News, policies and trends for all state government VOLUME 8, NO. 2 employees and agencies, published quarterly by the Georgia Merit System. SUMMER 2005 GEORGIA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: Leading the Way for a New Georgia INSIDE Veteran Benefits.........................2 Public Employee Recognition ...........................3-6 Leadership is an integral part of state government fulfilling Governor Sonny Perdue's vision to becoming the bestmanaged state in the nation. To ensure leaders are developed with competencies to increase organizational performance and workplace efficiency and effectiveness, Governor Perdue recently announced the Georgia Leadership Institute (GLI). The Leadership Institute was established by the Georgia Merit System, in collaboration with the Commission for a New Georgia. The goal of the Institute is to establish a common leadership framework for Georgia state government - language, concepts, and approaches that produce leaders and employees who are principle-centered, customer-focused and results-driven. Change is occurring rapidly in all aspects of the global workplace. In Georgia, 21 percent of the state's managers will become eligible for retirement over the next five years. As a result, Georgia may lose a large portion of its leadership cadre, taking with them much of Georgia's institutional knowledge. Steady development of leadership has to be a priority to ensure the growth and success of Georgia state government today and in the future. GLI is a learning system designed to equip leaders with the skills required to execute a strategic vision; provide exceptional customer service; motivate and empower people; promote good stewardship of the public's trust; uncover and act on new opportunities, and lead change. The uniqueness of GLI, is its development of leaders and potential leaders at all levels of state government, which is essential to future leadership success. Approximately 1,000 state employees are expected to attend the Institute during the first year. Eventually, more than 20,000 of the state's executives, managers, supervisors and high performing employees are expected to participate in some aspect of the GLI. The Institute has five program components. Institute programs support state agencies' efforts to develop employees who are positioned to assume various leadership roles and responsibilities, and charged with identifying, focusing on, and executing strategic priorities. Georgia is the first in the country to implement a formal public sector leadership program of this magnitude. Executive Leadership Program This program is designed for Georgia's top leadership - agency heads and their executive staff, and succession planning candidates. The Institute for Leadership Advancement at the Terry College of Business, UGA and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government provide this program. Participants will work on ideas and principals centered around personal leadership, creating high performance organizations, ethics and public values. Middle Manager Development Program This program is designed for state employees who are responsible for planning and directing the daily operation of organization units. At this level, the focus is on how to create purpose and strategy, improving professional and personal effectiveness, execution, team management, strategic planning, results-based budgeting and ethics. Middle managers will gain valuable tools, practices, and techniques for enhancing organization effectiveness, conducting successful negotiations, managing organizational conflicts, handling ethical dilemmas, and leading organizational changes. Continued on next page Key Dates To Remember PCL for Managers and Supervisors August 16, 2005 First Executive Leadership class August 21-24 New Georgia Forums August 18, 2005 First Middle Manager Development Program class January 11, 2006 First Supervisory Development Program class January 18, 2006 First Pre-Supervisory Development Program class January 25, 2006 Governor Perdue Appoints New Leadership Government Spotlight: Office of State Administrative Hearings......................................6 Tech Tip: Cellphones ..............7 Wellness: The Benefits of Magnesium ................................7 Mediation: Managing Relationships ..............................7 State Retirees ........................8-13 Training/Workforce Development:Results by Changing Your Habits............13 SCCP Governor's Cup Awards ......................................13 Money Matters: The Member Financial Services....................14 Test Your Vocabulary ............15 Work Tip: Is your Work About Money? ....................................15 Saluting Employees serving our State and Country ..................16 2005 WORK FORCE PLANNING CONFERENCE Page 2 Public Employee Recognition Page 3-6 GEORGIA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE Leading the Way for A New Georgia Page 16 HB 501 Established New Department of Driver Services House Bill 501 dismantles the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety (DMVS) and places the responsibility for issuing drivers licenses in the most efficient and customer-friendly manner possible under a new Department of Driver Services (DDS). Greg Dozier was Continued on page 2 New Legislation Realigns State's Financial Reporting System House Bill 293 realigns the state's financial reporting and financial system