Inside the GFC [Summer 2010]

Inside The GFC
Doing the Right Things Right!

Summer 2010

News from The Georgia Forestry Commission

On the Inside:
Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy invites GFC personnel to dedication ceremony. Page 2
Kids enjoy fishing rodeo at Bartram. Page 9
GFC personnel work hard to update districts/ units. Page 10

Letter from the Director
Dear GFC Professionals,
I hope you've found a cool place to sit down and enjoy our GFC summer newsletter. In this kind of heat we all need to remember that water and a break can help us through the day, and getting an update on your GFC family while you're doing it sounds great to me!
Thanks so much for your positive response to the Employee Satisfaction Survey video modules. We've heard from many of you that the information the modules contained is help-ing you understand the Leadership Team's intention to act on your concerns and suggestions for internal agency improvement. While Hannah and I might not rival Katie Couric and Matt Lauer, it was our hope that video communication would be one more way we could ensure all employees heard the important messages that resulted from the survey. The survey results, in both video and print form, can be viewed on the GFC intranet at Customer Service.
The Employee Satisfaction Survey and Statewide Interview project produced results that I fully expect to improve GFC customer and employee satisfaction. From your survey input and interviews conducted throughout the state, four field teams made specific recommendations to the Implementation Team. That team then created propositions for improvement that were presented to the Leadership Team in June. The LT is now actively working to address those propositions. A number of areas of opportunity exist, and I can assure you, we will tackle each one, starting yesterday.
It is great to note that the GFC led all agencies in recognizing the importance of first-class customer service. I am also pleased to see that the survey showed the majority of our GFC team is happy in their jobs. Eighty-four percent of our employees take great pride in the work they do, and almost 75% enjoy good camaraderie with co-workers. The professionals working with us on this initiative have clearly documented that these factors are the top drivers of employee satisfaction, no matter where you work. Yet, there's work to be done, and much of it centers around communication. At all levels, the survey shows communication improvements are needed - between management levels, about job descriptions, training, and agency systems, and even in the way information is shared. Those issues impact everything we do and affect our views on credibility, fairness and respect. Again, I believe that together, with honesty and resolve, we can make improvements that make us a better agency, comprised of more satisfied employees.
In coming weeks you'll be hearing more about the Strategic Planning that will emerge from the recently-completed Georgia Forest Assessment and Strategies (available for download on GaTrees.org). In July, a stakeholder meeting was held in Macon to gather input from our valued customers about their vision of the future state of forestry in Georgia and their expectations of the GFC. In August, meetings will be held in each of our 10 districts to ask the same of you. To help you prepare, I advise you to get familiar with the information in the Assessment and Strategies and think about how we can work with our partners to most effectively accomplish the strategies outlined in the document. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of the GFC!
With your input, we will fine-tune strategies throughout September to develop specific strategies, actions, timelines and metrics that each of us will contribute to make our vision a reality. Then in October, the final plan that you help us develop will be released. It will serve both as a compass and a detailed map on our road to continuous improvement and your involvement and input is crucial to the process.
With your continued participation and commitment, every GFC employee and customer will trust our commitment to do the Right Things the Right Way.
RTR!
2009 Customer Service Agency of the Year
Published Quarterly for the Employees of The Georgia Forestry Commission by the Communications Department.

First row from left: Chief Ranger Randy Teal; Mr. & Mrs. Truett Cathy; District Ranger Willie Boston, Newnan District; Ranger 1 Billy Lee and Ranger 1 Jared Penny. Second row: Ranger 1 Jeff Sanders.

Chick-fil-A Founder Cathy Hosts GFC

GFC's Upson Unit was on hand recently when Chickfil-A founder Truett Cathy invited personnel to the dedication ceremony for a new meeting facility. Truett's Barn at The Rock Ranch will hold Cathy's extensive antique collection. The site also features a large meeting and training room and a large special event room. In attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony and barbecue

lunch were the Cathy family, Chamber of Commerce officials and representatives from local and state governments. Those in attendance were treated to a free barbecue meal prepared onsite by The Rock Ranch. Mr. Cathy requested his picture be taken with the GFC personnel and each member of the GFC team received a copy of the photo.

