of the work being done by The Carter Center. 

    Georgia Beat Photos 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted January 6, 2007

 

State Senator Jeff Mullis, left, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee was greeted on Wednesday by Georgia's next Lieutenant Governor, Casey Cagle, during a reception at the Capital City Club.  It was the first of a series of fund raising reception held for Senate and House leaders during the day.

Georgia Beat Photo

 

State Representative Ben Harbin, left, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee was greeted on Wednesday by Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson.  Harbin was honored during a reception for his Campaign Committee on Wednesday in one of a series of events held during the day at the 191 Club.

Georgia Beat Photo

 To gain such a response, Georgia Auto Dealer President Bill Morie, left, must have offered a suggestion to "eliminate all taxes from automobiles" when he greeted Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Larry O'Neal on Wednesday during the legislative reception marathon at the 191 Club.

Georgia Beat Photo

Senator David Shafer speaks during a reception in his honor Wednesday at the 191 Club.  Shafer is Chairman of the Regulated Industries Committee and drew one of the largest crowds of the afternoon at the 191 Club where a number of fund raisers were held.

 

Casey Cagle, who will be sworn in on Monday as Georgia's next Lieutenant Governor, made the rounds of legislative receptions on Wednesday. He is pictured above with Jay Hibbard, regional vice president of government affairs for DISCUS, the Distilled Spirits Council, Washington, D.C..

Georgia Beat Photo

 

 

 

Rep. Mack Crawford, left, hosted a dinner in honor of Rep. Robert Ray, former chairman of the House 

Agriculture Committee last week.   The event was held at the Crawford farm.  At center, is Jennifer Ray.

Shortly after this picture was snapped, their plates were full of delicious barbecue.  Georgia Beat Photo.

 

 

On a tractor built for two ---  Rep. Robert Ray, left, occupies the back seat of an antique John Deere tractor which

is owned by Rep. Mack Crawford, top seat.  They tried out the tractor following a dinner held in Ray's honor at the Crawford farm.

Rep. Ray, former chairman of the House Agriculture Committee is retiring at the end of the year.  Georgia Beat Photo

 

 

 

Posted September 13, 2006

READY FOR THE INAUGURATION OF NEW CHANCELLOR

Two college presidents,  Dr.  Torri Lilly, President of South Georgia College, left, and Dr. Wayne Clough, President of Georgia Tech, visited at the State Capitol prior to the inaugural ceremony for the University Sustem's new Chancellor, Erroll B. Davis. Jr.  (Georgia Beat Photo)

 

 

Posted August 28, 2006

Georgia Chamber Legislative Luncheon

Hears Congressional Reports

 

 

Congressman Jack Kingston (R) chats with Georgia Chamber of Commerce Chairman Paul Holmes, center, 

and Senator Larry Walker  prior to speaker at the annual legislative luncheon in Perry.

 

 

Congressman Jim Marshall, (D) left, talks to Chamber President George Israel.  Both Marshall and Kingston reported on progress in their districts before an overflow crowd at the Ag Expo in Perry.   (Georgia Beat Photo) 

 

 

Posted August 18, 2006

Georgians For Better Transportation Honors

 New and Outgoing GDOT Chairmen

 

Mike Evans was welcomed as the incoming Chairman of the Georgia Department of Transportation Board during a luncheon Thursday 

at the Capital City Club hosted by Georgians for Better Transportation.

 

Outgoing Chairman of the Georgia Department of Transportation Board, David Doss, received special recognition from Georgians for Better Transportation on Thursday at the Capital City Club. Doss said he was proud of the outstanding progress made in all areas of the Department of Transportation during his terms as board chairman.

In a lighter moment at the conclusion of his remarks, Chairman Doss gave a quick preview of the new Georgia Highway map that will soon be distributed by GDOT.   Doss revealed that it was his responsibility to pick some photographs to appear on the cover of the map.  Doss said, " I selected some pictures of the "chairman's grandchildren."

However, Doss said  to show he wasn't stupid, the Chairman he was referring to is Chairman Vance Smith, above,  of the Georgia House of Representatives Transportation Committee. Chairman Smith was given a copy of the first edition of the new highway map on which his grandchildren's picture will appear.

Georgians for Better Transportation President Mike Kenn presided during the luncheon which was attended by 125 transportation leaders and hosted by several GBT members. 

