GGFOA NEWS REPORT
AUGUST 2010

GGFOA 2010 CONFERENCE
By: Melody Marlowe, GGFOA President

Finding the Silver Lining in the Dark Economic Cloud
October 3-6, 2010, Marriott Savannah Riverfront

Where were you 25 years ago? Perhaps you were at the very first conference held by GGFOA. Even if you missed it, I invite you to come take part in our 25th annual conference to be held in Savannah. We will be celebrating 25 years of success by focusing on the positive. As our theme indicates, we'll turn our attention from the gloomy economy to the discovery of the "silver lining". In addition to a slate of valuable class offerings, the conference will include a Riverboat Dinner Cruise as our welcome event. Barbara Dooley will conclude our conference by providing a presentation filled with motivation, inspiration and humor. So where will you be for GGFOA's 25th anniversary? Plan to be a part of this educational and fun event! Registration information is available on our website, www.ggfoa.org.


2010 Scholorship Opportunities
By: Janet Camburn, Chairperson - Scholarships and Awards

The GGFOA awards up to two scholarships each year to students who are pursuing studies in a public finance area or public administration or a career in government finance. Eligibility requirements and application forms are available on the GGFOA web site at http://ggfoa.org/awards/scholarships.php. For 2010 awards, applications are to be submitted and postmarked no later than September 10, 2010 and mailed to:

Scholarship Selection Committee
Georgia Government Finance Officers Association
Attn: Arlene Durrah
Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority
233 Peachtree Street, NE
Harris Tower ¨C Suite 900
Atlanta, GA 30303

Please encourage employees/students of your organization to visit the web site to determine eligibility.


A Message from Membership
By: Ellen Walls, Chairperson - Membership Committee

The Membership Committee has received a lot of help this year in the effort to update our membership information. We have over 900 members listed but less than 500 paid, active members. Through our new contract with Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) you may receive a letter requesting membership renewal or updated information. Please respond to GMA with any requested information so we will have correct information for our members.

The contacts I have made as Chairperson of the Membership Committee have been very positive. I have enjoyed meeting so many of you and getting to know you personally.

Remember to ask your co-workers and/or peers if they are members of GGFOA. I am also trying to make contact with our Board of Education peers. If you know the personnel handling your local BOE, reach out to them. As you discover potential members, please direct them to the GGFOA website (www.ggfoa.org). The website has our updated information for submitting requests for membership.

If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact me. My email address is ewalls@fayetteville-ga.gov or you may call me at (770) 719-4168.


GGFOA Participates in Job Fair
By: Beverly Williams, City of Gainesville

GGFOA members provided an informational booth at the Spring job fair held jointly by Brenau University and North Georgia State College University at the John Jacobs Center in Gainesville. The fair attracted a number of accounting and finance students seeking information on employment and internship opportunities offered by both state and local firms. Attendees stopping by the GGFOA booth were educated on the training opportunities and other benefits offered to association members, and they were encouraged to check out the GGFOA website. GGFOA members talked with students about both the fulfilling and challenging aspects of a public sector career, as well as the need for government on all levels to employ the best and the brightest. As opportunities arise, all GGFOA members are encouraged to participate in local job fairs to promote our organization. Please contact the GGFOA Membership Committee Chair, Ellen Walls, if you need assistance.

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