Press Releases
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Nathalie Malkoff, Corporate Partnerships and Marketing Manager
310-882-8123, nathalie.malkoff@feedinggeorgia.org
Meet Feeding Georgia’s New Board President: Melissa Blevins
We are delighted to announce that Melissa Blevins, President and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, has assumed the role of Feeding Georgia’s Board President, effective January 2024. The Chattanooga Area Food Bank serves nine counties in Georgia and increased distribution capacity in Georgia with a $2.4 million expansion of their Dalton distribution center which increased storage capacity, loading docks, and volunteer and outreach space.
Melissa’s dedication to serving our communities and her proven leadership within the food banking sphere make her an invaluable addition to Feeding Georgia’s team. With nearly a decade of experience in the food insecurity space, we are confident that Melissa will play a crucial role in advancing our collective mission. Blevins took on her current role at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank in 2020 and successfully led her team through and beyond the pandemic.
“We kept our doors open every single day, we did what we could do to distribute record numbers of groceries while doing our best to keep our staff, volunteers, and neighbors safe.” Then the strategy switched from reactive to proactive, and Melissa began to plan the food bank’s trajectory for life after the pandemic. “It was a pivotal moment for the food bank,” said Melissa. “Because we had been on this path of growth for so long—more pounds, more food, more, more, more—this was a pivotal moment where we came to the table and said maybe not more but better.”
Her vision for the future at Feeding Georgia is centered on fostering collaboration, resource-sharing, and strategic planning “I am honored to step into the role of Feeding Georgia’s Board President,” Melissa remarked. “We’re positioning ourselves to think more intently about those we serve, who have the courage to ask for help. How do we address equitable food access? How do we source more nutritious, more culturally and dietetically appropriate food? How do we bring stability to families in crisis faster?”
Ms. Blevins is also critically involved in creating a new state association of food banks in Tennessee. She says that the project gives her greater insight into what the future can hold at Feeding Georgia as well. “For instance, finding an Executive Director with the right qualities for the role, prioritizing the new association’s responsibilities, and forming the organizational structure are all being discussed as we shape this new association. It’s all wonderfully exciting that I can use my experience there to inform and enhance my work with Feeding Georgia.”
Melissa’s dedication to community service and her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of Georgians facing food insecurity makes her well-suited for this leadership role. With her at the helm, Feeding Georgia is poised to make significant strides in the fight against hunger.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Joy Crosby, 229-386-3690, joycrosby@gapeanuts.com
Celebrate March — National Peanut Month
The Georgia peanut industry joins together to celebrate National Peanut Month in March and donate peanut butter to the Atlanta Community Food Bank
TIFTON, Georgia – March is National Peanut Month, a time to celebrate one of America’s favorite foods! The Georgia peanut industry kicked off the celebration this week by hosting the 2024 Georgia PB&J Day in Atlanta, Georgia. During the event, the Georgia Peanut Commission and Peanut Proud donated 10,080 jars of peanut butter to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Peanuts and peanut butter were promoted during the event by industry partners serving grilled PB&Js, country-fried peanuts, peanut candy and more. Governor Brian Kemp presented a proclamation recognizing March as National Peanut Month while Sen. Russ Goodman, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, and Rep. Robert Dickey, chairman of the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee presented resolutions recognizing the importance of Georgia’s peanut industry.
“Peanuts are Georgia’s official state crop, and the state boasts the largest share of peanut production in the U.S. at nearly 53 percent for the 2023 crop,” says Joe Boddiford, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “Georgia’s 3,700 peanut farmers contribute approximately $2 billion annually to the state and local economy.”
Sponsors and exhibitors include the Georgia Peanut Commission, National Peanut Buying Points Association, Kroger, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service, National Peanut Board, Peanut Proud, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Premium Peanut and the University of Georgia Peanut Team.
As part of the celebration, peanut butter valued at $10,000, was presented to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The Atlanta Community Food Bank provides food and grocery products to nearly 700 community-based, nonprofit partner agencies with hunger relief programs throughout 29 counties in metro Atlanta and north Georgia. According to Ben Burgess, corporate relations manager with the food bank, the need for food assistance is not going away.
“A recent study of our service area showed that an average of 200,000 food insecure households are served each month through the Atlanta Community Food Bank partner agency network. Peanut butter is a very nutritious and important product to those clients because it has a stable shelf life,” Burgess says. “One jar can make several meals for a family or individual in need. This donation will help the 10 percent of Georgian residents and the one in eight children who are food insecure in the state.”
Coincidentally, March is National Nutrition Month – a great time to recognize the nutritional value of peanuts. One serving of peanuts is a good source of protein, vitamin E, niacin, folate, phosphorus and magnesium. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.
For additional details and photos from the 2024 PB&J Day, visit the Georgia Peanut Commission website at gapeanuts.com.
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About the Georgia Peanut Commission
The Georgia Peanut Commission was established in 1961 under the state’s Commodities Promotion Act. Today, the commission represents Georgia’s 3,700 peanut farmers and conducts programs in the areas of promotion, research and education. To learn more, visit gapeanuts.com or follow @gapeanuts on Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly known as Twitter).
About The Atlanta Community Food Bank
The Atlanta Community Food Bank works to end hunger with the food, people and big ideas needed to ensure our neighbors have the nourishment to lead healthy and productive lives. Far too many people in our own community experience hunger every day. Through nearly 700 community-based, nonprofit partners in 29 counties, we help thousands of families, children and seniors get healthy food every year. Our goal is that all hungry people across metro Atlanta and North Georgia will have access to the nutritious meals they need when they need them. It takes the power of our whole community to make that possible. In 2023, the Atlanta Community Food Bank distributed its one billionth meal. Join us at ACFB.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Joy Crosby, 229-386-3690, joycrosby@gapeanuts.com
Georgia Peanut Commission holds referendum March 8-April 8
TIFTON, Ga. – The Georgia Peanut Commission will hold a referendum March 8 through April 8 giving peanut producers an opportunity to vote on reaffirming the commission. State law mandates a referendum be held every three years. Georgia peanut producers invest $2 per ton to fund the commission and its research, education, promotion and communication programs.
The last referendum in 2021 passed with a 94.43 percent reaffirmation.
“I urge all peanut producers to vote in this referendum. Research, education, and promotion continue to be the core focus of the commission,” says Joe Boddiford, GPC chairman. “It is extremely important for growers to continue to focus their efforts on supporting research and promotional efforts through their checkoff dollars. One way for farmers to do that is by continuing their support of the Georgia Peanut Commission.”
GPC Executive Director Don Koehler urges producers to contact him by email at don@gapeanuts.com or 229-386-3470 if they have any questions about the commission’s activities or the referendum.
Peanut producers who do not receive a ballot may obtain one by calling the commission. The commission requests that anyone who receives a ballot but is no longer farming to write, “no longer producing” on the certification envelope and return it to the commission. This will assist the commission in updating its mailing list. The commission’s address is P.O. Box 967, Tifton, Georgia 31793.
