Governor Perdue only governor recognized by national magazine
GOVERNING Magazine today announced that Governor Sonny Perdue is among a group of eight state and local government officials from around the country who are being honored for leadership and excellence as GOVERNING’s 2010 Public Officials of the Year. In its 17th year, the annual awards program recognizes leaders from state, city and county government for outstanding accomplishment in their department/agency, community or state.
“These dynamic state, city and county public officials faced both economic and political challenges,” said GOVERNING Publisher Fred Kuhn. “Through their collective vision, these eight stellar leaders worked to better not only their communities but set an example for future leaders to follow.”
“I am honored that this respected magazine has recognized our efforts to make Georgia one the best managed states in the nation,” Governor Perdue said. “This recognition has truly been earned by the agency leaders, state employees and others who have worked with us to give Georgians an effective, efficient state government.”
In announcing the honorees, GOVERNING issued this statement about Governor Perdue: “Sonny Perdue, Governor, State of Georgia, used his business-savvy leadership skills to turn Georgia into one of the best managed states in the country and confronted two of the most difficult challenges facing Georgia – shepherding landmark transportation funding and water conservation bills through the legislature—while keeping the state’s fiscal house in order.”
In March 2008, The Pew Center on the States and GOVERNING ranked Georgia among the best managed states in the nation in the Grading the States 2008 report. Georgia’s overall grade of B+ is the highest awarded to any state in the Southeast. Only three states received a higher grade than Georgia's B+, and four other states received the same grade as Georgia. The national average among the 50 states was an overall grade of B-. Thirteen states earned grades above the national average and 19 states were below the national average.
The 2008 report emphasized the value and impact of improvements made by the Governor’s Commission for a New Georgia, an initiative Governor Perdue launched shortly after being sworn-in as Governor in 2003. The commission is made up of private sector business and community leaders who offer a fresh perspective on how to make government more efficient and effective.
“In 2003, when Governor Sonny Perdue decided to set up his Commission for a New Georgia, it sounded like a recipe for one more unread manifesto doomed to gather more dust than interest. But the Governor meant business,” said the report. “He ultimately pressed into service more than 300 private-sector representatives, promising to do everything possible to implement their recommendations. And since its creation, the commission has been slowly, quietly and deliberately infiltrating Georgia state government with best practices from private industry.”
Governor Perdue was the only governor honored as a Public Official of the Year by GOVERNING. The other recipients include: Mick Cornett, Mayor, Oklahoma City; J. Wm. Covington, Superintendent, Kansas City, Missouri Public Schools; J. Stephen Fletcher, Chief Information Officer, State of Utah; Ana Gelabert-Sanchez, former Planning Director, City of Miami, Florida; Rep. Diana S. Urban, State of Connecticut; and Sen. John Whitmire and Rep. Jerry A. Madden, State of Texas.
Public Officials of the Year are selected from nominations submitted by readers, experts in the public and private sectors and the GOVERNING editorial team. Among the qualities recognized are leadership, courage, innovation, creativity and good management. Award winners are profiled in the November issue of the magazine and on governing.com. They will also be honored at a dinner at the Willard InterContinental in Washington, D.C. on November 18. The event is hosted by GOVERNING and sponsored by Citrix, Motorola and Oracle.
Visit http://www.governing.com/poy/ ..
About GOVERNING
More than 75,000 public officials turn to GOVERNING for the trusted information they can’t find anywhere else. GOVERNING covers state and local government politics, policies and programs essential to this audience. GOVERNING is a division of e.Republic, a national publishing, event and research company focused on smart media for public sector innovation.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
UGA Odum School of Ecology featured on National Geographic's "Great Migration" series
A film crew from National Geographic spent three weeks in June 2009 at the University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology shooting video footage for “Great Migrations: Born to Move,” which will air on National Geographic Channel Sunday, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m.It features the life cycle and migration of monarch butterflies, and includes scenes filmed at the Odum School with help from ecology faculty, students and staff.
Professor Gary W. Barrett, who holds the Odum Chair in Ecology, helped the film crew capture scenes showing predation of monarchs by mice and arranged for video footage to be shot at UGA’s HorseShoe Bend Ecology Experimental Research Site.
Associate Professor Sonia Altizer’s students and laboratory staff assisted with sequences of the monarch life cycle. “People in my lab guided the photographers and assistants and provided materials to them to film monarch eggs, larvae, pupation, adults laying eggs, praying mantis eating monarchs, and more,” said Altizer, an expert on monarch butterflies.She has conducted substantial research on the variation among monarch butterflies across their worldwide range, and the ecological and evolutionary consequences of their long-distance migration, particularly as it relates to host-parasite interactions. Her study of the relationship between migration distance and monarch butterfly wing shape, co-authored with Andy Davis, assistant research scientist in the Odum School, was published in the journal Evolution in Feb. 2010.
