Dougherty County Commission Chairman, Lorenzo L. Heard, and County District 6 Commissioner, Anthony Jones, were among several across the state of Georgia to participate in The Board of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development’s The Essentials program that was held on March 8, 2023, in Americus, Georgia. The Essentials pro- vided attendees an opportunity to gain a unique understanding of the complexities of economic and community development on the local, regional, and state levels.

Participants in the program included community and economic development professionals, elected officials, public servants, business leaders, educators, and engaged citizens from across Georgia. Created in 1993, the Georgia Academy for Economic Development assembles a cross-section of experts, research-based curriculum, and resources necessary for building a vibrant economy. The Board of Directors of the Academy represent public and private economic development organizations and agencies across Georgia.

Georgia Electrical Membership Corporation (EMC) and Georgia Power provide facilitators for the program on behalf of their members and stakeholders, and the Georgia Department of Com- munity Affairs (DCA) provides staff and resources to execute the program statewide. Since its inception, the Academy has provided training for thousands of Georgians.