The Certified Public Accounting Firm of Allen, Pritchett, and Bassett will count the votes.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
Georgia Power strengthens reliability for customers, marks high performance in 2023
Continued investments in ‘smarter grid’ result in fewer power outages and quicker restoration times
ATLANTA – March 7, 2024 – Georgia Power continues to build the future of energy by making valuable investments in Georgia’s energy grid to make it stronger and more resilient for customers. Over the past 10 years, the company has invested more than $10 billion in strengthening the power grid through programs and initiatives approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). Georgia Power continued this ongoing work on projects throughout Georgia communities in 2023 resulting in a strong year for reliability performance.
“At Georgia Power, we understand the importance of reliability for every customer and our teams share a commitment to work safely around the clock, and across the state, to deliver the power that our customers require,” said Tami Barron, senior vice president of Distribution for Georgia Power. “As we continue to upgrade our state’s power grid, we’re making purposeful investments using a data-driven approach, and increasingly incorporating automated technology that helps our electric system better respond not only during storms, but every day.”
Reliability is measured in two ways: frequency of service interruptions, or “System Average Interruption Frequency Index” (SAIFI), and duration of service interruption, or “System Average Interruption Duration Index” (SAIDI). Last year, Georgia Power’s SAIFI score was among the best in the company’s history, with customers experiencing an average of 15% fewer power outages than the previous year. Additionally, when customers did experience power outages, restoration times were approximately 27 minutes faster than the previous year. This duration measurement, or SAIDI value, was one of the best performances in recent years.
High service reliability in 2023 was driven, in large part, by the continued installation of smart, automated devices throughout the power grid. Last year alone, crews installed more than 1,000 automated devices across the state, which can be controlled remotely. This technology allows Georgia Power’s operations team to reroute power and segment a power line, which isolates issues and results in fewer customers affected by an outage, and faster restoration for others. Georgia Power is also deploying smart devices and other technology to enhance its self-healing network designed to respond to power outages automatically – saving valuable time and quickly getting the lights back on for customers. More than 60% of the company’s distribution grid can now be considered “self-healing,” helping avoid thousands of power outages each year.
In addition to installing smart technology, Georgia Power’s ongoing investments in the grid in recent years include: upgrading or rebuilding transmission lines and dozens of substations across Georgia for safe and reliable power delivery to homes and businesses; relocation of hundreds of miles of power lines underground, where it made the most impact; and improvement or installation of tens of thousands of power poles. All this infrastructure works together to improve reliability through a stronger and more resilient power grid and helped deliver last year’s high reliability.
“Georgia benefits from an integrated transmission system that includes nearly 20,000 miles of high-voltage power lines used by all of this state’s power companies to deliver energy from power generation sources to customers,” said Fran Forehand, senior vice president of Transmission for Georgia Power. “As our state continues to grow, we’re investing in this system to help keep reliability high for every Georgian year-round.”
Working in concert with the transmission and distribution network is Georgia Power’s diverse mix of generation resources, which also plays an essential role in providing reliable electric service to customers. In 2023, the company’s generation fleet helped keep reliability high with experienced teams at hydro, natural gas, nuclear and coal-fired generation plants managing plant operations and maintenance activities at a level of excellence well above industry standards. Non-nuclear generation assets measure reliability with plant outage rate or “equivalent forced outage rate” (EFOR). Last year, Georgia Power’s EFOR score was among the best in company history and among the best in the industry, with an outage rate of 1.49%. Georgia Power also continues to add renewable energy and battery energy storage to its generation mix, with reliability at the center of its planning process, and the company’s existing solar generation performing strongly as well in 2023.
“When extreme heat or cold, like we saw with Winter Storm Heather, drives increased demand for electricity, our Generation teams are at work 24/7 in Georgia’s power plants,” said Rick Anderson, senior vice president and production officer for Georgia Power. “We’re proud of the performance of our fleet last year and thank our team for their continued focus on reliability, as well as affordability by keeping production costs as low as possible for customers.”
Georgia Power continues to invest in a stronger and more resilient power grid through its successful multi-year Grid Investment Program, which has already resulted in an up to 50% improvement in reliability for some customers. As this work progresses, the company aims to deliver even more reliable energy for customers in the coming years. To learn more about the company’s commitment to ensuring customers have the energy they need, when they need it the most, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com.
Media can download b-roll of Georgia Power crews working on the power grid by clicking here.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: E. Lane Gresham, Director of Communications & Media
404-413-1534, egresham3@gsu.edu
April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month highlights importance of ‘Building a Hopeful Future, Together’
ATLANTA, GA MARCH 10, 2024 — April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, a time when Prevent Child Abuse America and Prevent Child Abuse Georgia connect with families, communities, prevention advocates, and supporters to focus on the creation of an ecosystem of primary prevention in the U.S. and emphasize the importance of building a narrative of hope for the future of children and families. The theme of this year’s awareness and impact campaign, locally led by Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, in alignment with PCA America’s national chapter network, is “Building A Hopeful Future, Together.”
Children who live in families with access to economic and concrete support are less likely to experience abuse and neglect. And yet, too often our society thinks of raising healthy children as a parent or caregiver’s responsibility alone. This simply isn’t true. Community support and partnerships can help lighten the burden on families and strengthen communities from the ground up.
“Every family and child should have the access and support to live purposeful lives with hope for the future,” said PCA Georgia Executive Director Jennifer Stein. “In April, during CAP Month, we recognize the dedicated and passionate prevention teams, programs, and partners working year-round to create awareness about the public health issue of abuse and neglect. Every day, a connected network of prevention leaders, lived-experience experts, and a host of partners in prevention link arms to build evidence that supports advocacy for family-strengthening policies that can help lift the load for overburdened families.”
“The work of love is never done,” Stein added. “And our work is rooted in both aspiration and evidence to provide help and hope before a crisis occurs. We hope that this month, our community will join us in applauding the progress we’ve made in prevention, but also become partners in the remaining critical work that families of Georgia need.
Prevent Child Abuse America, in close partnership with its nationwide chapter network including PCA Georgia, supports the expansion of evidence-based home visiting programs and family resource centers to help families cope with trauma and stressors like the loss of employment, loss of income due to lack of paid leave, school and business closings, ongoing health concerns, uncertain childcare and homeschool arrangements, food insecurity, and more.
Today’s family resource centers (FRCs) are a key prevention strategy for addressing many of the challenges that face families, whether they live in rural, suburban, or urban areas. The goal of FRCs is healthy families in healthy communities. To improve outcomes for both families and communities, a family resource center brings together services and activities that educate, develop skills, and promote moving in new directions for families. This increases the capacity of families to be healthy, involved members of dynamic communities.
“During this year’s CAP Month, we are on a mission to change the way our society values and cares for our children and families to address the structural and social determinants of health and wellbeing, including poverty and systemic racism,” said President and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America Dr. Melissa Merrick. “In partnership, we can disrupt long-held beliefs about prevention systems and expand family-friendly policies, like paid sick and family leave, to help reduce stress on our parents and caregivers. Prevention is hard work, but it is also heart work.”
