The city category winners of the 2007 Georgia Excellence in Public Service Awards were honored during the banquet at the Georgia Municipal Association Mayor's Day Conference held recently in Atlanta.

The awards program, a partnership between the Vinson Institute and Georgia Trend magazine, was started in 2003 to reward individuals who epitomize the best in public service in Georgia and to call attention to public service as a career. Outstanding contributions are recognized in the state or regional, county, and city elected and appointed categories.

In this photo, Billy Edwards, center, Hinesville city administrator, receives his award from Steve Wrigley, right, Vinson Institute director, and Neely Young, left, Georgia Trend magazine editor. Evelyn Turner Pugh, City of Columbus mayor pro tem, was the winner in the city elected category.