Monarch butterflies that breed in the eastern U.S. migrate to central Mexico each fall. The video footage shot in the ecology building and at HorseShoe Bend will appear in the first episode of the series, along with footage shot in Mexico.
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Professor Gary W. Barrett, who holds the Odum Chair in Ecology, helped the film crew capture scenes showing predation of monarchs by mice and arranged for video footage to be shot at UGA’s HorseShoe Bend Ecology Experimental Research Site.
Associate Professor Sonia Altizer’s students and laboratory staff assisted with sequences of the monarch life cycle. “People in my lab guided the photographers and assistants and provided materials to them to film monarch eggs, larvae, pupation, adults laying eggs, praying mantis eating monarchs, and more,” said Altizer, an expert on monarch butterflies.She has conducted substantial research on the variation among monarch butterflies across their worldwide range, and the ecological and evolutionary consequences of their long-distance migration, particularly as it relates to host-parasite interactions. Her study of the relationship between migration distance and monarch butterfly wing shape, co-authored with Andy Davis, assistant research scientist in the Odum School, was published in the journal Evolution in Feb. 2010.
Monarch butterflies that breed in the eastern U.S. migrate to central Mexico each fall. The video footage shot in the ecology building and at HorseShoe Bend will appear in the first episode of the series, along with footage shot in Mexico.
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue Honors TOTO
The Governor began the Conserve Georgia program in 2008 with the goal of encouraging a statewide “culture of conservation” that helps preserve and sustain the state’s natural resources for generations to come.
“Georgia is blessed with abundant natural resources. It’s important to the vitality of our state that we protect these resources for the future,” said Governor Perdue. “Businesses like TOTO are leading the way in creating a culture of conservation, and it is my pleasure to recognize them for their accomplishments.”
Chris Clark, Chair of the Conserve Georgia Council and Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, affirmed the governor’s statement: "We are proud to recognize TOTO USA with the 2010 Conserve Georgia Water Conservation Award, acknowledging their commitment to promoting water efficiency in their facility, products, and community."
Over the past several years, TOTO has garnered numerous conservation awards, both local and national, for its commitment to environmental stewardship. For example, Georgia’s Southface Energy Institute, the Southeast’s non-profit leader in the promotion of sustainable homes, workplaces, and communities, has recognized the company with its prestigious Argon Award for Sustainability for its outstanding environmental leadership. At the national level, TOTO is the only plumbing manufactured honored by the Environmental Protection Agency with its coveted Water Efficiency Leader Award.
The company actively shares its passion for environmental sustainability by serving in the leadership positions of organizations focused on energy and water-efficiency, such as the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green buildingrating system, and the Alliance for Water Efficiency, a national organization dedicated to water efficiency that is spearheaded by the EPA.“TOTO is continuously looking for ways to eliminate waste, create more efficient products, and improve people’s lives through all levels of social sustainability.
From product lifecycle analysis that ensures thesmallest carbon footprint possible to advocating water savings through end-user practices, TOTO is dedicated to natural resource conservation,” stated Bill Strang, Vice President of Operations at TOTO.In fact, all employees at TOTO’s manufacturing facilities are personally involved in the company’s conservation efforts. At its encouragement, they bring their recyclables to the plant, and TOTO ships to the appropriate recycling facilities. “At TOTO, conservation at all levels, including recycling, reducing waste, and manufacturing high-efficiency products is a part of our DNA. It is part of our manufacturing practices and our employees’ daily lives,” continued Strang.
Photo source: Toto USA, Inc
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Special Olympics Georgia Athlete Joins Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Committee; Begins Her Own Fundraising Project
/PRNewswire-/ -- Even though Paige Copeland, a Special Olympics athlete, has faced many challenges, it's her outlook that has made the difference and helped her become the athlete ambassador on the state's Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Executive Council.
Paige, recently appointed to the two-year term, will give feedback to LETR, the organization's largest grassroots fundraiser, about its annual plans. Her term officially started in August. She is the second only Special Olympics athlete to serve on the Executive Council. The first was Dekalb County Special Olympics gymnast Elena Weaver.
Paige, of Henry County, was selected through a nomination process by the LETR Executive Council based on her high community involvement and her previous role as Miss Special Henry County. She was also chosen based on her public speaking experience and good-natured personality. "Being special has brought many challenges into my life, and all special needs people have big challenges in their lives. We all face challenges. But whether or not you're special, you can face the challenges by seeing them as storms, or you can see them as rainbows. I choose to see mine as rainbows, and I challenge everyone to do the same," she said recently.
In addition to providing an athlete's perspective, Paige will make public presentations about the year-round LETR fundraising efforts for the 23,078 children and adults with intellectual disabilities registered in Special Olympics Georgia. Torch Run raises approximately $650,000 each year. Paige recently created her own fundraising page to contribute. Support Paige's new adventures with LETR by making a donation at www.firstgiving.com/paige_copeland.