This month, and all year long, you can help PCA Georgia advance family-centered prevention programs and policies by taking action in the following ways:
You can show support for promoting positive childhood experiences and preventing adversity by wearing blue on April 5 for #WearBlueDay to kick off CAP Month with momentum. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #WearBlueDay2024 hashtag.
Follow PCA Georgia on social media and share our posts throughout April. Encourage friends and family to do the same. Use the hashtags #BuildingTogether, #PreventionInPartnership, and #CAPMonth to signify your commitment to helping children, families, and entire communities to thrive.
Plant a virtual pinwheel – a visual reminder of the world we want for all children to grow up happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed. Click here to order pinwheels or go digital and plant one online here. You can contribute to your local chapter with this effort. All donations are tax-deductible, and funds go directly to your local state chapter to support local children and families.
Throughout the month, you can make a tax-deductible gift to PCA Georgia by visiting tinyurl.com/pcagive. For more ways to get involved in CAP Month this April, please visit tinyurl.com/CAPmonthGA.
About Prevent Child Abuse Georgia
As the state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, PCA Georgia provides statewide direction to build safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments to prevent child abuse and neglect and has 35 local councils located throughout the state that advocate and implement prevention practices in their communities. PCA Georgia is applying an intentional equity and racial justice lens to our work. A child’s race, ethnicity, gender, family income, or neighborhood should not predict their future success and well-being. Visit pcageorgia.org to learn more.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
Vogtle Unit 4 connects to electrical grid for the first time
Milestone in startup testing marks first generation of electricity from Unit 4
ATLANTA – March 1, 2024 – Georgia Power announced today that Unit 4 at the Vogtle nuclear expansion project near Waynesboro, Georgia, has achieved another major milestone in startup testing by generating electricity and successfully synchronizing and connecting to the electric grid for the first time. This milestone follows initial criticality, reached on February 14, when operators safely started the nuclear reaction inside the reactor, generating nuclear heat to produce steam.
Connecting to the electric grid is part of ongoing startup testing for Vogtle Unit 4. Now, operators will continue to raise reactor power for generation of electricity while performing tests at various power levels, ultimately raising power to 100 percent. Once all startup testing is successfully completed and the unit is available for reliable dispatch, Vogtle Unit 4 will enter commercial operation.
Vogtle Unit 3 entered commercial operation on July 31, 2023, (read more) and is providing safe, reliable, emission-free energy to Georgia today. The in-service date for Unit 4 is projected during the second quarter of 2024.
The new Vogtle units are an essential part of Georgia Power’s commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to its 2.7 million customers. When operating, each of the new units can produce enough electricity to power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses. Southern Nuclear is operating the new units on behalf of the co-owners: Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning the projected in-service date for Plant Vogtle Unit 4. Georgia Power cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Georgia Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Georgia Power’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the ability to control costs and avoid cost and schedule overruns during the development, construction, and operation of facilities or other projects, including Plant Vogtle Unit 4, which includes components based on new technology that only within the last several years began initial operation in the global nuclear industry at this scale, due to current and/or future challenges which include, but are not limited to, changes in labor costs, availability and productivity, challenges with the management of contractors or vendors, subcontractor performance, adverse weather conditions, shortages, delays, increased costs, or inconsistent quality of equipment, materials, and labor, contractor or supplier delay, the impacts of inflation, delays due to judicial or regulatory action, nonperformance under construction, operating, or other agreements, operational readiness, including specialized operator training and required site safety programs, engineering or design problems or any remediation related thereto, design and other licensing-based compliance matters, challenges with start-up activities, including major equipment failure, or system integration, and/or operational performance, challenges related to pandemic health events, continued public and policymaker support for projects, environmental and geological conditions, delays or increased costs to interconnect facilities to transmission grids, and increased financing costs as a result of changes in interest rates or as a result of project delays; the ability to overcome or mitigate the current challenges, or challenges yet to be identified, at Plant Vogtle Unit 4, that could further impact the cost and schedule for the project; under certain specified circumstances, a decision by holders of more than 10% of the ownership interests of Plant Vogtle Unit 4 not to proceed with construction; the ability to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses (including satisfaction of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements), to satisfy any environmental performance standards and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; the inherent risks involved in operating and constructing nuclear generating facilities; the ability of counterparties of Georgia Power to make payments as and when due and to perform as required; the direct or indirect effect on Georgia Power’s business resulting from cyber intrusion or physical attack and the threat of cyber and physical attacks; catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other storms, droughts, pandemic health events, political unrest, wars or other similar occurrences; and the direct or indirect effects on Georgia Power’s business resulting from incidents affecting the U.S. electric grid or operation of generating or storage resources. Georgia Power expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Dan Curran for Georgia Optometric Association
770-658-9586
dancurran@curranpr.com
Make Vision Care Part of Self-care, Georgia’s Doctors of Optometry Invite Public to Schedule an Eye Exam during Save Your Vision Month in March 2024
ATLANTA, GA (March 2024) – Noting that millions of Americans are placing a new priority on self-care, Georgia’s doctors of optometry are encouraging people to add vision care to that important list of ways to safeguard your health. Save Your Vision Month, celebrated each year in March, is a convenient time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and benefit right away from self-care steps.
“Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health,” said Dr. Nacondus G. Gamble, president of the Georgia Optometric Association. “While many people are quick to add a new cream or fitness app to their self-care regimen, one of the basics – a comprehensive eye exam – can have even more of an immediate impact on your overall well-being.”
Through an eye exam, doctors of optometry can identify early warning signs and manifestations of more than 270 systemic and chronic diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and cancers.
“When you see clearly, everything in the world around you comes into greater focus and an eye exam can help make that possible,” said Dr. Gamble. “Over time, subtle changes in your vision could be happening that have a negative effect on your health, but adding vison care to your self-care regimen can help you address those problems early before they become a major health issue.”
For additional information or to find a doctor of optometry near you visit the Georgia Optometric Association at www.GOAeyes.com.
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The Georgia Optometric Association is a statewide professional organization representing over 700 doctors of optometry located in communities throughout the state of Georgia. Founded in 1904, the GOA and its members work to provide the public with quality vision and eye care services. For more information visit www.GOAeyes.com, www.Instagram.com/goaeyes, www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaOptometricAssociation or www.Twitter.com/GOA_eyes.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Megan Estes
770-823-3936
media@georgia811.com
‘Call Before You Dig’ Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary in Georgia
Georgia 811 remembers its history with several tributes planned for 2024
[Duluth, GA] (February 19, 2024) —2024 marks Georgia 811’s 50th Anniversary. With the mission to promote safety and prevent utility damage, Georgia 811 will celebrate the occasion with various events, initiatives, and tributes to remind stakeholders and the general public of the importance of contacting 811 before digging.