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SMOKEY Meets and Greets
Children at Tabernacle Lake
More than 600 mentally and physically handicapped children enjoyed meeting Smokey Bear and learning about fire prevention during a special presentation by the Monroe County Unit and two Upson County GFC Professionals at the Tabernacle Lake Tri-County Program.

Farm City Day at Crawford Elementary

Crawford County Elementary School students got an up-close look at the many faces of farming when GFC Professionals helped stage "Farm City Day" on April 20. The event was staged in a small field near the school where Crawford County High Agriculture students helped showcase farm life in the 21 century with displays of some 25-30 aspects of farming. Types of farming featured included livestock, exotic animal, row crop, vegetable, fruit and tree farming. GFC

Ranger 1's Nick Tresco and Robert Carswell talked to around 350 students and their teachers about how the Georgia Forestry Commission fits into farming. Students learned how GFC protects farms from the destruction of wildfire and how the agency assists tree farmers from planting time to harvest time. Despite a light drizzle of rain, the event received rave reviews from the teachers and children, including the big kids of GFC!

Ranger 1 Robert Carswell explains that forestry is a farming practice...and that the professional management of fire is part of the tree farming practice.
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Bartow County Hosts the Georgia Basic Wildland Firefighter Training
GFC's Tommy Hawkins, Denise Coker and Steve Gray shared their expertise May 15-16 by teaching 18 students the ins and outs of fighting wildfire. The twoday training session included 12 hours of classroom, four hours in the field with live fire, and several hours of self-study. Subjects covered included fire behavior, weather, hand tools, firing devices and fire shelter deployment. The FFT2 class was hosted by the Bartow County Fire Department.

Fire Investigator Training Held at Bartram Forest
All Chief Rangers and several rangers from the Milledgeville District attended a two-day training session presented by the GFC Investigator Team in May. The group learned how to determine and protect a fire's point of origin, how to mark and record evidence and facts about forestry laws pertaining to illegal burns. Everyone who completed the course received an FI-110 Wildland Fire Investigation certificate.

Students learn about firing devices and using hand tools.

Tom Wooten, Nick Tresco, Jimmy Kennedy and others investigate and protect a possible arson site.

Fire shelter deployment was one topic covered in GBWF training.

Investigator Gregory Daughtridge reviews tips on investigating and protecting evidence.
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Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College Hosts Conservation Workshop

The Natural Resources Conservation Workshop was held at Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College June 13-17. The 49th annual conference consisted of classes and experiences designed to enhance natural resource

learning opportunities for high school students. Department of Natural Resources and GFC personnel staffed learning stations and presented seminars.

District Forester Greg Findley makes a forest management presentation.

Joe Thompson presents information about fire protection equipment.

Forester Matt Roach shares his forest management expertise.

Tim Weaver talks fire protection.

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Teacher Conservation Workshop
Georgia teachers gained knowledge about Georgia forestry and the state's other natural resources during a week-long conservation workshop in June. The Jasper-Jones Unit assisted with demonstrations and learning sessions focusing on forest management practices.
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Forestry Furnishes Summer Fun
Coweta office personnel, along with forester Jeff Kastle, went to Cochran Mill Nature Center in South Fulton County recently to boost the children's knowledge of everything forestry. The young participants enjoyed instruction in measuring trees, tree identification, water quality, and general forestry. The unit assists at the camp every other week during the summer.
Forester Jeff Kastle from the Gainesville DO shows a group how to measure trees.

Forest Health Management Group Conducts Training Seminars
The Forest Health Management Group conducted two training seminars in March to introduce a new weapon in its arsenal to combat invasive plants in Georgia. At presentations in Baxley and Statesboro, the herbicide "Clearcast" was introduced by BASF to combat Chinese Tallowtree and several other invasive plants across the southeastern United States. Clearcast can be applied from the air, ground or by direct injection. Notably, only Tallowtree is affected by Clearcast; any drift or application over desirable hardwood and pine will not harm them.
Both of the meetings were well attended by landowners, consultant foresters, Georgia Forestry Commission personnel and industry representatives. The U.S. Forest Service also took part in the presentation, discussing its relationship with the GFC and how the Forest Health group interacts with its federal partners. Brian Snow with GFC's Water Quality group made a presentation on pending and current court cases directly relating to water quality issues in southeast Georgia, and how these issues could impact its ability to conduct forest management and harvesting statewide. James Johnson, Chief of Forest Management, and Scott Griffin, Interim Coordinator for Forest Health, made presentations on how the Forest Health group, in coordination with internal and external partners, is improving its education and leadership methods to enrich the quality of life in Georgia.
Those who attended both meetings received five hours of continuing forestry and logger credits, pesticide applicator credits and certified arborist credits.