Photos by Joe Sports   (Thanks to Mike, Kimberly and Courtney for a great lunch.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted August 4, 2006

 

 

 

Contributions for Hank --- Harry Stephens, CEO of DataMatx in Atlanta, caught up with Congressional Candidate Hank Johnson

 at Mary Mac's Restaurant to deliver a stack of checks from supporters.   Stephens said, "I want someone in Congress who won't embarrass me."

Johnson faces incumbent Rep. Cynthia Johnson next week in the run-off primary election.

 

Posted July 3, 2006

50th Wedding Anniversary for

Mr. & Mrs. Neil Sims

 

Neil Sims, left, and Waunell Vickers Sims, seated, graduated from high school together in 1952 and married in 1956. They are pictured during the 50th Wedding Anniversary reception on Saturday, July 1st.  Their two children, Lou Sims Holmes and State Rep. Chuck Sims hosted the reception at the First Methodist Church Robertson Hall in Douglas.   (Georgia Beat Photo)

 

Neil and Waunell Sims, center, on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary, were presented a proclamation from the Georgia General Assembly in their honor, delivered by State Rep. Ben Harbin, right.   State Rep. Chuck Sims is on the left, as his mother holds the proclamation during a reception in Douglas on Saturday.  (Georgia Beat Photo)

 

 

Posted June 19, 2006

Bill Stephens Gets Zell Miller Endorsement

Former Governor and U.S. Senator Zell Miller, left, chats with State Senator Bill Stephens, candidate for Secretary of State Bill Stephens during last week's reception at the Georgia Aquarium.    Miller spoke during the reception in Stephens' honor and gave him a resounding endorsement for Secretary of State.  Stephens served as Miller's press secretary during his first term as governor.   Lobbyist Bruce Widener can be recognized at center in the background while you get only a partial view of Bob Short, and Congressman Nathan Deal. (Georgia Beat Photo)

 

 

University of Phoenix  Atlanta Campus

Fills Murphy Ballroom for Graduation

University of Phoenix Graduation -- Saturday, May 6, 2006

A crowd of three thousand filled Murphy Ballroom of the World Congress Center on Saturday for the third Commence Ceremony for a thousand graduates of the University of Phoenix Atlanta Campus.  "Putting Adult Education on Georgia's Mind" has become the official theme for North America's largest private university which now has  five campuses in Georgia.  In order to accommodate the large number of graduates' friends and family members, tickets were sold to the graduation with proceeds going to charity.

University Officials --   Left to right, Dr. Judy Bullock, Rhonda King, Tonya George, Dr. Bertice Berry, graduation speaker for the May 6th University of Phoenix Commencement,.  Stephen Flatt, Vice President/ Director of the Atlanta Campus and Shane Clem, vice president and director of Georgia Campuses.

 

Students Await Presentation --  Some of the hundreds of graduates await presentation.

Student Speaker --  Michael "Mac" Coker was selected as the Student Speaker for the Commencement.  He received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. He said, "I am the typical  University of Phoenix student.  I  work full time.  I went to school & took classes.  I have a family & social activities.  I applied myself...and NOW have a degree which has resulted in my being selected for an outstanding job in the  health care industry."

Georgia Beat Photos by Joe Sports

 

 

 

 

Ocilla & Irwin County Celebrate Legislative Day

In Ocilla on Tuesday, April 18th

Honoring

Senator Joseph Carter and Rep. Jay Roberts

 

 

Left to right, Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson,  Majority Leader Jerry Keen, Rep. Jay Roberts, Speaker Glenn Richardson, Sen. Joseph Carter and Senator Don Balfour posed at luncheon with Hazel McCranie, who coordinated the event for the Ocilla-Irwin County Industrial Authority.

Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson praised the work of Rep. Roberts, who serves as legislative floor leader for Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson predicted higher responsibility for freshman Senator, Joseph Carter, 

Senator Don Balfour, Chairman of the Rules Committee,  complimented Irwin County and Ocilla for sponsoring an event to recognize the work done by their legislators.

Jay Walker, left, chief of staff for Speaker Glenn Richardson, and Kimberly Hudgins of Georgians for Better Transportation, spent time with longtime DOT member Billy Langdale of Valdosta, center.   Hudgins is a native of Ocilla.

