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