Ranger 1 Dusty Griglen from the Coweta/Fayette/ S. Fulton Unit explains how to use an increment borer.
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Chinese Tallowtree

Butts Co. Commission Approves Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Chief Ranger Jenny Lynn Bruner of the Butts/Monroe Unit presents the county's Community Wildfire Protection Plan to Butts County Commissioners. The CWPP was approved by the commission.

Chief Ranger Jenny Lynn Bruner presents the CWPP to the Butts Co. Commission

Houston County Prepares for Gypsy Moths
GFC Rangers Willie Vance, Nick Tresco and Robert Carswell were busy in May preparing for battle with a destructive forest pest. The team assembled and placed 225 red, triangular boxes specially designed to trap gypsy moths throughout Houston county. Traps have also been placed in 22 other Georgia counties. The traps will be left out until early July, when they will be collected and inspected for moths.
Ranger 1 Willie Vance sets a gypsy moth trap.

GFC Employees Help with the Gulf Coast Oil Spill

The GFC has deployed 54 employees to missions assisting the USFWS with their response to the Gulf oil spill. The incident "Mississippi Canyon 252 Oil Spill" is being headed up by BP and the US Coast Guard. The USFWS is participating assessing and responding to damage to wildlife and its habitat. The wildlife operation is headquartered in Atlanta (13) at

the FWS regional office with field branch operations in Houma, LA (10) and Mobile, AL (31). The field offices are conducting wildlife assessments at various beach locations across the Gulf from Florida to Texas. There are currently 22 actively deployed. The incident is expected to last for many more months with more opportunities for GFC to help.

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Fishing for Fun at Bartram

GFC's Eric Mosley and his son, Scout, wait patiently for "the big one."
The temperature was hot, but the fish were biting at Bartram Educational Forest's annual Kids Fishing Rodeo on June 12. More than 70 people joined the fun, which included a fishing contest at the Bartram pond and a complimentary lunch donated by event sponsors. More than 300 catfish and several grass carp were reeled in by the children and trophies were awarded to those who caught

Weighing the day's catch is half the fun!
the biggest fish. Bartram Forest Coordinator Eric Mosley and GFC colleagues Troy Clymer, Dane Bass, Danny Gore, Robert Carswell and Jimmy Kennedy served as staff volunteers. Major event partners included Oconee River RC&D Council, Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Milledgeville Kiwanis.

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Out with the old... in with the new!
Thanks to everyone for all their hard work.

Camilla DO gets a new roof. Due to the heat, they begin at sunrise each morning.

Ranger I Chris Brooks cooked for the hardworking crew at the Camilla DO.
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(continued on next page)

(continued from previous page) Calhoun Co. Unit before and after getting a new roof.

Thomas Co. Unit gets a new roof.

Forestry crew puts new roof on the Worth Co. Unit. 11

(continued on next page)

(continued from previous page)

The tower at the Tifton Co. Unit received new steps and landing. Pictured are Ranger I's Eddie Weldon,
Joe Thompson, Rickey Latham & Don Tawzer.

New flooring in the Marion Co. Unit. Macon Co., Harris Co., Stewart Co. and the
Americus D.O. also received new flooring.

Calhoun Co. Unit Displays New Seedling Sign
The Calhoun Unit looks really good now that it boasts a new roof, a new shed and a handsome new sign promoting GFC seedlings. Could your Unit reach customers and boost seedling sales by putting up a sign too?
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Statesboro District Participates in Several Events
The week-long Pine Tree Festival and Southeast Timber Expo held in Swainsboro was a great success. This event drew landowners, foresters, and teachers from surrounding areas, as well as a couple of thousand kids from local schools. A big thanks goes out to Doug Chassereau and Emanuel County Forestry Unit personnel for their hard work and dedication in making this event successful.
Management Forester Aaron Burton helps a forester sign up for CFE credits and Chief Ranger Doug Chassereau shares prescribed burning tips with a landowner.
The Annual Candler County FFA Young Farmers Appreciation Day was held at the Candler County Forestry Unit on April 30. Thanks to Ranger II Jerry Holloway and Ranger I Bill Bird for hosting this event.