 

The new Mayor of Nashville, Ga., Hanson Carter, left, and Ga Auto Dealers President Bill Morie, right, occupied front row seats at the luncheon.

Governor Sonny Perdue arrived for the late afternoon and promptly inspected the barbecue source which had been cooking all day.

Hazel McCranie, Secretary of the Ocilla-Irwin County Industrial Authority joined Governor Sonny Perdue in checking the  ready to pull pig.

Left to right, Senator Tommie Williams, Senator Johnny Grant and Senator Ross Tolleson chatted with Governor Perdue during the day long event.

 

 

With Guests of Honor, Joseph Carter and Jay Roberts standing to his left, Governor Perdue signed legislation of special interest and concern to the Irwin County community.

 

 

 

 

 

Recent Photos of the Week

 

Posted March 23, 2006

Old Friends --  Former President Jimmy Carter, (L) and Former U.S. Senator David Gambrell (R) appeared to enjoy their recent visit during a fund raiser for President Carter's son, Jack Carter, a candidate for U.S. Senate in Nevada.  Gambrell, who was appointed to the U.S. Senate in 1971 upon the death of U.S. Senator Richard Russell,  was an early supporter of Carter for governor and served for a time as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia. (Georgia Beat Photo)

Posted March 23, 2006

Democratic Leader is Hope Winner ---  House Minority Leader Dubose Porter (r) has received the annual HOPE award given by former U.S. Senator Max Cleland, (l).  Cleland delivered the award to Porter during a caucus meeting on Monday on Capitol Hill.  Originally scheduled for presentation during the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner, Porter was unable to attend the event because of duties of a late night legislative session.  Cleland complimented Porter on his leader and for "giving us HOPE.  (Georgia Beat Photo)

 

Posted Thursday, February 9, 2006

2006 Carter Center Winter Weekend

Nets $1.6 Million In Record Auction

 

John J. Moores, Sr. (Seated) was winning bidder with a bid of $1 million for President Carter's hand-built persimmon tree cabinet during last weekend's Winter Weekend and Auction to benefit the Carter Center.

 

President Jimmy Carter passes through Delta Charter extending greetings to each guest on the trip.

Delta Charter Lands in Gunnison, Colorado

Carter Extends Official Welcome

Delta Official, Beth Johnson, Welcomed Guests to Club Med Resort, Crested Butte

 

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter greets longtime friends, Dr. and Mrs. Carlton Hicks of St. Simons.

Natalie Dinicola of Monsanto Company talked "agriculture" with former President Jimmy Carter

 

Attending from Chicago, Ricardo & Gina Fernandez visit with President Carter. A Carter campaign scrapbook contributed by Ricardo to the auction sold for $1,000.

 

Michael Hrib, left, and his sister, Susan Hrib of Signum Group, Atlanta, enjoyed considerable visiting time with former President Jimmy Carter.

Charles Graves of Rome, a veteran of the Carter campaigns visited with his candidate.

Jay Beck of The Carter Center, coordinates annual trip and auction.

Former Presidents gets directions to the food table.

Singer-songwriter Gary Morris of Texas agreed to perform on opening night.  Morris participated in many of the Carter campaign events during his first election.

 

The song, She's my Hero, but Morris, brought a quick show of affection by the First Couple.

 

Former President took time from busy schedule at Crested Butte to appear on Larry King Live.

 

Charles Graves, Carlos Cardoza, Jack Carter and Jay Beck

 

Homerun King Hank Aaron and his wife, Billye at dinner.

 

Koji Kobayasi of Yokohama, Japan posed with Donna MacPherson of Lake Forest, CA, Susan Hrib of Marietta and Joe Sports of Atlanta.

 

Cathy Lieneck at breakfast with President Carter.

Natalie Dinicola of Monsanto, St. Louis, received Friday breakfast invitation at President Carter's table.

Delta volunteers posed for sponsor picture.

Youth Force Guests get ready to hit the slopes.

 

Ruby Crawford of Atlanta recalled being a member of the Peanut Brigade for President Carter.

Town Hall Meeting about accomplishments of Carter Center.

 

President Carter describes his hard work in making a persimmon tree cabinet.

John J. Moores, Sr., just after submitting a $1 million bid for the Carter cabinet.

