Bennish Brown, President and CEO of Destination Augusta, discusses what our destination marketing and management organization is responsible for. He explored upcoming events and food/music festivals that will contribute to Augusta's growing reputation as a festival destination. Our conversation also covered the development of attractions and facilities in Augusta, emphasizing how our SPLOST funds will be used to create exciting things to do throughout the city.

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:

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Augusta Commissioner Jordan Johnson just started his second four year term. We discuss his vision for district 1. We also describe how hard it can be to get things done, why it is taking so long to pick up storm debris, and his early influences. We also touch on the unique characteristics of District 1 and how the upcoming Charter Reviews process is one of the hottest issues in 2025.

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

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Apple Podcasts: Local Matters

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

Brian Beard, Public Affairs Specialist with the Small Business Administration (SBA), explains the loan process for homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profits affected by Hurricane Helene. Brian explained that SBA loans can cover damage not covered by insurance or FEMA, including deductibles and partial coverage. He also mentioned that SBA loans have lower interest rates than credit cards or bank loans, and can replace more expensive debt. Brian further clarified that SBA loans do not require collateral or closing costs for amounts up to $50,000, and there's no interest or payments for the first year.

Dr. Lester Mccorn, the new president of Payne College, shared his life story and vision for the institution, emphasizing the importance of a liberal arts education and preparing students for the workforce. He discussed the challenges of staying ahead in the digital age, the management of resources, and the potential of Paine College, highlighting the need for cooperation and a diverse board of trustees. Plans were also made to engage with the Augusta community, including meeting with local authorities and hosting events to foster support and partnerships.

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:

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Podcast:

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@localmatterspodcast

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

Apple Podcasts: Local Matters

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

Renae Gaskins Campbell, Media Relations Specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, visits with the Local Matters family to let us know that the deadline to apply for aid is February 7. We discuss who is eligible for assistance and the best way to apply. Affected individuals should visit the Hub in downtown Augusta or call 1-800-621-3362 to apply and get additional 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:

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@localmatterspodcast

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Apple Podcasts: Local Matters

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

Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller shares her passion for and calling to ministry, and how she has approached that as a woman. She also details her experience as one of few African American students at the University of Georgia in the late 1960s and early 70s. Pastor Nawanna described the work of the Institute for Christian Discipleship and the I am Not a Silly Woman: I am More Than Enough Life Empowerment Retreat! which is coming up in March 2025. Women of all ages are invited to attend. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-am-not-a-silly-woman-i-am-more-than-enough-life-empowerment-retreat-tickets-788203667387

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

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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

Augusta Senator Harold Jones discusses his new role as minority leader in the Georgia State Senate and the importance of focusing on democratic values and ideas. He also highlighted the need for Medicaid expansion, childcare assistance, and rent stabilization in Georgia, and the potential for significant change if the Democratic party wins in 2026. He also mentioned what could be a bi-partisan effort to limit our access to the courts.

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

Janice and Dr. Tracy Powell discussed why leaders frustrate employees, their professional backgrounds, and their experiences. Dr. Powell, an executive coach and CEO of Executive Coaching, shared her passion for empowering leaders to lead with compassion. She has been an executive coach since 2012 and holds certifications in executive coaching and professional coaching. Dr. Powell also mentioned her two books, "Practical Leadership Lessons Learned from Mickey" and "The Journey to Authorship," as well as a leadership journal. She emphasized the importance of journaling as a part of self-care and encouraged others to make time for it. The books and journal can be purchased on her website and Amazon.

Purchase Practical Leadership: Lessons Learned from Mickey:

https://a.co/d/g4Q90X7

Finding Confidence in 2025: The Relaunch

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1105927782769?aff=oddtdtcreator

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

www.Janiceallenjackson.weebly.com

Follow us on Social Media:

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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

Corey Rogers, the executive director of the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, discussed the activities and events happening at the museum in 2025. Corey shared his journey to becoming the director of the museum, emphasizing his passion for history and his desire to pursue a career related to it. They also discussed the growth and opportunities in the field of public history, the Golden Blocks Public Art Initiative, the efforts of the Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta in founding the museum, and the funding sources for it.

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

Jim Hunt, a former elected official, and National League of Cities president discussed the importance of local government, innovation, and technology in connecting with citizens and businesses. He emphasized the need for a positive image, the effective use of social media and websites in attracting people to a community, and the potential for cities to benefit from partnerships and other people's money. The conversation also touched on the role of AI in fostering entrepreneurial communities, the rise of Uber, and the importance of branding and marketing for local communities.

Purchase Entrepreneurial City: https://www.amazingcities.org/shop

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