In 1968, a tragic natural gas incident claimed the lives of several people at a daycare in Hapeville, Georgia. Georgia 811, originally doing business as the Utilities Protection Center, was formed in response. Housed at BellSouth, seven founding members including Atlanta Gas Light, BellSouth, Georgia Power, Colonial/Plantation/Transco Pipelines and Clayton County Water Authority began the process of creating a call center to help coordinate the locating of underground utility lines when digging was to occur in seven metro Atlanta counties. In 1974, the first locate tickets were processed.
Fifty years later, Georgia 811 now has over 850 utility members and processes more than 1.3 million tickets annually. Georgia 811 continues to provide notification services and educational resources to promote damage prevention of underground utility lines.
Homeowners, landscapers, and professional excavators are all encouraged to contact Georgia 811, either online or by dialing 811, at least three business days prior to digging. After submitting a ticket, Georgia 811 notifies the appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested dig site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with spray paint. Once lines have been accurately marked, digging can begin around marked lines.
Georgia 811 will debut a video tribute to the victims of the 1968 Hapeville accident during their 2024 Damage Prevention Summits. Summits will be held at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center on September 19, at the Braselton Civic Center on October 3, and at the Dalton Convention Center on November 7. Detailed information and registration will be available on the Georgia 811 website, Georgia811.com, beginning in July.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
Vogtle Unit 4 reaches initial criticality
First nuclear reaction safely initiated marks latest step prior to generation of electricity
ATLANTA – February 14, 2024 – Georgia Power announced today that Unit 4 at the Vogtle nuclear expansion project near Waynesboro, Georgia, has safely reached initial criticality. Initial criticality is a key step during the startup testing sequence and demonstrates that — for the first time — operators have safely started the nuclear reaction inside the second reactor. This means atoms are being split and nuclear heat is being made, which will be used to produce steam.
A reactor achieves criticality when the nuclear fission reaction becomes self-sustaining. Achieving initial criticality is necessary to continue the startup of the unit in order to generate sufficient heat for the production of electricity. Vogtle Unit 4 continues with startup testing, which demonstrates the integrated operation of the primary coolant system and steam supply system at design temperature and pressure with fuel inside the reactor. These tests are designed to ensure all systems are operating together and to validate operating procedures prior to declaration of commercial operation.
Now that the Unit 4 reactor has reached criticality, operators will continue to raise power to support synchronizing the generator to the electric grid and begin producing electricity. Then, operators will continue increasing power through multiple steps, ultimately raising power to 100 percent.
Vogtle Unit 3 entered commercial operation on July 31, 2023, (read more) and is providing safe, reliable, emission-free energy to Georgia today. The in-service date for Unit 4 is projected during the second quarter of 2024.
The new Vogtle units are an essential part of Georgia Power’s commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to its 2.7 million customers. When operating, each of the new units can produce enough electricity to power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses. Southern Nuclear will operate the new units on behalf of the co-owners: Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower),Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning the projected in-service date for Plant Vogtle Unit 4. Georgia Power cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Georgia Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Georgia Power’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the ability to control costs and avoid cost and schedule overruns during the development, construction, and operation of facilities or other projects, including Plant Vogtle Unit 4, which includes components based on new technology that only within the last several years began initial operation in the global nuclear industry at this scale, due to current and/or future challenges which include, but are not limited to, changes in labor costs, availability and productivity, challenges with the management of contractors or vendors, subcontractor performance, adverse weather conditions, shortages, delays, increased costs, or inconsistent quality of equipment, materials, and labor, contractor or supplier delay, the impacts of inflation, delays due to judicial or regulatory action, nonperformance under construction, operating, or other agreements, operational readiness, including specialized operator training and required site safety programs, engineering or design problems or any remediation related thereto, design and other licensing-based compliance matters, challenges with start-up activities, including major equipment failure, or system integration, and/or operational performance, challenges related to pandemic health events, continued public and policymaker support for projects, environmental and geological conditions, delays or increased costs to interconnect facilities to transmission grids, and increased financing costs as a result of changes in interest rates or as a result of project delays; the ability to overcome or mitigate the current challenges, or challenges yet to be identified, at Plant Vogtle Unit 4, that could further impact the cost and schedule for the project; under certain specified circumstances, a decision by holders of more than 10% of the ownership interests of Plant Vogtle Unit 4 not to proceed with construction; the ability to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses (including satisfaction of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements), to satisfy any environmental performance standards and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; the inherent risks involved in operating and constructing nuclear generating facilities; the ability of counterparties of Georgia Power to make payments as and when due and to perform as required; the direct or indirect effect on Georgia Power’s business resulting from cyber intrusion or physical attack and the threat of cyber and physical attacks; catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other storms, droughts, pandemic health events, political unrest, wars or other similar occurrences; and the direct or indirect effects on Georgia Power’s business resulting from incidents affecting the U.S. electric grid or operation of generating or storage resources. Georgia Power expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Dawn Brosnan, 912-988-1847, dbrosnan@mightyeighth.org
Maximum Effort/Groundbreaking ceremony at The National Museum of Mighty Eighth Air Force
Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 11:00 am
Chatham County, GA – The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is taking off with Phase II of its capital campaign, Maximum Effort. On Thursday, February 15th at 11:00 am, the museum will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony for the 20,000 square-foot addition to the museum. This multi-million-dollar visionary project aims to expand and enhance the museum’s existing spaces, providing visitors with a state-of-the-art experience that will engage them by transporting them back in time to the heroic days of World War II.
The museum’s unparalleled collection of Eighth Air Force material history will now be even more accessible to the public, continuing our commitment to saving and sharing the stories of Eighth Air Force veterans like never before. With the 20,000 sq. ft. expansion, this institution will continue to be a beacon of history for generations to come.
All are welcome to join The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force on this special day as the museum celebrates the beginning of a new chapter.
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell the stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
Museum highlights include a fully restored B-17 “Flying Fortress” and the multimedia “Mission Experience,” an immersive simulated bombing mission in a special theater utilizing actual combat footage.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm; Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
Media Contact:
Dawn Brosnan
Director of Communications and Marketing
912.988.1847 | dbrosnan@mightyeighth.org
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Cotton Commission
Taylor Sills, 478-696-3781, taylor@georgiacotton.org
Georgia Cotton Commission Troubled by Arizona Court’s Dicamba Decision
On February 6th, the United States District Court for the District of Arizona vacated the registration of dicamba for over-the-top (OTT) use on dicamba-resistant cotton and soybeans. In the ruling, the court found that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) failed to meet regulatory requirements related to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). While at present, the extent of this decision remains to be fully realized, the Georgia Cotton Commission is concerned by today’s ruling. Georgia Cotton Commission Chairman Bart Davis, a cotton producer from Colquitt County, said, “the timing of this announcement is awful for the over 3,000 family cotton farmers in Georgia, as many have made or are making purchasing decisions that hinge on the availability of dicamba products as a tool for weed control and overall sustainability. Once again, producers face regulatory confusion at the start of the cropping season.” Davis later commented that dicamba products were a key part of a tool-chest of technologies and herbicide products that allow growers to effectively fight their greatest economic pests, palmer amaranth and morningglory, while cutting down on overall herbicide applications and carbon emissions and enabling climate-smart practices such as reduced tillage and cover cropping.
