Governor-elect Sonny Perdue ended this year's Biennial Institute Tuesday with his first speech to the state legislature since his election in November. The conference is a Vinson Institute-sponsored event for Georgia legislators held following each election.

Athens Banner-Herald: Perdue Says Join the Team

Governor-elect Sonny Perdue addresses attendees

Lt. Governor Mark Taylor presents a proclamation commemorating the Vinson Institute's 75 years of service to Vinson Institute Director James Ledbetter

Dr. Ledbetter displays a copy of Carl Vinson: A Legacy of Public Service, a new Vinson Institute publication

Biennial Institute attendees take a break between sessions

Dr. Ledbetter introduces the Study on Persistent Poverty in the South

Dr. Ledbetter explains the various areas of persistent poverty within the United States

Legislators take notes during a presentation on Georgia's changing population

Vinson Institute faculty member Rich Clark presents findings of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government Peach State Poll