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Paige, recently appointed to the two-year term, will give feedback to LETR, the organization's largest grassroots fundraiser, about its annual plans. Her term officially started in August. She is the second only Special Olympics athlete to serve on the Executive Council. The first was Dekalb County Special Olympics gymnast Elena Weaver.
Paige, of Henry County, was selected through a nomination process by the LETR Executive Council based on her high community involvement and her previous role as Miss Special Henry County. She was also chosen based on her public speaking experience and good-natured personality. "Being special has brought many challenges into my life, and all special needs people have big challenges in their lives. We all face challenges. But whether or not you're special, you can face the challenges by seeing them as storms, or you can see them as rainbows. I choose to see mine as rainbows, and I challenge everyone to do the same," she said recently.
In addition to providing an athlete's perspective, Paige will make public presentations about the year-round LETR fundraising efforts for the 23,078 children and adults with intellectual disabilities registered in Special Olympics Georgia. Torch Run raises approximately $650,000 each year. Paige recently created her own fundraising page to contribute. Support Paige's new adventures with LETR by making a donation at www.firstgiving.com/paige_copeland.
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Georgia Natural Gas Honored by Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta for Dedication to Community Service
/PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Natural Gas (GNG), the state's leading natural gas provider and a nationally recognized leader in corporate volunteerism, is the 2010 recipient of the IMPACT Award for Excellence in Corporate Community Engagement presented by the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVC). The award is in the medium to small category of companies, which includes companies with up to 500 employees. The IMPACT Award is the highest award given by the CVC.
"We are thrilled to honor Georgia Natural Gas as the winner of this year's IMPACT Award for medium to small business. Their exemplary volunteer program is truly part of their business culture and demonstrates their deep dedication to the Atlanta community, their customers and employees," said Lea Rolfes, CVC executive director.
In the eight years since GNG implemented its community service program, the company's employees have made a tremendous difference in the lives of Georgia citizens through volunteerism and philanthropy. In 2009 and 2010 the company's employees volunteered at numerous nonprofits throughout the metro Atlanta area. For the past six years, GNG volunteers have tutored at Centennial Place Elementary School.
In addition to their volunteer efforts, GNG employees have supported nonprofit organizations that offer services and programs to deserving Georgians, particularly children and seniors. For example, the company's employee volunteers, whose motto is "Working Together ... Serving Together," raised funds this summer for local charities such as Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, Senior Connections, and the Centennial Place School Foundation.
"We are so honored to be recognized by the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta for our employees' dedication to giving back to the communities we serve," said Mike Braswell, GNG president and CEO. "All of the credit for this honor goes to our generous volunteers who prove day after day that a relatively small group of people can make a big difference in the community."
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"We are thrilled to honor Georgia Natural Gas as the winner of this year's IMPACT Award for medium to small business. Their exemplary volunteer program is truly part of their business culture and demonstrates their deep dedication to the Atlanta community, their customers and employees," said Lea Rolfes, CVC executive director.
In the eight years since GNG implemented its community service program, the company's employees have made a tremendous difference in the lives of Georgia citizens through volunteerism and philanthropy. In 2009 and 2010 the company's employees volunteered at numerous nonprofits throughout the metro Atlanta area. For the past six years, GNG volunteers have tutored at Centennial Place Elementary School.
In addition to their volunteer efforts, GNG employees have supported nonprofit organizations that offer services and programs to deserving Georgians, particularly children and seniors. For example, the company's employee volunteers, whose motto is "Working Together ... Serving Together," raised funds this summer for local charities such as Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, Senior Connections, and the Centennial Place School Foundation.
"We are so honored to be recognized by the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta for our employees' dedication to giving back to the communities we serve," said Mike Braswell, GNG president and CEO. "All of the credit for this honor goes to our generous volunteers who prove day after day that a relatively small group of people can make a big difference in the community."
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Monday, October 18, 2010
Georgia's Woodlawn Elementary Takes 1st Place at World Championship Archery Competition!
Georgia is home to a world champion elementary school archery team after this month’s National Archery in the Schools Program World Tournament. Woodlawn Elementary is the first Georgia school to compete on the World Competition level, which saw more than 950 student archers from 21 states compete in the elementary, middle and high school divisions.
“The students were awesome and really showed what hard work and determination can do,” said Coach Brad Bates, teacher and NASP coordinator for Woodlawn Elementary. “These kids haven't stopped practicing since try-outs for the state tournament a year ago. Each one on the team has a story and they pulled together in Florida to win a World Championship.”
Georgia School ranking:
Woodlawn Elementary School in Chatsworth finished first in the competition in the elementary division with a team score of 3,240. Woodlawn won the Georgia-NASP elementary school title during the state tournament in February 2010 and took third place at the NASP National Tournament in May 2010. Additionally, they were the highest scoring team at the State Tournament.