Since the latest dicamba technologies came on the market, Georgia cotton farmers have participated in a cooperative training effort called Using Pesticides Wisely that was developed and implemented by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. This program takes sound science and communicates the results of that science to farmers to help lower off-target movements of dicamba products and other pesticides. Over 17,000 individuals have been trained as a part of this program, which has led to Georgia having among the lowest levels of off-target pesticide drift complaints in the country.
The Georgia Cotton Commission implores the EPA to expedite appeal of this ruling and to eliminate confusion by allowing the use of existing stocks of dicamba for the 2024 growing season. This would be crucial to the overall economic viability of the cotton industry in Georgia and across the country in 2024, as high input process and comparatively low market prices combine to put pressure on farmers.
The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry, Georgia. The Commission began in 1965. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the Commission to invest in programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of all cotton producers in Georgia. For more information about this and other topics, please call (478) 988-4235 or visit www.georgiacottoncommission.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Cotton Commission
Taylor Sills, 478-696-3781, taylor@georgiacotton.org
Georgia Cotton Commission’s 2024 Trustees Award Winners
The Georgia Cotton Commission’s Trustees’ Awards were presented at the 2024 Georgia Cotton Commission Annual Meeting January 31 in Tifton. The Trustees’ Awards are awarded to individuals who have dedicated themselves to the advancement of the cotton industry in Georgia. Producers, research and extension specialists and other cotton industry associates of high character and integrity who have given exceptional service to the cotton industry are eligible to receive this award.
The award was named after the Georgia Colonial Trustees who set out to create an agricultural colony to expedite agriculture productivity, which led to a ten acre “Trustee Garden” to display “modern” farming techniques. The Trustee Garden was established in 1734 in Savannah, Georgia. Many crops were experimented with that first year, but cotton was the crop that thrived and has been planted in Georgia every year since. Previous winners of the Trustees’ Awards include Louie Perry and Mike Lucas.
The recipients of this year’s Trustees’ Awards are Bob McLendon, Ronnie Lee and Chuck Coley.
Bob McLendon started farming in Calhoun County since 1974 and currently produces cotton, peanuts and corn outside of Leary. McLendon earned as associate degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and is a 1963 graduate of the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Barbara, raised four daughters and have nine grandchildren.
Throughout his career, McLendon has been and remains extremely active with numerous agricultural organizations. He has served as chairman of the National Cotton Council, president of Southern Cotton Growers and the Calhoun County Farm Bureau, and a board member of his local FSA committee, Cotton Incorporated and countless other industry organizations. He has been president of Edison Gin Co-op and Sunshine Warehouse of Arlington, as well as many other agribusinesses that compliment his farming operation. He has also served on the ABAC and Darton College Foundations and remains very active in the local community. McLendon was named Sunbelt Farmer of the Year in 1999, ABAC Master Farmer in 1994, and is a recipient of the Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award and the Southern Cotton Growers Producer Recognition Award.
Ronnie Lee and his family operate Lee Farms in Bronwood. They raise cotton, corn, peanuts, small grains, hay, pecans, and cattle in Terrell, Lee, Sumter, and Webster Counties. Lee also is involved in multiple agribusinesses – including a cotton gin, McCleskey Cotton Company; an aerial application business; a trucking company; and a gin saw and machine shop operation. His three sons – Ron, Neil, and Chandler are all active within multiple parts of the operation.
Lee has along tenure of service to agriculture – having served as Chairman of the National Cotton Council; president of Southern Cotton Growers; and a former board member of Cotton Incorporated, the National Peanut Buying Points Association, and the American Peanut Shellers Association. He has served as a member of the Georgia FSA State Committee under both Republican and Democratic administrations.
He has received many accolades during this time, including the Cotton Achievement Award, the High Cotton Award, the Southern Cotton Growers Cotton Producer Recognition Award, local Soil Conservationist of the year, and others. Lee, an alumni of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, lives in Terrell County with his wife Sheila.
Chuck Coley began managing his family farm at 23 when his father, Sonny Coley, passed. He now owns and operates Coley Farms, which grows cotton and peanuts, and Coley Gin & Fertilizer, a cotton gin and peanut buying point, in Dooly County. Coley is also a dedicated servant leader in the cotton industry, having served as Chairman of the National Cotton Council, American Cotton Producers, and the Cotton Foundation; president of the National Cotton Ginners Association, Southeastern Cotton Ginners Association, and Southern Peanut Warehouse Association.
Coley, who has degrees in Agronomy and Agricultural Economics from the University of Georgia, is a past winner of the Cotton Achievement Award and the Horace Harden National Ginner of the Year. He and his wife, Deby, have two adult children and three grandchildren.
The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry, Georgia. The Commission began in 1965. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the Commission to invest in programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of all cotton producers of Georgia. For more information about the Georgia Cotton Commission please call 478-988-4235 or on the web at www.georgiacottoncommission.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Dawn Brosnan, 912-988-1847, dbrosnan@mightyeighth.org
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force opens “Two Minutes to Midnight and the Architecture of Armageddon” on Feb. 6
Chatham County, GA –In 2018, the Doomsday Clock was set to two minutes to midnight, the closest it has ever been to striking midnight since the height of the Cold War in 1953 when both the United States and the Soviet Union tested thermonuclear weapons for the first time within ten months of each other. Today, while the Cold War’s lessons and fears have largely faded from our collective memory, it is critical to view a decidedly uncertain present through the lens of the past. Two Minutes to Midnight and the Architecture of Armageddon opens February 6th, 2024 at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.
Through two photographic essays, photographers Jeanine Michna-Bales and Adam Reynolds offer a calculated look at the “Architecture of Armageddon,” both the offensive and defensive implications of nuclear war. These quiet architectural spaces, devoid of people, allow viewers to come face to face with present nuclear realities while also offering a look into the collective psyche of the American people during the Cold War.
Reynolds’s project, No Lone Zone, documents the offensive side of the Cold War through nuclear missile silos in the United States. It provides a contemplated look at the nuts and bolts of Mutually Assured Destruction, the MAD logic behind nuclear deterrence. Michna-Bales’s project, Fallout, delivers typological documentation of the defensive side through various shelters and propaganda across the United States, both private and public. These fallout shelters, endorsed through Civil Defense programs, in reality, offered little more than a government sponsored placebo to the American people, convincing them that something tangible was being done in the event of a nuclear holocaust.
This exhibition is aimed to spark curiosity and encourage discourse among audiences of all backgrounds as the works seek out places that are often hidden in plain sight. Two Minutes to Midnight and the Architecture of Armageddon is organized by ExhibitsUSA, a program of the Mid-America Arts Alliance.
