More than 350 Georgia county commissioners attended training sessions on topics ranging from successful negotiation to growth issues to advanced financial management at the 2008 annual convention of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) held recently in Savannah. The Vinson Institute carries out the County Commissioners Training Program in partnership with ACCG.

“Elected officials in counties of all sizes are faced with the challenge of operating with declining financial resources. At the same time citizens are demanding better and more services. We are constantly working to provide educational opportunities that help these officials be successful throughout their tenure in public service. Courses range from the basics to the more advanced leadership topics,” says Gordon Maner, Vinson Institute local government instructional programs manager.

The training courses are offered both as stand-alone sessions and in conjunction with regularly scheduled ACCG meetings. Some 57 commissioners were recognized at the 2008 conference for completing 48 hours of instruction in the program. In addition, 23 commissioners received certificates for completing the Certified Commissioner Advanced Program, which requires 48 additional hours of training, participation in a two-day leadership institute, and completion of a summary project report.