Georgia Student ranking:
Individually, Woodlawn Elementary’s Morgan Ray placed 1st in this competition by shooting a 291 in the elementary division. This score put her only one point behind the HIGH SCHOOL 1st place winner.
MORE ABOUT NASP
NASP is an in-school archery curriculum that meets all education department standards. Only schools that are certified in NASP through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are qualified to compete. Schools in nearly 80 counties in Georgia are NASP certified.
The program promotes instruction in international-style target archery to improve educational performance and participation in shooting sports. Research has shown that the program, administered through a minimum two-week course during the school year, improves class attendance and behavior. NASP universal fit bows make it possible for students of all sizes and genders to succeed in archery while raising self-esteem levels and improving hand-eye coordination during physical activity.
NASP is taught in 46 states as well as Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. To date, more than 6 million students have gone through the program.
For more information on NASP in Georgia, recreational shooting sports opportunities or to find a range near you, visit www.georgiawildlife.com, or call (770) 918-6416.
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“The students were awesome and really showed what hard work and determination can do,” said Coach Brad Bates, teacher and NASP coordinator for Woodlawn Elementary. “These kids haven't stopped practicing since try-outs for the state tournament a year ago. Each one on the team has a story and they pulled together in Florida to win a World Championship.”
Georgia School ranking:
Woodlawn Elementary School in Chatsworth finished first in the competition in the elementary division with a team score of 3,240. Woodlawn won the Georgia-NASP elementary school title during the state tournament in February 2010 and took third place at the NASP National Tournament in May 2010. Additionally, they were the highest scoring team at the State Tournament.
Georgia Student ranking:
Individually, Woodlawn Elementary’s Morgan Ray placed 1st in this competition by shooting a 291 in the elementary division. This score put her only one point behind the HIGH SCHOOL 1st place winner.
MORE ABOUT NASP
NASP is an in-school archery curriculum that meets all education department standards. Only schools that are certified in NASP through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are qualified to compete. Schools in nearly 80 counties in Georgia are NASP certified.
The program promotes instruction in international-style target archery to improve educational performance and participation in shooting sports. Research has shown that the program, administered through a minimum two-week course during the school year, improves class attendance and behavior. NASP universal fit bows make it possible for students of all sizes and genders to succeed in archery while raising self-esteem levels and improving hand-eye coordination during physical activity.
NASP is taught in 46 states as well as Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. To date, more than 6 million students have gone through the program.
For more information on NASP in Georgia, recreational shooting sports opportunities or to find a range near you, visit www.georgiawildlife.com, or call (770) 918-6416.
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Georgia Diabetes Pilot Bridging Cultural Health Care Gaps for African Americans and Hispanics Gains National Recognition
/PRNewswire/ -- A health equities pilot developed for Blue Cross Blue Shield members is one of seven programs recognized this year with a Best of Blue Clinical Distinction Award. The pilot, in which Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) was a participant, was developed for Hispanics and African Americans with diabetes. The award was given for the pilot's innovative and successful approach to improving access to high quality, safe and affordable health care for consumers.
The Best of Blue Clinical Distinction Program was developed by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and the Harvard Medical School Department of Health Care Policy. The purpose of the Clinical Distinction Awards is to highlight the Blue Cross Blue Shield plans nationally that demonstrate innovation, efficiency and potential for replication.
The pilot, "Bridging Cultural Health Care Gaps: Diabetes," was submitted by BCBSGa's California affiliate, which also had participants in the pilot. Two other affiliated plans in Indiana and Maine also earned Clinical Distinction Awards.
"Research shows that ethnically diverse populations experience a higher prevalence of certain diseases and worse quality of care than whites regardless of the type of insurance they have or whether they have insurance at all," said Terri Amano, senior product manager of BCBSGa's parent company's Programs in Clinical Excellence. "With this pilot, our goal was to find ways to provide useful and relevant information to our Hispanic and African American members. This information helps them better control their diabetes and improve their quality of life."
In asking members their opinions and researching their behaviors and attitudes, it was discovered that aspects of culture—food, family, faith and fear of disease complications, such as amputations and blindness, were factors that may influence behaviors and attitudes toward health care among African Americans and Hispanics. These issues were explored in many of the educational materials.
The pilot focused on creative and culturally appropriate ways to communicate with members—including providing information on how members could reach out to local churches to share these messages with others and providing bilingual Spanish print Fotonovelas, a photographic comic strip version of a soap opera. The pilot also provided diabetes educational materials that included ways to substitute ingredients in favorite ethnic meals to make them healthier.
"Harvard is pleased to recognize this pilot that sets such high standards for its effectiveness in improving patient care," said Barbara J. McNeil, Ph.D., head of the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School. "The Blues' focus on quality, safety and access plays a critical role in improving the healthcare delivery system and enhancing quality and value for consumers."