About the Artists
Jeanine Michna-Bales is a fine artist working in the medium of photography. Her work explores the relationship between past events and their continued impact on contemporary society. She meticulously researches each topic—considering different viewpoints, causes and effects, and political climates—and often incorporates found or archival text into her projects. Her images have appeared in solo and group exhibitions around the United States.
Adam Reynolds is a documentary photographer whose work focuses on contemporary political conflict. He pursues visual research projects that balance photographic creativity with a journalist’s thematic fidelity. Reynolds has worked as a freelance photojournalist in the United States and the Middle East, where he lived in Israel/Palestine, Egypt, and Yemen. Reynolds’s photographs have been exhibited throughout the United States and abroad.
About ExhibitsUSA
This exhibition is toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance. ExhibitsUSA sends more than twenty-five exhibitions on tour to over 100 small and mid-sized communities every year. These exhibitions create access to an array of arts and humanities experiences, nurture the understanding of diverse cultures and art forms, and encourage the expanding depth and breadth of cultural life in local communities. For more about ExhibitsUSA, email MoreArt@maaa.org or visit www.eusa.org.
About Mid-America Arts Alliance
Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) strengthens and supports artists, cultural organizations, and communities throughout our region and beyond. Additional information about M-AAA is available at www.maaa.org.
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell the stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
Museum highlights include a fully restored B-17 “Flying Fortress” and the multimedia “Mission Experience,” an immersive simulated bombing mission in a special theater utilizing actual combat footage.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
Georgia Power offers resources, safety tips during Severe Weather Preparedness Week Feb. 5-9
Company continues to invest in more reliant, resilient power grid
ATLANTA, Feb. 5, 2024 – During Georgia’s Severe Weather Preparedness Week, Feb. 5-9, Georgia Power is reinforcing its commitment to safety for its customers by offering severe weather safety tips and reminding customers to prepare now for severe weather – whenever it may strike.
Hosted by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA), Severe Weather Preparedness Week focuses on preparing for spring weather, which may include thunderstorms, lightning, flooding, snow, ice and even tornadoes – all of which may cause power outages.
“At Georgia Power, we continue to invest in our power grid to make it more resilient and reliable, including new smart grid technologies, placing lines underground, updating substations and more,” said Georgia Power’s Storm Center Manager Jason Stott. “We prepare our crews every day to work safely under challenging conditions, maintaining trees and vegetation away from power lines and in many other ways, and encourage our customers to focus on preparation as well. We appreciate and support our partners at the NWS and GEMA in this campaign.”
Staying informed is most important during an emergency situation like a hurricane, tornado or severe thunderstorm. Georgia Power offers the following resources for customers to stay connected and informed.
Steps to Take This Week to Prepare for Severe Weather
- Download the Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- Check Your Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message.
- Get Familiar with the Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.georgiapower.com/storm, customers can visit this site to report and check the status of outages via the interactive Outage Map, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Follow @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
When severe weather strikes, Georgia Power also encourages customers to have a plan in place and take the following precautions before, during and after a storm.
Before, During and After a Storm Safety Tips
- Before a Storm: Stay aware, heed advice from officials, and check the weather forecast before heading outdoors. Check your emergency kit and family plan. Charge cell phones before the storm and unplug major appliances if you lose power.
- During a Storm: Take safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors. Avoid contact with conductors of electricity – appliances, metal objects and water.
- After a Storm: Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire, including telephone or TV wires that touch a power line. Never pull tree limbs off of power lines yourself or enter flooded areas or those with debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be buried in wreckage or hidden under standing water. Customers should call 911 or Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Joy Crosby, 229-386-3690, joycrosby@gapeanuts.com
Boddiford elected chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission
TIFTON, Ga. — Joe Boddiford, peanut farmer from Sylvania, Georgia, was elected chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission during the January monthly board meeting. This is Boddiford’s third consecutive term serving as chairman. He previously served as chairman in 2000.
“I look forward to working with Georgia peanut farmers and our industry partners to help enhance the peanut industry and the profitability of farmers,” Boddiford says. “Farmers can contact me at any time if they have suggestions for the work of the Georgia Peanut Commission on their behalf.”
Other officers elected during the board meeting include Donald Chase, Oglethorpe, Georgia, as vice chairman, and Rodney Dawson, Hawkinsville, Georgia, as treasurer. Additional board members include Tim Burch, Newton, Georgia, representing district 1 and Ross Kendrick, Sycamore, Georgia, representing district 2.
The Georgia peanut production area is divided into five districts based on acreage distribution and geographical location with one board member representing each district.
The Georgia Peanut Commission represents more than 4,500 peanut farm families in the state and conducts programs in the areas of research, promotion and education. For more information on the programs of the Georgia Peanut Commission, visit www.gapeanuts.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Jessie Bland, 229-386-3472, jessie@gapeanuts.com
Peanut Leadership Academy Class XIII hosts first session
TIFTON, Ga. – Twenty-seven peanut growers and sheller representatives from across the Southeast, Arkansas, Texas and the Virginia-Carolina area began Class XIII of the Peanut Leadership Academy Jan. 8-11, 2024, in Savannah, Georgia. The Peanut Leadership Academy is hosted by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation and is a cooperative effort between Syngenta Crop Protection, the American Peanut Shellers Association and grower organizations. The program began in 1998 with the first class of 14 peanut growers from Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Since then, the academy has grown to include farmers from Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and sheller representatives.
Activities in the leadership program are structured to give participants a thorough understanding of the U.S. peanut industry. Throughout the course of 18 months and five sessions, program attendees participate in sessions ranging from field trips, meetings with industry leaders and professional development training, as well as one session in Washington, D.C., where class members have an opportunity to visit with members of Congress about issues affecting the peanut industry. During this time, class members build on leadership skills, discuss and debate key industry issues and build relationships.
During the first session, the class members participated in leadership team building skills, etiquette training and learned more about the entire peanut industry while joining the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation annual meeting. Participants in PLA Class XIII include: Cutchin Anderson, Tarboro, North Carolina; Eric Bailey, Waverly, Virginia; Emmanuel Bankston with Golden Peanut; Miles Birdsong with Birdsong Peanuts; Sean Brannen, Statesboro, Georgia; August Cassebaum, Lillian, Alabama; Jay Corte, Daphne, Alabama; Riley Davis, Parrott, Georgia; Garrett Dixon, Salem, Alabama; Heath Donner, Manila, Arkansas; Trevor Dyer with Sandy Land Peanut; Henry Froese, Seagraves, Texas; Lonnie Gilbert, Marianna, Florida; Chad Harris with Olam; Judson Hornsby, Iron City, Georgia; Douglas Jarrell, Estill, South Carolina; Cason Kirkland with Premium Peanut; Will Krause, Unadilla, Georgia; Kirk Martin, Brownfield, Texas; Daniel McMillan, Enigma, Georgia; Jess McNeill, Americus, Georgia; Phillip Melvin, Altha, Florida; Travis Mixon, Dothan, Alabama; Garrett Moore, Chancellor, Alabama; Cody Robinson, Williston, Florida; Chase Trimble with Coastal Growers; and Emily Williams with the National Peanut Board.
