FROM THE COVER
Time to Get in the Game
It ’ s time to get off the sidelines . It ’ s time to stop watching others score big while you and your county fall further behind . It ’ s time to make a difference in your community .
It ’ s time to Get in the Game at the Association ’ s 89th Annual Convention on Aug . 22-24 .
You ’ ll find everything you need during the Association ’ s yearly gathering of everyone in Alabama government . This year ’ s General Session will feature Gov . Kay Ivey , Attorney General Steve Marshall , and veteran county officials who have become All-Americans in their local communities .
Educational sessions to give you the information and insight to “ tackle ” your problems . Advice and experiences from your peers that will help you “ hit a home run ” back in your community . And the inside scoop on the newest trends and resources to give you the edge on the “ competition .”
The Convention kicks off with a day of committee and affiliate meetings and the jam-packed Exhibitors Showcase on Tuesday , Aug . 22 . Close out the evening with a reception and then you can turn your focus to two days of education to help you Get in the Game .
New Leadership and New Ideas
This year the people of Alabama have welcomed many new leaders to the forefront of state government . These new leaders come with distinct perspectives and fresh ideas , but they ’ re looking to you to be the continued voice of local government . The Association is honored to welcome Gov . Kay Ivey , Attorney General Steve Marshall , Alabama Department of Economic
8 | COUNTY COMMISSION and Community Affairs ( ADECA ) Director Kenneth Boswell and the candidates for Alabama ’ s U . S . Senate seat as speakers at this year ’ s Convention . These leaders will share their vision for Alabama ’ s future and address ways that federal , state and county governments can work together toward a better Alabama .
You can ’ t Get in the Game if you don ’ t know the players .
Improving your Swing
County government begins and ends with you . The Annual Convention will give you the opportunity to learn something new , listen to different perspectives , ask questions , and become a better leader . Voices from the Courthouse is a new session that will feature county leaders sharing insight , lessons-learned and guidance in a roundtable discussion moderated by NPR National Correspondent Debbie Elliott .
Educational Sessions Targeted for Everyone
Thursday ’ s events are highlighted by educational sessions that are focused and detailed for every affiliate group and for county commissioners from throughout the state .
No matter your role in county government , this year ’ s sessions will be relevant to you . The breakout sessions are the most important piece of this year ’ s Annual Convention , and the Association staff has chosen unique topics to ensure that county leaders in every position have the opportunity to learn something new . Highlights from the breakout sessions include :
• How does a county implement Amendment 4 programs such as employee safety programs , community litter control programs , or procedures for disposal of unclaimed property ?
• Where does ATRIP-2 go from here ?
• What are the requirements for the new solid waste permitting process ?
• What impact does the new exemption certificate process have on county revenue ?
• What steps must be taken to implement the new “ Medicaid for Inmates ” law ?
• And many , many more
Developing the Game Plan
All county officials and employees will be given the opportunity to provide insight and comment on the Association ’ s policy direction for the coming year during an interactive and lively afternoon session on Thursday . You won ’ t want to miss the chance to offer your opinions and to shape how the Association will Get in the Game in the coming months .
County employees and officials will be honored for their accomplishments and achievements during the past year at the Association ’ s Awards Ceremony , and then the counties will select their leadership for 2018 during the Business Session .
Close it Out The convention will again conclude with its annual banquet , giving all county officials and employees the chance to hear President-Elect Steve McKinnon of Dale County outline his vision for the unified voice of county government over the coming year . n