The randomized controlled pilot studied more than 4,000 African American and Hispanic members in California and Georgia.
"Even over the short term, we saw small but promising increases in disease management engagement among African American and Hispanic members," Amano said. "We see this pilot as an important first step in helping our diverse members make important changes to their health and helping to bridge the cultural care gaps that exist today."
BCBSGa's parent company plans to use this pilot in other states.
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The Best of Blue Clinical Distinction Program was developed by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and the Harvard Medical School Department of Health Care Policy. The purpose of the Clinical Distinction Awards is to highlight the Blue Cross Blue Shield plans nationally that demonstrate innovation, efficiency and potential for replication.
The pilot, "Bridging Cultural Health Care Gaps: Diabetes," was submitted by BCBSGa's California affiliate, which also had participants in the pilot. Two other affiliated plans in Indiana and Maine also earned Clinical Distinction Awards.
"Research shows that ethnically diverse populations experience a higher prevalence of certain diseases and worse quality of care than whites regardless of the type of insurance they have or whether they have insurance at all," said Terri Amano, senior product manager of BCBSGa's parent company's Programs in Clinical Excellence. "With this pilot, our goal was to find ways to provide useful and relevant information to our Hispanic and African American members. This information helps them better control their diabetes and improve their quality of life."
In asking members their opinions and researching their behaviors and attitudes, it was discovered that aspects of culture—food, family, faith and fear of disease complications, such as amputations and blindness, were factors that may influence behaviors and attitudes toward health care among African Americans and Hispanics. These issues were explored in many of the educational materials.
The pilot focused on creative and culturally appropriate ways to communicate with members—including providing information on how members could reach out to local churches to share these messages with others and providing bilingual Spanish print Fotonovelas, a photographic comic strip version of a soap opera. The pilot also provided diabetes educational materials that included ways to substitute ingredients in favorite ethnic meals to make them healthier.
"Harvard is pleased to recognize this pilot that sets such high standards for its effectiveness in improving patient care," said Barbara J. McNeil, Ph.D., head of the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School. "The Blues' focus on quality, safety and access plays a critical role in improving the healthcare delivery system and enhancing quality and value for consumers."
The randomized controlled pilot studied more than 4,000 African American and Hispanic members in California and Georgia.
"Even over the short term, we saw small but promising increases in disease management engagement among African American and Hispanic members," Amano said. "We see this pilot as an important first step in helping our diverse members make important changes to their health and helping to bridge the cultural care gaps that exist today."
BCBSGa's parent company plans to use this pilot in other states.
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Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Governor Perdue Announces Fourth-Annual Customer Service Awards
Governor Sonny Perdue today announced the winners of state government’s fourth-annual Governor’s Customer Service Awards for 2010. Seven individuals and nine teams were recognized today by Governor Perdue.
“Part of making Georgia the best managed state is improving customer service and recognizing those employees who provide it,” said Governor Perdue. “These awards highlight exemplary employees and their commitment to changing processes and attitudes to provide faster, friendlier and easier service for the citizens of Georgia. Those recognized here represent scores of others who have found ways to produce and measure results.”
Winners in the fourth year of the Governor’s Customer Service Awards were selected from among more than 580 nominations from 42 different agencies across Georgia. Nominees demonstrate “above and beyond” service that is helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. Team winners dramatically shortened process times or responded quickly to customers. Awards were also given for Employee of the Year, Team of the Year, Contact Center Excellence, Leadership and Agency of the Year. Employees of state agencies and the University System of Georgia are eligible. Nominees were judged by a blue-ribbon panel of leaders from the business community and the public sector.
LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
Individual Excellence in Customer Service
This award recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the citizens of Georgia over the last year. Their actions reflect all five of the state’s customer service commitments: HELPFUL, COURTEOUS, ACCESSIBLE, RESPONSIVE and KNOWLEDGEABLE.
Carleton F. Coleman, Aging Services Coordinator, Dept. of Human Services, Columbus
Jenna Miley, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Bainbridge College, University System of Georgia, Bainbridge
Bob Satterfield, Assistant Director of Maintenance, Georgia Building Authority, Atlanta
Eric Sellers, Warden, Burruss CTC, Georgia Dept. of Corrections, Forsyth
Customer Service Employee of the Year
This award is given to the individual who represents the most exceptional example of customer service in the state of Georgia.
· Dan Chan, Meteorologist, Georgia Forestry Commission, Macon
Team Excellence in Customer Service
This award recognizes those teams who have demonstrated outstanding service to the customers of the state of Georgia over the last year.
· Computerized Criminal History/Identification Team, Georgia Bureau of Investigation
· Financial Reporting Team, State Accounting Office
· Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Milledgeville, Dept. of Veterans Service, Milledgeville
· Hearing Examiners, State Board of Pardons and Paroles
Customer Service Team of the Year
This award is presented to the team which is the most exceptional example of customer service in the state of Georgia.
· Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism, Georgia Dept. of Community Affairs
Contact Center Excellence
The contact center excellence award is given to one call center based on outstanding performance and improvement in customer service.
· Motor Vehicle Citizens Help Desk Contact Center, Georgia Dept. of Revenue
Outstanding Process Improvement
The process improvement award is given to a division or program that has designed and implemented a planned process improvement or initiative that has resulted in a significant positive impact on their customers over the last year.
· Probation Reporting Contact Center, Georgia Dept. of Corrections, Atlanta
Customer Service Champion of the Year
This award recognizes the Champion who has successfully guided customer service improvements throughout his or her organization resulting in a significant, positive impact on customer service over the last year.
· Lisa Maier, Georgia Dept. of Public Safety, Atlanta
Outstanding Customer Service Leadership
The Customer Service Leadership Award recognizes a leader in an agency, division, institution or program who, through his or her leadership in customer service, has made a significant, positive impact on customer service to the citizens of the state of Georgia over the last year.
· Holly Robinson, Commissioner, Bright From the Start: Georgia Dept. of Early Care and Learning, Atlanta
Most Improved Customer Service Organization
This award recognizes the state organization or program that has demonstrated the greatest overall improvement in customer service during the previous year.
· Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources
Customer Service Agency/Institution of the Year
This award is given to the state agency or institution that has shown the highest commitment, the highest performance levels and the most improvement in customer service across the organization over the last year. · University System of Georgia
“Part of making Georgia the best managed state is improving customer service and recognizing those employees who provide it,” said Governor Perdue. “These awards highlight exemplary employees and their commitment to changing processes and attitudes to provide faster, friendlier and easier service for the citizens of Georgia. Those recognized here represent scores of others who have found ways to produce and measure results.”
Winners in the fourth year of the Governor’s Customer Service Awards were selected from among more than 580 nominations from 42 different agencies across Georgia. Nominees demonstrate “above and beyond” service that is helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. Team winners dramatically shortened process times or responded quickly to customers. Awards were also given for Employee of the Year, Team of the Year, Contact Center Excellence, Leadership and Agency of the Year. Employees of state agencies and the University System of Georgia are eligible. Nominees were judged by a blue-ribbon panel of leaders from the business community and the public sector.
LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
Individual Excellence in Customer Service
This award recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the citizens of Georgia over the last year. Their actions reflect all five of the state’s customer service commitments: HELPFUL, COURTEOUS, ACCESSIBLE, RESPONSIVE and KNOWLEDGEABLE.
Carleton F. Coleman, Aging Services Coordinator, Dept. of Human Services, Columbus
Jenna Miley, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Bainbridge College, University System of Georgia, Bainbridge
Bob Satterfield, Assistant Director of Maintenance, Georgia Building Authority, Atlanta
Eric Sellers, Warden, Burruss CTC, Georgia Dept. of Corrections, Forsyth
Customer Service Employee of the Year
This award is given to the individual who represents the most exceptional example of customer service in the state of Georgia.
· Dan Chan, Meteorologist, Georgia Forestry Commission, Macon
Team Excellence in Customer Service
This award recognizes those teams who have demonstrated outstanding service to the customers of the state of Georgia over the last year.
· Computerized Criminal History/Identification Team, Georgia Bureau of Investigation
· Financial Reporting Team, State Accounting Office
· Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Milledgeville, Dept. of Veterans Service, Milledgeville
· Hearing Examiners, State Board of Pardons and Paroles
Customer Service Team of the Year
This award is presented to the team which is the most exceptional example of customer service in the state of Georgia.
· Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism, Georgia Dept. of Community Affairs
Contact Center Excellence
The contact center excellence award is given to one call center based on outstanding performance and improvement in customer service.
· Motor Vehicle Citizens Help Desk Contact Center, Georgia Dept. of Revenue
Outstanding Process Improvement
The process improvement award is given to a division or program that has designed and implemented a planned process improvement or initiative that has resulted in a significant positive impact on their customers over the last year.
· Probation Reporting Contact Center, Georgia Dept. of Corrections, Atlanta
Customer Service Champion of the Year
This award recognizes the Champion who has successfully guided customer service improvements throughout his or her organization resulting in a significant, positive impact on customer service over the last year.
· Lisa Maier, Georgia Dept. of Public Safety, Atlanta
Outstanding Customer Service Leadership
The Customer Service Leadership Award recognizes a leader in an agency, division, institution or program who, through his or her leadership in customer service, has made a significant, positive impact on customer service to the citizens of the state of Georgia over the last year.
· Holly Robinson, Commissioner, Bright From the Start: Georgia Dept. of Early Care and Learning, Atlanta
Most Improved Customer Service Organization
This award recognizes the state organization or program that has demonstrated the greatest overall improvement in customer service during the previous year.
· Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources
Customer Service Agency/Institution of the Year
This award is given to the state agency or institution that has shown the highest commitment, the highest performance levels and the most improvement in customer service across the organization over the last year. · University System of Georgia
Spelman College Students Win 2010 AT&T Big Mobile on Campus Challenge(SM)
/PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* is pleased to announce that Jonecia Keels and Jazmine Miller of Spelman College, a historically black liberal arts college for women, have won the 2010 AT&T Big Mobile on Campus Challenge(SM) with their next generation e-learning mobile application, HBCU Buddy.
HBCU Buddy is a mobile application created to educate and inform users, including both prospective and current college students, about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across the United States. It is a fully-fledged mobile service application that provides detailed information about each and every HBCU in the nation and integrates all facets of college life.
The application opens with a directory profiling each HBCU with information on academics, admissions, research, student life, alumni, among other details. After selecting a school, students can navigate through the school – literally – by accessing virtual tours of buildings, on-campus videos, and local GPS and directions.
HBCU Buddy can also provide students with customizable social networking features to connect with each other, their school and community. The application connects to social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, and integrates tools such as chat and calendar to help students stay informed. Students can use the application to follow the latest on school club and campus happenings, local events, hot spots around the community, and more.
Jonecia Keels and Jazmine Miller were recognized and awarded a $10,000 scholarship (divided between them) and a mobile device of their choice each at the Higher Ed Board of Advisors Meeting in Miami, Florida, on October 7, 2010. The pair will be demonstrating their HBCU Buddy application in the AT&T booth #1433 at the EduCause National Convention in Anaheim, California, on October 12-14, 2010. Additionally, they will be invited to participate on the judging committee for the 2011 AT&T Big Mobile on Campus Challenge.
"HBCU Buddy is an outstanding mobile application, embodying everything this contest is about: providing a platform for higher education students to develop their innovative ideas into practical and useful e-learning mobile applications," said Chris Hill, Vice President, Advanced Enterprise Mobility Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions (ABS).
"No one can indentify higher education opportunities and needs better than the students themselves. Jonecia Keels and Jazmine Miller of Spelman College saw a need and created an application that truly enhances the college experience for HBCU students. The application provides students with access to the most relevant information in real-time."
AT&T Big Mobile on Campus Challenge for full-time college students was established in 2008 to recognize innovative and creative mobile applications that enhance the educational process for higher education students. For more information, please visit http://bigmobileoncampus.wireless.att.com.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
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HBCU Buddy is a mobile application created to educate and inform users, including both prospective and current college students, about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across the United States. It is a fully-fledged mobile service application that provides detailed information about each and every HBCU in the nation and integrates all facets of college life.
The application opens with a directory profiling each HBCU with information on academics, admissions, research, student life, alumni, among other details. After selecting a school, students can navigate through the school – literally – by accessing virtual tours of buildings, on-campus videos, and local GPS and directions.
HBCU Buddy can also provide students with customizable social networking features to connect with each other, their school and community. The application connects to social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, and integrates tools such as chat and calendar to help students stay informed. Students can use the application to follow the latest on school club and campus happenings, local events, hot spots around the community, and more.
Jonecia Keels and Jazmine Miller were recognized and awarded a $10,000 scholarship (divided between them) and a mobile device of their choice each at the Higher Ed Board of Advisors Meeting in Miami, Florida, on October 7, 2010. The pair will be demonstrating their HBCU Buddy application in the AT&T booth #1433 at the EduCause National Convention in Anaheim, California, on October 12-14, 2010. Additionally, they will be invited to participate on the judging committee for the 2011 AT&T Big Mobile on Campus Challenge.
"HBCU Buddy is an outstanding mobile application, embodying everything this contest is about: providing a platform for higher education students to develop their innovative ideas into practical and useful e-learning mobile applications," said Chris Hill, Vice President, Advanced Enterprise Mobility Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions (ABS).
"No one can indentify higher education opportunities and needs better than the students themselves. Jonecia Keels and Jazmine Miller of Spelman College saw a need and created an application that truly enhances the college experience for HBCU students. The application provides students with access to the most relevant information in real-time."
AT&T Big Mobile on Campus Challenge for full-time college students was established in 2008 to recognize innovative and creative mobile applications that enhance the educational process for higher education students. For more information, please visit http://bigmobileoncampus.wireless.att.com.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
-----
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Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Georgia Employer Receives Top DOD Award
Southern Company received the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for going beyond the federal law requirements in support of Guard and Reserve members. A Southern Company employee who is an Army Reserve First Lieutenant nominated his company for the award.
Southern Company, the only Georgia employer to top the list, competed against thousands of U.S. employers for this award.
