On August 27, the Rotary Club of Americus held a joint meeting with the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce featuring Scott Hilton, Executive Director of the Georgians First Commission. Rotary Club president Rene Smith welcomed the crowd and introduced Mr. Hilton, informed everyone assembled that for over 100 years Rotarians in Americus have practiced Service Above Self to make a difference in the world, and shared that Rotarians were honored to co-host the event along with other leaders from the community and state. The Georgians First Commission was established by Governor Kemp on January 14, 2019, to review state regulations, policies, and procedures in order to streamline government, remove inefficiencies, and secure Georgia's place as the top state for small business in the country. The Commission plans input sessions with every region of the State via their website, regional listening sessions, and numerous events within Georgia's small business communities in order to fulfill its mission.

Nearly 70 local leaders from the Americus area were in attendance for the meeting which was held on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University. For additional information on the commission, how to join a task force committee or focus group, and or to host a meeting to generate ideas using professional networks, participants were asked to visit the website at https://georgiansfirst.georgia.gov/.

Pictured: Scott Hilton addressing the crowd and with Mrs. Faith Pinnell, Chair, Sumter County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Rene Smith, President of the Americus Rotary Club.