Students, teachers and other school personnel enjoy a fish fry under the Candler Unit's truck shed.

Byron Haire and Paul Hodges represented the Georgia Forestry Commission on May 27 by participating in the Agriculture Appreciation Dinner & Trade Show presented by Ag South Farm Credit. The event was held in Brooklet at Southeast Bulloch High School's Multipurpose Agricultural Facility. This was a great opportunity to get our name out into the agricultural community and to share the services and mission of the GFC.

Emanuel County hosted the Georgia FFA Forestry Career Development Event on May 5, which was sponsored by the Pine Tree Festival & Timber Expo and Southeastern Tech Foundation. Earlier in April, the regional FFA Forestry Career Development field day was held at the George L. Smith State Park in Emanuel County. Much of District 10 and District 6 personnel helped judge various forestry events for both field days.

The Coastal Empire Boy Scouts celebrated their 100th Anniversary Scout Jamborama on May 1 at the Kiwanis Fair Grounds in Statesboro. Many of the Statesboro district personnel assisted with various activities such as tree identification, teaching sessions and more.

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Congratulations...

Alan Dozier Awarded Silver Smokey Bear Award

Alan Dozier and wife, Arlene

The Georgia Forestry Commission's Chief of Forest Protection, Alan Dozier, was presented with the prestigious Silver Smokey Bear Award at the Southern Group of State Foresters meeting in June. The Smokey Bear Awards are the highest national honor one can receive for outstanding work and significant program impact in wildland fire prevention.

"As Chief of Forest Protection, Alan has devoted over 10 years of his career to wildfire prevention not only for the state of Georgia, but also for the southern region and the nation," said Jim Hubbard, Deputy Chief of State and Private Forestry for the USDA Forest Service. "Alan has been a true fire prevention leader for the southern area, providing clear vision and incredible ability to lead by example. Alan has the ability to envision a project, execute a pilot version and then create a model for others to follow... and others do follow."

Dozier's list of achievements in his nearly 30 years with the GFC is as long as it is broad. He was a key player in developing the prescribed fire strategic plan for the state. This 20-year plan outlines ways to most efficiently and effectively use prescribed fire as a critical wildfire prevention tool. This prescribed fire strategic plan, which was created as an interagency coordinated plan by regional and national prescribed fire experts, is among the first of its kind in the nation.

In 2001, Dozier's efforts to increase pre-fire prevention education actually reduced the number of escaped debris burns in a time when the Keetch-Byram index was on the rise. He was able to place a measurable value on the efforts of fire prevention education teams and played a major role in the development of the statistically valid method that has become a National Fire Plan success story.
In addition to his role within the GFC, Dozier has never shied away from representing the Commission on various committees and task groups. He served eight years on the NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Committee, Chair of the Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment Steering Committee, ABAC/Warnell Advisory Committee, Georgia Fire Services Unification Committee, Georgia Prescribed Fire Council Steering Committee and on SERPPAS Smoke Management Committee.
"What stood out to me in Alan's acceptance speech was the fact that he did not take sole credit for all that he has achieved," explained GFC Director Robert Farris. "He made it a point to give full credit to his entire Team from our Rangers to arson investigators for working together to achieve an impressive list of accomplishments. Alan is a true asset to the GFC and we are all very proud of him for receiving this much-deserved recognition."
Alan grew up in what was once rural Cobb County and graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. He worked for John Clark Chartered Foresters in the Florida panhandle briefly before joining the GFC. He has served in many roles here, including a Ranger 1 in Burke County, Forester for the McDuffie/Warren/ Glascock unit, a Ranger-Forester in Crawford/Peach County, Chief Ranger-Forester in Liberty/Bryan, Staff ForesterForest Protection, Associate Chief of Protection and now Chief of Protection. Alan and his wife celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary in July.
"I really appreciate the opportunity the Georgia Forestry Commission offers; allowing us to make a difference on the landscape level," said Dozier. "Georgia has fewer wildfires, healthier forests and safer communities because of our efforts. Every GFC employee deserves a part of this award."

