Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker and podcaster who has made it his mission to share inspiring stories of local leaders and city turnarounds. We discuss the underappreciated work of local governments, how lonely it is to be a City Manager, and how little the average person knows about what it takes to make sure residents enjoy basic services. Seth also discussed how local officials build community in an increasingly isolated society. Learn more about Seth at https://haltingwinter.com/.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page:

www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.com

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia

Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia

youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624

Twitter:

twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC

Podcast:

Soundcloud: Local Matters

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify: Local Matters

https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7

Apple Podcasts: Local Matters

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548

Sheffie Robinson, a software engineer, clinical sociologist, and college faculty member, is a recent appointee to Augusta's Charter Review Committee. She explains what led to Augusta-Richmond County consolidation in 1995, what a charter is, and how the committee will get public feedback. We also touch on transparency, accountability, and what it will take for our elected officials to build trust and grow Augusta. For more information, please visit www.augustaga.gov/3314/Charter-Review-Committee. You can also email Sheffie at [email protected].

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page:

www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.com

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia

Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia

youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624

Twitter:

twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC

Podcast:

Soundcloud: Local Matters

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify: Local Matters

https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7

Apple Podcasts: Local Matters

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548

Why would only 2% of Georgia voters cast ballots in a statewide election? Do people care about the cost of utilities? If you do, you have the chance to return to the polls on July 15. Learn who can and can't vote in that election, the functions of the Georgia Public Service Commission, and who made the runoff. I also tackled one of my pet peeves in my local government days and now: Property owners who don't take care of their property!

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page:

www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.com

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia

Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia

youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624

Twitter:

twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC

Podcast:

Soundcloud: Local Matters

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify: Local Matters

https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7

Apple Podcasts: Local Matters

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548

Rebecca Callis Mixson of the Augusta Small Business Development Center provided an overview of their services and history, explaining how it assists entrepreneurs across Georgia. Running a business is challenging, so they support business owners, and in so doing, help expand Georgia's economy. They offer business consulting and training programs. She shared her background and discussed the center's network of consultants, upcoming training initiatives, and recent events like the Women's Summit. They offer financial and marketing workshops, emphasizing the importance of financial management, user experience, and practical business advice for entrepreneurs. Learn more about SBDC at https://georgiasbdc.org/locations/augusta-office.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page:

www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.com

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia

Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia

youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624

Twitter:

twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC

Podcast:

Soundcloud: Local Matters

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify: Local Matters

https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7

Apple Podcasts: Local Matters

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548

Patrick King of the Natural Resources Defense Council explained his organization's advocacy for environmental policies and their involvement in Georgia Power's Integrated Resource Plan hearings. The discussion also covered the potential impact of data centers on energy infrastructure and the importance of informed voting in the upcoming Public Service Commission elections. This election is crucial because these Commissioners approve utility rates.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page:

www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.com

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia

Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia

youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624

Twitter:

twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC

Podcast:

Soundcloud: Local Matters

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify: Local Matters

https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7

Apple Podcasts: Local Matters

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548

Rick Reinhard, a former local government official now with Niagra Consulting, shared his expertise in redeveloping and repurposing underutilized church buildings.  During his tenure with the United Methodist Church, this became one of his specialties. Janice and Rick discussed their shared history in Richmond, Virginia, and explored the challenges and opportunities of reusing historic church buildings. Declining church attendance has created a signifcant problem for many communities. They examined various approaches churches are taking to adapt to changing circumstances, while also discussing the complexities of managing empty church structures and the importance of flexible regulations and community partnerships for successful repurposing.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page:

www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.com

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia

Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia

youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624

Twitter:

twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC

Podcast:

Soundcloud: Local Matters

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify: Local Matters

https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7

Apple Podcasts: Local Matters

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548

Erick Montgomery, Executive Director of Historic Augusta, discussed the organization's mission to preserve historic sites and structures in Augusta, Georgia. He shared insights on various preservation projects, challenges faced in protecting historic buildings, and the importance of advocacy and resources . The conversation also touched on the appointment process for the Historic Preservation Commission's Board members and the need for comprehensive city plans to support preservation initiatives. We touch on the demolition of W. S. Hornsby Elementary School and the former Immaculate Conception Catholic School, and the on-going battle over the future of the old First Baptist Church.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page:

www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.com

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia

Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia

youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624

Twitter:

twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC

Podcast:

Soundcloud: Local Matters

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify: Local Matters

https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7

Apple Podcasts: Local Matters

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548

Tim Watson of the Small Business Administration discussed the current status of Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Georgia. He explained that the declaration for the hurricane began in September and has been extended multiple times. He also clarified that the SBA offers programs for business owners, non-profit organizations, and individuals who incurred damage from the hurricane. These programs include loans for physical damage and economic injury, covering up to $100,000 for renters and up to $500,000 for homeowners. Tim emphasized that these programs are available for those who have applied for FEMA grants and that the SBA can assist those who are insured, underinsured, or uninsured. Potential applicants to apply online at sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955 for more information.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page:

www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.com

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia

Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia

youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624

Twitter:

twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC

Podcast:

Soundcloud: Local Matters

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify: Local Matters

https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7

Apple Podcasts: Local Matters

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548

Julie Langham, Vice President for Economic Development at Augusta Technical College, joins us to talk about the Accelerate Augusta program. A partnership with the downtown Development Authority, it is aimed at providing resources for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startups. The program is set to open in June. Ms. Langham also discusses how the College ensures that area employers can find qualified workers.Learn more about their offerings at https://ce.augustatech.edu/.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page:

www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.com

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia

Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia

youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624

Twitter:

twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC

Podcast:

Soundcloud: Local Matters

@localmatterspodcast

Spotify: Local Matters

https://open.spotify.com/show/3rtuvmCNMVWfhcO6hkYXCQ?si=637e0260a38c45c7

Apple Podcasts: Local Matters

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-matters-podcast/id1547887548

Ronic West, CEO of the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce, discussed the importance of creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners to build connections. They also discussed the Chamber's role as a conduit between the business community and government, the current economic instability, and how we must prepare. Finally, they addressed Ronic's role with the Augusta Aviation Commission and the importance of utilizing our local airport to ensure its growth. To order her upcoming e-book, Created through the Fire, please sign up at https://form.jotform.com/ronicmwest/e-book-waitlist--1st-Ebook. Learn more about the GABCC at www.mygabc.org.