Southern Company is the nation’s largest producer of electricity and serves more than 4.4 million customers in the Southeast. The company’s “Support our Troops” project has sent more than 500 pounds of personal care items to military members in Iraq and Afghanistan. After returning from deployment, the employees were honored at the company-wide dinner hosted by the chief executive officer. Southern Company and its subsidiaries have received numerous Patriot Awards, Above and Beyond Awards and the ESGR Pro Patria Award.
The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to an employer for supporting employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
Since 1996, only 130 companies have been presented with the prestigious Freedom Award. Previous honorees from Georgia include Home Depot, Home Depot Southern Division, United Parcel Service Airlines and First Data Corporation.
About ESGR & the Freedom Award
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR. Nominations for the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award were accepted from November 2009 through mid-January 2010.
ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 whose mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve Service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law and resolving conflict through mediation. For more information, please visit www.FreedomAward.mil.
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Twitter: @FayetteFP
Southern Company, the only Georgia employer to top the list, competed against thousands of U.S. employers for this award.
Southern Company is the nation’s largest producer of electricity and serves more than 4.4 million customers in the Southeast. The company’s “Support our Troops” project has sent more than 500 pounds of personal care items to military members in Iraq and Afghanistan. After returning from deployment, the employees were honored at the company-wide dinner hosted by the chief executive officer. Southern Company and its subsidiaries have received numerous Patriot Awards, Above and Beyond Awards and the ESGR Pro Patria Award.
The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to an employer for supporting employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
Since 1996, only 130 companies have been presented with the prestigious Freedom Award. Previous honorees from Georgia include Home Depot, Home Depot Southern Division, United Parcel Service Airlines and First Data Corporation.
About ESGR & the Freedom Award
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR. Nominations for the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award were accepted from November 2009 through mid-January 2010.
ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 whose mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve Service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law and resolving conflict through mediation. For more information, please visit www.FreedomAward.mil.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
Georgia DNRs Capt Doug Lewis Selected as Law Enforcement 2010 Supervisor of the Year
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division recently selected Capt. Doug Lewis of the Brunswick Law Enforcement office as the 2010 Supervisor of the Year.
Until this past month when he was promoted to Captain of the Region, Lewis served as Administrative Sergeant for the DNR Law Enforcement office located in Brunswick, Georgia. This office oversees operations in ten coastal counties, including Chatham, Camden and Glynn. He is a 24-year veteran of the department and served 13 of those years as Sergeant.
“Capt. Doug Lewis exemplifies the outstanding leadership that we expect from our officers,” says Col. Homer Bryson, Chief of the Law Enforcement Section of Wildlife Resources Division. “His motto is that ‘you take care of your staff and your staff will take care of you’ and he absolutely does his best to make sure that his staff receives the best, and they support him 100 percent.”
During this past year, Capt. Lewis was key to the success of a pilot CAD project for this Region, including involvement with installation, implementation and troubleshooting. He also was involved in the procurement of equipment associated with a $1.4 million Port Security Grant awarded to this Region.
Lewis is involved with the administration of the Joint Enforcement Agreement and serves on the Grays Reef Advisory Panel. In addition to the recognition as ‘Supervisor of the Year’ with DNR Law Enfocement, he also received the “Wayne County Volunteer of the Year” award for his efforts with a local catfish tournament and other events.
Capt. Lewis previously received the James R. Darnell Award and additionally, was recognized as Ranger of the Year in 1989. Fellow law enforcement officers nominated for this award include Sgt. Steve Seitz, Sgt. Bo Kelly and Sgt. Butch Potter.
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Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
Until this past month when he was promoted to Captain of the Region, Lewis served as Administrative Sergeant for the DNR Law Enforcement office located in Brunswick, Georgia. This office oversees operations in ten coastal counties, including Chatham, Camden and Glynn. He is a 24-year veteran of the department and served 13 of those years as Sergeant.
“Capt. Doug Lewis exemplifies the outstanding leadership that we expect from our officers,” says Col. Homer Bryson, Chief of the Law Enforcement Section of Wildlife Resources Division. “His motto is that ‘you take care of your staff and your staff will take care of you’ and he absolutely does his best to make sure that his staff receives the best, and they support him 100 percent.”
During this past year, Capt. Lewis was key to the success of a pilot CAD project for this Region, including involvement with installation, implementation and troubleshooting. He also was involved in the procurement of equipment associated with a $1.4 million Port Security Grant awarded to this Region.
Lewis is involved with the administration of the Joint Enforcement Agreement and serves on the Grays Reef Advisory Panel. In addition to the recognition as ‘Supervisor of the Year’ with DNR Law Enfocement, he also received the “Wayne County Volunteer of the Year” award for his efforts with a local catfish tournament and other events.
Capt. Lewis previously received the James R. Darnell Award and additionally, was recognized as Ranger of the Year in 1989. Fellow law enforcement officers nominated for this award include Sgt. Steve Seitz, Sgt. Bo Kelly and Sgt. Butch Potter.
-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
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