During the 2007 wildfire season, Dozier pioneered a process for deploying the first Southern Regional Arson Task Force. He overcame numerous logistical and legal hurdles nationwide regarding the deployment of state fire law enforcement officers across state lines. The resulting process can now be used throughout the United States and was used as a foundation by which Georgia legislators strengthened the penalties for woods arson.

There are three levels of awards given each year: Gold, Silver and Bronze. All three categories are the highest level of recognition possible; the only distinction is the geographical sphere of the nominated work. Silver Smokey Bear Awards are given to organizations or individuals that have provided sustained outstanding regional service with significant program impact in wildland fire prevention over a period of at least two years.

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Congratulations...

Buck Kline Wins Weekly Update "Name Game"
Buck Kline, Chief Ranger Senior for the Echols/Lanier/ Lowndes Units, won more than just bragging rights when he submitted the winning name for the GFC's weekly update. As his official prize, GFC Director Robert Farris showed up at the Lowndes Unit on June 25 to cook lunch for Kline and his guests.

"The luncheon with Director Farris was informal and great!" said Kline. "We just ate and everyone had a great time, not to mention the food was really good. Director Farris even got to operate one of the new John Deere 750J fire plow units, and I have to say, I think he even liked it a little bit."
Kline submitted the name "GFC Headline News" for consideration in the "name game." A total of five submissions were selected as contest finalists. All five newsletter names were put out for a GFC vote, and Kline's entry took the top prize.

Director Farris helped cook and serve some great grub to GFC colleages at a special June luncheon for contest winner Buck Kline.
"GFC Headline News has improved our internal communications tremendously," stated Director Farris. "It is one of many initiatives that we've launched in direct response to the Employee Satisfaction Survey, so it's great to see it grow into something that our professionals look forward to receiving each week."

"I got a lot of pokes at my name suggestion," Kline explained. "After all, it sounds like I didn't put much thought in it. I thought of many possible name combinations, but I felt that the name GFC Headline News was what the `Updater' was all about."

GFC Headline News is distributed statewide to the agency by email every Friday. In it, Director Farris and program chiefs provide the latest information about their particular program areas. Each County Unit is asked to print and post the GFC Headline News on their bulletin boards every week so that it can be easily viewed by those with limited email access.

The Lowndes Unit shop was transformed into a dining hall when Buck Kline earned a team celebration lunch for naming GFC's Headline News.

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Congratulations...
Director Farris Presents Faithful Service Award

Champion Redbud Tree Found in Monroe County

Ranger 1 Jim Benson of the Monroe Co. Unit presents a certificate to Bill Basemore, owner of the Champion redbud Tree.

Forester Lisa Duncan receives her five-year Faithful Service Award from Director Farris.

GFC Names Nursery
Pro Internal Customer Service Champ

Ranger 1 Robert Hargrove of the Monroe Co. Unit recognizes award winner John Jensen, who found the Champion redbud tree.

Reforesta-

tion's Kenny

Thompson

Thompson

has earned a

distinctive honor from his GFC colleagues. The Flint

River Nursery forestry technician has been recognized

with the biannual GFC Internal Customer Service

Award. McRae District Manager Lane DeFee came

up with the idea for the award, which gives field

personnel the opportunity to recognize the co-worker who provides them the best customer service at the Macon office, personnel office and the nursery. Among the accolades submitted in Thompson's nominations were, "Always ready and willing to go the extra mile," "...never negative about his job or anything he talks to you about," "...remembers who you are and always does a good job delivering the trees," and "...someone who understands good internal customer service."

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A GFC

There are so many people who hate their job, their

Philosophy

boss, their co-workers, etc. I feel so very fortunate to

What is your work-related

have a job, a boss and coworkers that make coming to work each day some-

passion?

thing I look forward to. I

try to start off each morn-

What makes you ing with positive thinking

want to come to work?

to make each day go as smoothly as possible.

The following story titled:

Positive Thinking - First

Step Towards A Happy Life is one I think everyone could

learn something from:

Jerry is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!" He was a unique manager because he had several waiters who had followed him around from restaurant to restaurant.