Session two of Class XIII is scheduled for March 17-20, 2024. For more information on the Peanut Leadership Academy, contact PLA director, Jessie Bland at jessie@gapeanuts.com or visit www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Dawn Brosnan, 912-988-1847, dbrosnan@mightyeighth.org
15th Anniversary Celebration of the B-17’s arrival at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is pleased to announce the 15th Anniversary Celebration of The City of Savannah, the museum’s fully restored B-17. This historic aircraft served in World War II and was a part of the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution before finding its home in Pooler.
The celebration will take place on Wednesday, January 31st at 1:00pm at the museum and will feature guest speakers, including original Project Manager now Emeritus, Jerry McLaughlin, who will give a 20-minute briefing on the acquisition process and the delivery of our aircraft from its Smithsonian home at Dulles Airport in January of 2009. Many past and present volunteers who have worked on the restoration will be present. The museum is honored to have this iconic piece of aviation history as a part of our collection. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to celebrate the 15th anniversary of The City of Savannah at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force!
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell the stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
Museum highlights include a fully restored B-17 “Flying Fortress” and the multimedia “Mission Experience,” an immersive simulated bombing mission in a special theater utilizing actual combat footage.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Joy Crosby, 229-386-3690, joycrosby@gapeanuts.com
Georgia Peanut Commission Research Report Day set for Feb. 7
TIFTON, Ga. — The Georgia Peanut Commission will hold the annual Research Report Day, Feb. 7, 2024, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the National Environmentally Sound Production Agriculture Laboratory (NESPAL), located on the University of Georgia Tifton campus at 2360 Rainwater Road, Tifton, Georgia 31793. The event provides growers and industry representatives an opportunity to hear the latest reports and newest information available on peanut research projects funded by GPC in 2023.
“The commission works to wisely invest peanut farmers’ dollars into research projects across Georgia in an effort to reduce production input costs and improve agronomic techniques,” says Donald Chase, GPC Research Committee chairman. “Although some of the findings are preliminary, the projects are exciting, and many times new recommendations or observations are announced.”
GPC awarded $706,139 to peanut research facilities in the state during 2023. This effort funds 35 research projects from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as pests, weed and disease management.
The agenda for the GPC Research Report Day is available online at www.gapeanuts.com. All research reports will be available online following the GPC Research Report Day.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Joy Crosby, 229-386-3690, joycrosby@gapeanuts.com
Georgia Peanut Show provides a day of education for farmers
TIFTON, Ga. — More than 1,000 attendees were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the 47th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference Jan. 18, 2024, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The show is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission.
The one-day show offered farmers a chance to view the products and services of 100 exhibitors and education opportunities. The University of Georgia Peanut Team presented an educational peanut production seminar focusing on the yield and quality of 2023 peanuts and what to expect in 2024, weed, disease and nematode management for 2024 and sustainability in Georgia peanut production. An industry seed seminar was held, which highlighted peanut varieties available for 2024.
The Georgia Peanut Commission presented awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry and promotion of peanuts across the United States. The award recipients include Distinguished Service Award – John T. Powell, executive director of the American Peanut Shellers Association and The Peanut Institute; Research and Education Award – Glen Harris, University of Georgia Extension soil fertility specialist; and the Media Award – Dal Cannady, former bureau chief for WTOC-TV in Savannah.
The Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award, sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and BASF, was presented to Mallory Harvey, Baxley, Georgia. The award is presented to one Georgia peanut farmer based upon the applicant’s overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership and community service activities. Harvey grows 1,500 acres of peanuts and cotton, as well as breeder hens with Pilgrim’s Pride. Harvey strives to utilize innovative stewardship practices on the farm to reduce his carbon footprint and water usage. He is also active within a number of community and agriculture organizations within his county.
In addition to the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award, the Georgia Peanut Commission and Agri Supply presented the Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmers of the Year Award to individuals representing each of the commission’s five districts. The GPC board members started this award to honor farmers who have the passion, diligence, leadership and desire to see the peanut industry in the state of Georgia continue to be the highest quality. Winners include District 1 – Donald Shirah, Camilla; District 2 – Gerald Fowler, Sycamore; District 3 – Lee Cromley, Brooklet; District 4 – Sam Crenshaw, Cordele; and District 5 posthumously – Richard Morrison, Lumpkin. These farmers received a sign to display at their farm and gift cards from Agri Supply and the Georgia Peanut Commission.
At the close of the day, the presentation of the Grand Door Prize donated by Kelley Manufacturing Co. was presented to Jim Deen, Broxton, Georgia. Deen received one season’s use of a new KMC peanut combine and the option of purchasing the combine from a KMC dealer with $15,000 off the list price at the end of the 2024 season, as well as a cash prize.
Amadas Industries also provided the Grower Door Prize to Zach Brown of Sumner, Georgia, and Ted O’Steen, Ambrose, Georgia. Brown received a customized Grizzly cooler and a certificate towards the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled peanut combine, pull-type peanut combine, peanut digger or peanut dump cart. O’Steen received a customized Grizzly cooler and a certificate for Amadas parts.
For photos and additional information on the Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference, visit the Georgia Peanut Commission website at gapeanuts.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
Georgia Power ready to respond to severe weather Tuesday
Company offers safety tips and outage resources for customers as storms move through state
ATLANTA – JANUARY 9, 2024 – As severe thunderstorms, high wind, and heavy rain continue to move across Georgia, Georgia Power teams are in place and ready to respond to outages as conditions clear. Every day, the company is focused on maintaining and strengthening the state’s smart, resilient power grid to reduce both the frequency and duration of outages and better restore power quickly and safely in the event of outages. Today, as the storm conditions subside making it safe and efficient to work, Georgia Power crews will enter and remain in the field around the clock working until every service for every impacted customer is restored.
Georgia Power reminds customers to keep safety first during severe winter weather and offers the following tips and tools.
Safety After The Storm (Find More Tips Here)
- Never touch any downed or low hanging line. Always assume power lines are energized. Report the location of any downed or low hanging line to Georgia Power. You can also contact local authorities or 911.
- Never try to make your own electrical repairs to Georgia Power equipment.
- Never pull tree limbs off power lines as they could be energized.
- Never go into areas with debris or downed trees. Dangerous power lines may be buried in the wreckage.
- Avoid stepping in puddles and standing water after a storm as they may be touching hidden, downed power lines and be electrified.
