James March-April 2024 online - Flipbook - Page 4
P U B L I S H E R ’ S M ES SAG E
GEORGIANS NEED TO KNOW THE “TOP INFLUENCERS” WHO IMPACT OUR LIVES
ost Georgians know who
their governor is. But who
are the top captains of industry who influence politics while striving to make Georgia the No. 1 state
in which to do business? And who
are powerful Georgians in and out of
government who help establish our
state’s political priorities? Who are
the leading influencers, ranging from
judges and educators to those in the
media, who shape Georgia’s culture
and impact our daily lives?
Georgians need to know. That’s
why James, as a public service, compiles a roster of well-connected individuals in their fields of endeavor for
our “Most Influential” edition. You’ll
see many familiar names as well as
new ones in brief bios and extensive
chart listings. Some names have also
been dropped from last year. To paraphrase the late Frank Sinatra, some
were “riding high” last year and “shot
down” this year (especially at the ballot box). Others either retired, moved
away or passed away.
Obviously, this list is incomplete.
We no doubt have left out some important people in various parts of the
state who wield significant overt or
covert influence. However, we always
count on our readers to point out
omissions and submit their names for
consideration for next year’s James.
As for our “Georgian of the Year,”
Georgia Department of Transportation
Commissioner Russell McMurry is an
especially appropriate choice. Consider that the affable, hard-working Hart
County native landed a GDOT job
after college graduation, rose through
GDOT ranks and now directs the nation’s 10th largest transportation system that impacts the lives and wallets
of every Georgian.
M
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JAMES
M ARCH/ A PR IL 2024
James has also chosen— on a bipartisan basis— three “2024 Top State
Lawmakers” to salute for exceptional
public service. Two of these lawmakers aren’t in “top” leadership positions,
but they are impressive leaders: GOP
Rep. Houston Gaines and Democrat
Sen. Sonya Halpern. Our third honoree
is state House Majority Leader Chuck
Efstration, whose colleagues selected
him for that post in late 2022.
We believe this roll call of accomplished Georgians who are the guiding
lights of our state’s business, political,
legal and media circles is an instructive snapshot in time. After all, their
ideas and actions affect all Georgians.
Healthcare, Business & Education
Just about every issue of James
focuses on healthcare. That’s why
we’re pleased to publish a “CEO Spotlight” interview with Neil Pruitt, Jr.
of PruittHealth, as well as a piece by
consultant Laurie Ott with the Augusta-based Georgia Higher Education
Health Initiative on the pressing need
for more nurses.
It can be said that the “business of
Georgia is business.” In this context,
Randy Davidson writes that Georgia
has the most equipped economy in
the country to ride what he calls “a
creative economy tidal wave.” He
especially notes that Georgia’s film tax
incentive program is a big funder of
this creative economy. And continuing
with this business theme, staff writer
Baker Owens reports on the growing
economic impact of some of metro Atlanta’s important Community Improvement Districts (CIDs).
The important topic of education,
which affects Georgia’s economic and
workforce development, compels us
to feature our state’s public/private
colleges and universities, as well as
technical colleges. In this issue we
highlight two institutions experiencing
educational growth and success: Georgia Military College and Dalton State
College. Also, Matt Smith’s column on
using state reserves to invest in schools
and communities is a must-read.
On a personal note, I’ve visited the
island of Taiwan several times during
my journalism career. The mainland
Chinese Communists never conquered
this staunch U.S. ally, and since 1949
it has grown into an economic dynamo. In my interview with Elliot Wang,
director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta,
he speaks of our shared democratic
values and the desire to increase economic and cultural ties with Georgia.
He even hopes that Gov. Brian Kemp
will lead a trade delegation to Taiwan.
Finally, we publish a reflective
piece by our own Georgian-turned-Floridian Matt Towery on how he feels
the rest of the country views our state.
It’s certainly thought-provoking.
The Sippin’ Local Readers’ Poll
Our annual online Sippin’ Local
poll results of readers’ favorite Georgia
breweries, wineries and distilleries
will be in the May-June James. The
poll opens on March 11th, so visit our
website at jamesmagazinega.com and
click on the VOTE HERE tab to cast
your ballot. The top 10 in each category will be listed and the No. 1 ranked
business in each category will be
highlighted in the Sippin’ Local feature.
PHI L KENT CEO & P UB LI S HER