I reflected on what Jerry said. Soon thereafter, I left the restaurant industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
Several years later, I heard that Jerry did something you are never supposed to do in a restaurant business - he left the back door open one morning and was held up at gun point by three armed robbers. While trying to open the safe, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jerry was found relatively quickly and rushed to the local trauma center. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Jerry was released from the hospital with fragments of the bullets still in his body.
I saw Jerry about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Wanna see my scars?" I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was that I should have locked the back door," Jerry replied. "Then, as I lay on the floor, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or I could choose to die. I chose to live."

The reason the waiters followed Jerry was because of his attitude. He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Jerry was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jerry and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. "How do you do it?" To this, Jerry replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, Jerry, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood."
"I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life."
"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested. "Yes, it is," Jerry said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line - it's your choice how you live life."

"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked. Jerry continued, "...the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read `he's a dead man.' I knew I needed to take action."
"What did you do?" I asked. "Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said Jerry. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. `Yes,' I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, `Bullets!' Over their laughter, I told them, `I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.'"
Jerry lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.
Positive thinking is the first step towards a happy life. Attitude is everything. If everyone applies just these, the whole world will live in happiness.
Thanks for all you do to make our lives and jobs more enjoyable at the GFC.
Submitted by a Forest Health Specialist

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Benefits Corner
State Health Benefit Plan and Health Care Reform (changes we know of to date)
No SHBP health plan or eligibility changes will occur during 2010 as a result of health care reform.
However, beginning January 1, 2011:
Dependent children, no matter what their marital status or student enrollment, can be covered until they turn 26 years old, unless they are eligible for coverage elsewhere;
Lifetime maximums will be removed currently, there is a $2 million lifetime cap for coverage for all members of SHBP, and this cap will be removed on January 1, 2011;
The exclusion for pre-existing conditions for dependent children under 19 has been removed;
It does not appear that benefits will change in 2011 for members with Medicare Advantage Plans as a result of Health Care Reform;
It is too early to determine what the costs for 2011 will be for Medicare Advantage Plans.

State Employees Credit Union
Did you know that the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) is a not-for-profit financial cooperative and membership is an ongoing benefit to full-time employees or retirees of any Georgia State Agency?
There are numerous benefits of being a member of SECU such as savings accounts (regular, Christmas club, IRAs, etc.), checking accounts, and loans (mortgage, vehicle, etc.).
Start saving immediately! All you need is an opening deposit of $7, which includes a $2 set-up fee and a $5 placement into your account and a completed membership form. Once joined, you can have deposits to your savings account deducted directly from your paycheck by signing up for payroll deduction and completing a Payroll Deduction Authorization Form.
Contact SECU at 800-659-7328 for additional information, forms, etc. or visit their website at www.secuga.org.

Summer Fun and Savings
Thinking about a family vacation destination? Located on 3,200 acres of natural beauty, Stone Mountain Park features a wide variety of fun family activities and as a
GFC employee you can get tickets to attractions at the park for a discounted price.
Just log-on to www.stonemountainpark.com/consignment and enter promotion code GFCSMP.

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New Hires
Anderson, Charles R. Bourgeois, Amanda Goodman, Josh L. Rawls, Benjamin J. Robertson, Ethan Suoto, Aaron Swaim, Katherine I. Wade, Christopher Ryan Williams, Charles E.

PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ranger 1 Executive Assistant Forest Technician ARRA Timber Sales Forester Forester Financial Services Worker Financial Services Worker Board Member

Candler-Evans Co. Central Office Staff-Director Waycross District Office Central Office Management Central Office Management Newnan District Office Central Office Protection Central Office Protection Central Office Staff-Director

Promotions
Cowart, Hannah Dartnell, Devon S. Haire III, Byron James Roach, Matt Sparrow, Mark Dunaway White, Gary Eugene

RPI Champion

Central Office Protection

RPI Champion

Central Office Staff-Director

District Ranger (Asst. Dist. Mgr.) Statesboro District Office

Sr. Forester

Camilla District Office

WUI Specialist

Gainesville District Office

Staff Forester SCFP

Urban Interface & Community Forest

Retirements Godwin,John Owens,Vernon E.

Chief Ranger Sr.

Early Co.

District Ranger (Asst. Dist. Mgr.) Statesboro District Office

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