James Nov-Dec 2023 web - Flipbook - Page 4
P U B L I S H E R ’ S M ES SAG E
Georgia’s eco n o m y m ov es fo rwa r d .
Our nat i o n n ot s o m uc h .
G
eorgia’s colonial founding father James Oglethorpe (for whom this magazine is named) was fascinated with how business, politics and culture intersect. That’s why James strives to explore and explain
Georgia’s important business/political world. And it’s
the reason why, for this Business Issue, we commissioned Georgia Economic Development Commissioner
Pat Wilson and Georgia Chamber of Commerce CEO
Chris Clark to report on the state of our state’s business environment.
After reading their columns, Georgians should feel
good about our economic development, job growth,
educated workforce, infrastructure progress and reliable
state governance. Remember, too, that Georgia’s coveted AAA-bond rating remains secure, which demonstrates the state’s financial stability.
Our interview with the Georgia Research Alliance’s
outgoing board chairman David Ratcliffe provides another heartening look into how Georgia’s economy grows by
the recruitment of world-class experts to expand university research and entrepreneurship in our state.
Unfortunately, however, our nation’s economic
stability is another matter. Inflation remains a huge
political problem because it is eroding the real wages of
workers— and the Biden administration’s deficit spending since 2021 is the main cause of inflation. It caused
our national debt to exceed an incredible $230,000 per
household. (Gov. Brian Kemp cites inflation as the main
reason he suspended the state’s gasoline tax so he
could give consumers a price break at the gas pump.)
Congress would be wise to heed warnings to pause
any further gargantuan spending packages. Consumers
of all political stripes know how much more they’re being
gouged for everything ranging from groceries to gasoline.
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OTHER C OMPELLING TOPICS
Continuing with the business/political theme, we
asked Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Democrat
Senate Minority Leader Gloria Butler to inform readers of their respective parties’ legislative priorities. It
gives perspective of what to expect starting in January when the General Assembly convenes.
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JAMES
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Our nation must make a renewed effort to give our
military veterans, wounded warriors and their families all the respect, opportunities and support they
deserve. That’s why your publisher decided to write
a cover story salute to Georgia veterans and their
service. Many benefits and services are available to
Georgia’s veterans but all too many are not aware of
them. This feature also strives to share some important veterans-related information to help in this
awareness effort.
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2023 is a transformational year that is experiencing
a monumental new force— artificial intelligence. AI
is already starting to shape how we will live and the
work we’ll do. A lot of things will never be the same,
so attorney Courtney Kramer gives readers the pros
and cons of AI as she looks into the future.
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As for education, we present updates from the presidents of two fine institutions— Clayton State University and Berry College. Also, PCOM South Georgia
graduate Christian Edwards writes about the impact
of now having a medical school in Moultrie. And Matt
Smith, in a wide-ranging column, underscores the
need for employers to partner with education leaders
at the local and state levels to create education-to-career pipelines for their specific workforce sector that
prepare high school graduates and adults.
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Regarding the aforementioned James Oglethorpe,
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond submitted
an exclusive column on Georgia’s first real “governor.” Oglethorpe was an exceptional and interesting
individual for his time, and Thurmond’s extensive
research supplies readers with the “inside story” that
you probably never knew.
Along with bringing you these topics and others our
staff wishes all our valued advertisers and readers a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a prosperous 2024.
PHIL KENT CEO & PUBLISHER
NOVEM B E R/D EC E M B E R 2 0 2 3