Press Releases
2025 Summer Newsletter | July 2025
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A Message from the GGFOA PResident
GGFOA Members, As the summer sun shines brightly across Georgia, I hope each of you finds time to recharge while continuing to make strides in your professional endeavors. Summer is often a season of energy, reflection, and preparation — and here at GGFOA, we are embracing all three. Our organization has been hard at work over the last few months. Thanks to the continued efforts of the Board and Committee Chairs, we are preparing for an exceptional 40th Annual Conference, keeping the website up-to-date, and exploring new ways to serve you better. I want to thank our Scholarship Committee Chair, Jonathan Smith, for his efforts in promoting our scholarship offerings. Applications are posted on the GGFOA website at https://ggfoa.org/Scholarships
Looking ahead, we have exciting events and developments: GGFOA 40th Fall Conference October 12-15 | Athens Classic Center Webinars Spring Seminar Georgia Public Funds Investment Seminar Ashlan Troutman and I are meeting with Public Trust Advisors on July 14th to finalize plans for the next quarterly Georgia Public Funds Investment Seminar. We’re aiming to hold this session before October in the North Georgia region–more details to come!
GGFOA remains committed to supporting finance professionals across Georgia. As we move through the rest of the year, I encourage each of you to take full advantage of the resources, training, and networking opportunities available through our organization. Thank you for being a part of this incredible community. I look forward to connecting with you soon — whether online, during the Wednesday News You Can Use series, or at our 40th Fall Conference. Enjoy your summer, and continue striving for excellence in all that you do! Best regards, Linda Cook GGFOA President Committee NewsWe’re excited to announce that our scholarship applications have been updated and are now open for submissions! This is a great opportunity to receive financial support for your educational and professional goals. Visit our website to learn more and apply: https://ggfoa.org/Scholarships For any questions, please feel free to reach out to our Scholarship/Awards Committee Chair, Jonathan Smith, at [email protected]. Legislative UpdateThis report outlines key bills related to local government finance considered during the 2025 Georgia General Assembly session. Click here to read the full summary. For questions or comments, please contact our Government Relations & Strategic Planning Committee Chair, Carlos Encinas, at [email protected]. ArticleAudit Readiness: A Marathon, Not a SprintThis article breaks down key steps Georgia municipalities can take to prepare for smooth, successful audits–from monthly reconciliations to strong internal controls and organized documentations. Learn how proactive planning today can protect funding, ensure compliance, and build public trust. Read the full article. ArticleWhen Is a Gift a Bribe?In government, even small gifts from vendors raise ethical concerns. This article explores how to recognize the line between a token of appreciation and a potential bribe, offering real-world examples and practical guidance on gift policies, disclosure, and fraud risks. Read the full article. ArticleWhat 737 GFOA Award-Winners Have in CommonEarning the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award signals a government’s commitment to transparency, strategy, and public trust. Learn how agencies are using modern tools like OpenGov to turn budgets into performance-driven plans. Read the full article. ArticleHow Priority-Based Budgeting Supports Goals and Saves MoneyTraditional line-item budgeting is no longer enough. This article explores how priority-based budgeting helps governments align spending with community values, uncover new revenue opportunities, and make data-driven decisions–even in tough fiscal times. With modern tools and AI, it’s easier than ever to optimize impact and fund what matters most. Read the full article.
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