 

Posted January 7, 2006

 

 

Fund Raising At It's Finest

Two of Georgia's top State Senators and One House Member were honored on Thursday afternoon with fund raisers at the 191 Club.  Lobbyists and friends showed their appreciation for the leadership and brought checks for the re-election campaigns.  Reception s were held for  Senate Pro Tem Eric Johnson and Appropriations Chairman Jack Hill.  A third event was for the benefit of Rep. John Heard of Lawrenceville.   With the session beginning on Monday, political fund raising must be put on hold but many legislators can rush to the bank with final checks prior to Monday's deadline.

 

 

Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson, left, welcomes Speaker Glenn Richardson to a reception at the 191 Club, at the beginning of a busy day for fund-raising activities. 

Lobbyists Joel Williams, left, of Powell Goldstein LLP, and Don Cargill, right,  of  of J.D. Cargill & Associates, Inc. were among the first to greet the two legislative leaders.

 

Lobbyists Cynthia Studdard, left,  of CPS Strategies, and Ric Cobb, center,  of the Georgia Petroleum Council chatted with Speaker Richardson and gladly posed for the Georgia Beat camera.

Alec Cierny, left and Kevin Perry, right, of the Georgia Beverage Association and Norman Ross, Jr. of Coca-Cola Enterprises, second from left,  talked issues with Senator Johnson.

Bryan Fiveash, left, of Fiveash-Stanley and Jim Tudor, right, of Georgia Association of Convenience Stores made their points with Senator Johnson.

John Thomas, left, of Thomas Associates was greeted by Senator Don Balfour and Senator Jack Hill.

Governor Sonny Perdue, right, in red tie, arrived to show support for Senator Eric Johnson, left, with red tie.

Governor Perdue commended  Johnson's Senate leadership and predicted solid accomplishments for the legislature during the coming session.

Senator Jack Hill welcomes Gov. Perdue to his reception.

One more stop for Gov. Perdue at the reception for Rep. John Heard, 2nd from left.  This event was coordinated by Bruce Widener, left, and Ashley Widener, of Widener Associates.

 

Georgia Beat Photos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farm Leadership Tour --  We were pleased that the Georgia Beat Photographer was invited to join the South Georgia Agriculture Tour for legislative leaders that was hosted by Senate Agriculture Chairman John Bulloch in Thomasville, Ochlocknee, Moultrie and Tifton.  The tour included stops at the Thomasville Farmers Market, a cotton field, peanut shelling plant and cabbage patch.  Senator Eric Johnson, President Pro Tem of the Georgia Senate headed the tour on Monday, followed by Speaker Pro Tem Mark Burkhalter on Tuesday.

Senators Brian Kemp, John Bulloch, Eric Johnson and Joseph Carter check out the fruit stand at the Thomasville Farmers Market.

 

State Representatives Jay Roberts, Mark Burkhalter and Bob Smith check out the Bulldog at the "Tifton Campus" of the University of Georgia at the Agriculture Center.

 

Senate Agriculture Chairman John Bulloch, left, points out significant features of a cotton processing plant that's located near his Ochlocknee home.  He is talking to Monsanto's national governmental affairs director Frank Plescia of St. Louis.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin obviously wasn't making his first visit to a cabbage patch. Irvin participated in both days of the south Georgia tour.

Gary Black, of the Georgia Agri-Business Council  and an announced candidate for Agriculture Commissioner displayed a John Deere cap as he followed the Tuesday tour in Moultrie and Tifton.

Senator Brian Kemp, another announced candidate for the GOP nomination for Ag Commissioner, watched cotton being loaded for processing.

Monday's Tour Group posed for the Georgia Beat photographer after lunch at the Thomaville Chamber of Commerce.   Front Row, left to right, Sen.  Joseph Carter, Sen.  Brian Kemp, Sen. John Bulloch, Sen. Ross Tolleson, and Sen. Jack Hill. Second row, Sen. Mitch Seabaugh, Sen. Ralph Hudgens, Sen. Eric Johnson, Rep. Ellis Black and Rep. Richard Royal.

Thomasville Chamber of Commerce President Don Sims briefed Cyd Helms of Joe Sports & Associates on Thomas County history prior to lunch at the Chamber of Commerce offices.

 

Senator Eric Johnson of Savannah check out a big bale of cotton that had just been gathered and was awaiting delivery to the processing facility.

