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For more than 80 years, the Vinson Institute has worked with public officials throughout Georgia and around the world to improve governance and people's lives. From Georgia's early days as a largely agrarian state with a modest population to its modern-day status as a national and international force in business, industry, and politics with a population of almost 10 million, the Institute has helped government leaders navigate change and forge strong directions for a better Georgia.

Illinois Officials Check Out Institute County Training Programs

Posted October 3, 2007
Contact: Courtney Yarbrough, yarbrough@cviog.uga.edu; 706.542.6221

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."

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