- Never walk into areas where crews are at work. If you’re driving near work crews, obey road signs and proceed cautiously.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.georgiapower.com/storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
With the potential for additional winter weather in the coming weeks, Georgia Power encourages customers to visit GeorgiaPower.com/WinterPrep. The site features information on a variety of winter weather topics including Watches vs. Warnings, Staying Connected, Electrical Safety and more.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Joy Crosby, 229-386-3690, joycrosby@gapeanuts.com
Georgia Peanut Commission seeks National Peanut Board nominees
TIFTON, Ga. — The Georgia Peanut Commission seeks eligible peanut producers who are interested in serving on the National Peanut Board. GPC will hold a nominations election to select two nominees each for member and alternate to the National Peanut Board during a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at noon during the GPC Research Report Day at the National Environmentally Sound Production Agriculture Laboratory (NESPAL), located on the University of Georgia Tifton Campus at 2360 Rainwater Road, Tifton, Georgia.
All eligible peanut producers are encouraged to participate. Eligible producers are those who are engaged in the production and sale of peanuts and who own or share the ownership and risk of loss of the crop.
Casey Cox Kerr of Camilla is the current Georgia National Peanut Board member and Wesley Webb of Leary serves as the alternate. The terms for the current Georgia board member and alternate expire Dec. 31, 2024.
The United States Department of Agriculture requires two nominees for each position of member and alternate. The National Peanut Board will submit Georgia’s slate of nominees to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who makes the appointments.
The National Peanut Board encourages inclusion of persons of any race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status. NPB encourages all persons who qualify as peanut producers to attend the meeting and run for nomination.
It is USDA’s policy that membership on industry-government boards and committees accurately reflect the diversity of individuals served by the programs.
About the Georgia Peanut Commission
The Georgia Peanut Commission has been working on the behalf of Georgia’s peanut farmers since 1961 in the areas of promotion, research and education.
About the National Peanut Board
The National Peanut Board represents all USA peanut farmers and their families. The mission of the Board is to improve the economic condition of USA peanut farmers and their families through compelling promotion and groundbreaking research.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Joy Crosby, 229-386-3690, joycrosby@gapeanuts.com
Plans under way for Georgia Peanut Farm Show Jan. 18, 2024, in Tifton
TIFTON, Ga. — Producers can improve the bottom-line of their farming operation with knowledge, connections and information gained at the 47th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference, held at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center, Jan. 18, 2024. The show hours will be 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Peanut farmers and those involved in the peanut industry will be able to learn more about the latest products, services and peanut research at the show, which is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission.
The show offers farmers an opportunity to view the products and services of more than 100 exhibitors and educational programs. The Georgia Peanut Commission, in cooperation with the OneBlood, will also host a blood drive from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. during the show.
The University of Georgia Peanut Team will present an educational peanut production seminar from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m., titled, “Taking a Step Forward.” UGA specialists will present information regarding the yield and quality of 2023 peanuts and what to expect in 2024, weed, disease and nematode management for 2024 and sustainability in Georgia peanut production. Farmers will have the opportunity to earn private or commercial pesticide applicator certification.
An Industry Seed Seminar will also be held from 10:35 to 11:35 a.m. during the show. This event is sponsored by the American Peanut Shellers Association Committee on Variety & Seed Development, the Georgia Peanut Commission, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation and the U.S. Peanut Federation. Growers will be able to learn about peanut varieties available for 2024 and varieties on the horizon.
During the show, there will be a free luncheon at noon for all peanut farmers in attendance. The Georgia Peanut Commission will also present a short program beginning at 12:15 p.m. with award presentations and an update from the National Peanut Board and Washington, D.C.
During this year’s show, Kelley Manufacturing Co. is providing the Grand Door Prize of one season’s use (2024) of a new peanut combine (choice of four-row, six-row or combine with Unload-On-The-Go option) and $5,000 cash money. At the end of the 2024 season, the winner has the option of purchasing the combine from an authorized KMC dealer with $15,000 off the list price. In lieu of the combine, the winner may choose the use of another KMC peanut harvest implement with a 10 percent discount off the list price for purchase.
Additionally, farmers can register to win the Grower Prize, donated by Amadas Industries. This prize includes a certificate good for $15,000.00 towards the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled peanut combine or $7,500 towards the purchase of a new four-row or six-row Amadas pull-type combine or $4,500 towards the purchase of a new Amadas six-row or eight-row peanut digger or $1,500 towards the purchase of a new Amadas peanut dump cart and a customized Grizzly cooler. Amadas is also offering a second prize including a customized Grizzly cooler containing a certificate good for a parts credit of $1,500 for Amadas parts through a local authorized Amadas dealer.
The winners of the Grand Door Prize and the Grower Prize must be certified peanut farmers with an FSA farm number and present to win.
For more information on the show, contact GPC at 229-386-3470 or online at www.gapeanuts.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Cotton Commission
Taylor Sills, 478-696-3781, taylor@georgiacotton.org
Georgia cotton farmers donate socks to homeless shelters
On behalf of Georgia’s 3,500 cotton farming families, the Georgia Cotton Commission recently donated 12,000 pairs of socks to various homeless shelters across the state.
Farmers delivered socks to the Albany Rescue Mission, Jackson County Family Connection in Jefferson, Lowndes Associated Ministries to People in Valdosta, the Southwest Georgia Housing Opportunities in Columbus, The Sparrow’s Nest in Athens, North Georgia Community Action in Summerville, the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia in Macon, the Atlanta Mission, the CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority in Augusta, the Safe Harbor Center in St. Mary’s, Southwest Georgia Community Action in Moultrie, and the Homeless Authority in Savannah.
Georgia Cotton Commission Chairman Bart Davis, a cotton farmer from Colquitt County, said, “As a cotton producer, it gives me great joy to be able to give back to our state in such a meaningful and positive way. Especially during this Christmas season, we hope the donation of cotton socks across the state blesses people who truly need a little extra at this time of year.”
The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry, Georgia. The Commission began in 1965. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the Commission to invest in programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of all cotton producers of Georgia. For more information about the Georgia Cotton Commission please call (478) 988-4235 or visit us on the web at www.georgiacottoncommission.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Joy Crosby, 229-386-3690, joycrosby@gapeanuts.com
Burch and Boddiford renominated for Georgia Peanut Commission board
TIFTON, Ga. — Tim Burch, Baker County farmer, and Joe Boddiford, Screven County farmer, were both renominated without opposition to the Georgia Peanut Commission board of directors at nomination meetings held on Dec. 13, 2023. The Georgia Farm Bureau Federation conducted the nomination meetings for the commission’s district one and three.
Burch and Boddiford previously held the seat for their respective district, which expires Dec. 31, 2023. Now, after renomination, they will serve Georgia peanut farmers on the board for the next three years.
The Georgia peanut production area is divided into five districts based on acreage distribution and geographical location with one board member representing each district. Additional board members include: Ross Kendrick of Turner County, representing district two; Rodney Dawson of Pulaski County, representing district four; and Donald Chase of Macon County, representing district five.
The Georgia Peanut Commission represents more than 4,500 peanut farm families in the state and conducts programs in the areas of research, promotion and education. For more information on the programs of the Georgia Peanut Commission, visit www.gapeanuts.com.
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