Officials on Tour, Sen. John Bulloch points out to legislative group just how the cotton picker works.

Time out for water and soft drinks says Senator Bulloch.  The refreshments had been delivered to the pecan orchards by Sen. Bulloch's wife, Miriam, who stands at left.  The young lady right behind Sen. Bulloch is Debbie Cannon, district aide to U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss.

 

The equipment being inspected by the legislators was used to shake pecans out of the trees on the farm of Sen. Bulloch.

In case you have never seen a pecan tree shaker at work, we are glad to provide this picture.

 

Sen. John Bulloch, Sen. Eric Johnson and Sen. Jack Hill, with  Bryan Tolar, right, as the group loaded up for dinner on Monday evening. 

 

 

Posted September  22, 2005

Governor Arrives in Savannah.  Gov. Sonny Perdue, right, is greeted by Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson, left and Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Mike Beatty at the Hyatt in Savannah on Wednesday to announce awards and grants from the  State of Georgia to communities throughout the state.  (Georgia Beat Photo)

 

 

Posted August 11, 2005

 

Georgia Has Great Presence for Southern Legislative Conference in Mobile.

Left to Right, Norman Ross, Jr., Manager of Public Affairs for CocaCola Enterprises, Inc.; Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson; and Senator Jack Hill are pictured at the Georgia Dinner during the Southern Legislative Conference in Mobile last week.

 

Left to right, Earl Rogers of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and his wife, Mary; Speaker Emeritus Terry Coleman and wife, Carol, were with 60 other Georgians following the SLC Schedule.

 

 

 

Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson, center, expressed thanks to Kevin Perry, left of the Georgia Beverage Association and Bill Morie, right of the Georgia Automobile Dealers Association.  Perry and Morie coordinated  the Georgia Dinner and reception at the Pillars Restaurant in Mobile, Alabama.

 

 

Honored by Agriculture ---  U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, right, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, was honored during a reception in Perry on Friday evening June 17, 2005.  Hosts included State Senator Ross Tolleson, left, who represents the Perry Area.  Other hosts: Agricultural Retailers Association, Farm Credit PAC, Fieldale Farms Poultry, Flowers Industries PAC, Georgia Cattlemen's Association, International Dairy Foods Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Cotton Council, National Milk Producers Federation, Monsanto Citizenship Fund, United Dairymen of Arizona, Southern Cotton Growers, and the Southeast Milk PAC.

Georgia Beat Photo   Posted June 20. 2005

 

Speaker Hastert Visits Georgia Tuesday --  Dante  Stephensen, center, popular Atlanta businessman and restaurant owner, was among those having breakfast on Tuesday with Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, left, and Congressman Tom Price of Georgia's Sixth District.  The occasion was a breakfast honoring Congressman Price.  Hastert praised the new congressman great work during the first few months of his congressional service and predicted a bright future for the congressman and his district.. (Georgia Beat Photo)

        

20 Seconds of National Exposure for Georgian on Rather Show --  If you watched the Dan Rather retirement special Wednesday evening on CBS TV, you saw footage from the Democratic Convention of 1968 when  Georgia Beat editor Joe Sports was sergeant at arms of the official Georgia Delegation.  Reporter Dan Rather was getting ready to interview Sports about the delegation challenge that had been initiated by Julian Bond. When Screven Delegate Dr. McGee Hargrett tried to take the Georgia standard out of the hall, he walked past where Rather was standing who immediately turned to find out what was going on.  Security guards in the hall restrained Rather, whose microphone cable had caught on Sports' belt.  As they were both pushed along, in the footage you can hear Sports saying "Wait a Minute, Wait a Minute."  Walter Cronkite responded, "Looks like a Bunch of Thugs down there, Dan."  In the above snapshot of the  often shown video, you can see Rather wearing headset in the center, and Sports is right behind him on the right side of the picture.

