University of Illinois officials were in Georgia recently to learn more about the nationally recognized training program for county officials carried out by the Vinson Institute in partnership with the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). The academic institution is exploring ways to expand its continuing education programs for government officials.

Jessica VanTine, local government information network coordinator, second from left, and Larry Wilson, extension coordinator, third from left, had the opportunity to see training in action as they met with Institute faculty and ACCG staff during the association's fall conference in Atlanta on October 1-3. According to Jim Stephens, director of the Institute's governmental education efforts, far left, VanTine and Wilson received a comprehensive overview of the multi level county training program components, including its history, how it is structured and financed, selection of instructors, and tracking of participant hours towards completion. Also pictured with the visitors is Jerry Griffin, ACCG executive director, far right.

When asked why they decided to explore the Georgia program, Wilson stated, "Because it is better than any others that we have looked into. We have heard that ACCG and the Vinson Institute know how to do training right."