 

Georgia's New Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson (right) visited backstage with Jeff Foxworthy, Georgia's foremost  comedian and TV star,  prior to his performance at the Blue Collar Legislative Kick-Off Dinner sponsored by Georgians for Better Transportation on Wednesday, Jan. 19.  (Georgia Beat Photo)

Backstage at Georgians For Better Transportation Blue Collar Dinner --  Kimberly Hudgins, left, of GBP posed with TV fishing show host Orlando Wilson, center, and comedian Jeff Foxworthy prior to the entertainment portion of the GBT event on January 19th.  (Georgia Beat Photo)

Jeff Foxworthy, Courtney Townsend, Speaker Glenn Richardson and Kimberly Hudgins  (left to right ) posed at the Blue Collard Legislative Dinner.  Townsend and Hudgins are officials of Georgians for Better Transportation, host for the event. (Georgia Beat Photo)

 

Youth Assembly Leadership Luncheon

Secretary of State Cathy Cox was featured speaker during the  State YMCA of Georgia 60th Youth Assembly at the Hyatt Regency on Tuesday.  She greeted, above, Don Sports of Claxton who was Lt. Governor of the Youth Assembly in 1950-51.  He was among several former members of the Youth Assembly leadership recognized during the dinner.  Secretary Cox said she had attended the Youth Assembly as a delegate during her high school days and determined then she would like to return to the State Capitol in an official position.   At the conclusion of the luncheon, Britt Bush of Dublin was announced as the Governor of the Youth Assembly for next year.  (Georgia Beat Photo)

 

Enterprise Arrives at Atlanta Airport --- Left to right, Ben DeCosta, Airport Authority Manager; Mayor Shirley Franklin; Kirk Martin, Regional VP; and Senator Terrell Starr of Clayton County.  They took part in cutting the ribbon for the official opening of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car counter and parking facility at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport on August 10, 2004  (Georgia Beat Photo)

 

Ready for University of Phoenix Opening in Columbus --  Flanked by Shane Clem, left,  Director of Georgia Campuses, and Alex Diaz, right, associate director of the Columbus Campus,  Congressman Sanford Bishop is scheduled to be the featured speaker during "grand opening" ceremonies at the Columbus Campus on Wednesday.

 

Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin welcomes his fellow ag officials to Georgia during the opening of  the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Connell Stafford, who headed the arrangements committee for the event, stands in background.

 

Charles Graves, left, who retired at the end of March from 3M, was congratulated recently by former President Jimmy Carter.  Graves had been invited to accompany President and Mrs. Carter to Salt Lake City, Utah for their annual Winter Weekend.

Georgia Beat Photo

Georgia Beat Photo  Posted 1/26/2004

Official Visitor -- Secretary of State Cathy Cox is greeted by Shane Clem, (R)  Vice President of Georgia Campuses for the University of Phoenix.  Secretary Cox visited the campus and was honored during a reception of faculty, students and guests at the Atlanta Campus (400 at Northridge) on Monday.  The school opened late last year and is already serving 1600 students from the single location and will open a campus in Marietta next month with a Columbus location soon to follow.  (Georgia Beat Photo)

 

 

 

A vacant  airport building is costing the City of Atlanta thousands of dollars each month and the city's procurement department can't seem to put together an RFP in order to make it available to rental car companies who have expressed an interest.  City purchasing officials give "special circumstance" as the reason an RFP has not been issued.  Mayor Shirley Franklin said three months ago whe would "expedite the procurement" but so far an estimated $100,000 has been missed by the city, and city procurement officer Toni Darden says, "It is not yet ready to be advertised."  For now the city is content to just let the property sit there and grow weeds.

.

Bob Callaway Arrives  ---   Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, right, greets  his chief of staff, Bob Callaway, as he arrived at The Ashford Club Monday night for a surprise retirement celebration.  Callaway has announced his plans to retire from State Government next month.  At left is Bob's wife, Betty Callaway.  Jim Higdon, former commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs can be seen behind Callaway.  (Georgia Beat Photo)

 

 

 

Governor Perdue Weighs In --  Promoting a healthier Georgia, Gov. Sonny Perdue stepped on the scales at the Capitol Monday afternoon and announced his goal of losing 20 pounds. He said he planned to give up between-meal snacks including candy bars.  His official weight as determined by the referee in the above photo checking the scales was 228 and 1/2 pounds.

Georgia Beat Photo       2:55 p.m. 2/10/03

 

Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor is pictured as he arrived for a visit to the HP Bringing It Home Tour which was on display across from the State Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 5th.  Taylor was  there to officially open the exhibit which contains the latest in digital technology.  Georgia Beat Photo.

Former Mayor Sam Massell, right, greets Gov. Sonny Perdue during the annual meeting of the Buckhead Coalition.  Georgia Beat Photo.