responsibilities under a new State Accounting Office. Lynn H. Vellinga, the state's first State Accounting Officer, was appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue in October 2004. Responsibilities under Vellinga include: Establishing statewide accounting and Continued on page 2 Leadership change for OPB and GSFC Governor Sonny Perdue appointed Tim Connell to serve as the president of the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC). Shelley Nickel will replace Tim Connell as director of the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget (OPB). A Governor's Office news release identified the changes in the agencies leadership as part of Governor Perdue's leadership development initiative. The mission of OPB is to improve state government operations and services by leading and assisting in the evaluation, development and implementation of budgets, plans, programs and policies. GSFC is responsible for the administration of Georgia's HOPE scholarship program as well as providing scholarships, grants, lowinterest loans, service-cancelable loans and loan guaranty services to residents of Georgia seeking financial assistance for education. Page 2 Summer 2005 Leadership Institute Continued from page 1 Supervisory Development Program Designed to enable current experienced first-line supervisors and/or newly promoted supervisors to lead and manage their operations and people effectively. Practices and techniques for managing operational activities and people are stressed. Participants will focus on subjects such as customer service, career development, communications, conflict resolution, and delegating strategies. Personnel law, process improvement, building commitment, competency development, and managing diversity are also areas of focus. Pre-Supervisory Development Program A program designed for high performing employees chosen by the agency as individuals who may be moving into the ranks of supervision. Foundational managerial and leadership skills are emphasized in this program. It will help participants gain an appreciation of the roles and functions of leaders and leadership in Georgia State Government. Principle-Centered Leadership Program This program is designed in two tracks, one for senior agency leaders' intact teams and the second for individual managers and supervisors who did not participate in the first track. The overall focus of this program is a common approach to successfully executing the agency's top priorities, as well as building a culture of effective communication, high trust, clarity, collaboration, and commitment. The New Georgia Forums These forums are also an area designed to provide opportunities for agency heads and senior officials to interact and learn of best practices, leading edge thinking, and powerful new tools of leadership and organizational development. Recognized experts and public officials, who are renowned for their achievements, will lead these sessions. To participate in the middle-manager, supervisory, and pre-supervisory programs, individuals must be nominated by their immediate supervisor, the agency training director and/or HR manager, and approved by the agency head or designee. For more information about Georgia Leadership Institute programs, upcoming events, or leadership resources visit the TeamGeorgia Connection Intranet site at www.team.georgia.gov, or visit www.gms.state.ga.us/leadershipInstitute. The Georgia Statement Volume 8, Number 2 State Personnel Board M. David Alalof, Chair Geri P. Thomas, Vice Chair Claybon J. Edwards, Member Melinda Langston, Member Georgia Merit System Peggy D. Rosser, Acting Commissioner Office of Communications and Marketing Deborah Williams, Managing Editor Carletta Henderson-Youngs, Editor Cleveland Clements, Copy Editor Torry Holmes, Graphic Designer Contributing Writers Tracey Paden, Clean Air Campaign Fonda Semerjian, State Employees Credit Union Harry Stumpf, Dept. of Veterans Service Susan Sports, Dept. of Driver Services The Georgia Statement is published quarterly for state employees by the Commissioner's Office of the Georgia Merit System. If you wish to submit comments or need to correct a distribution problem/address, contact Editor, The Georgia Statement, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite 504 West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334, call 404-657-0375, or Commissioner's Office at www.gms.state.ga.us/contact. If you have a disability and need this material in an alternative format, notify the Editor at the above address, or for TDD Relay Service only: 1-800-255-0056 (text telephone) or 1-800-255-0135 (voice). This publication is accessible on our website: www.gms.state.ga.us. The Georgia Merit System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Department of Driver Services Continued from page 1 appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue to serve as DDS Commissioner. The remaining functions of DMVS have been transferred to other state agencies; many to their original location prior to the formation of DMVS. The responsibility of tags and titles has been moved to the Department of Revenue (DOR). In addition to registration and titling of motor vehicles, DOR will assume responsibility for administering the electronic verification of motor vehicle insurance. HOV lane and vehicle safety enforcement was transferred to the Department of Public Safety, and regulatory rulemaking of weights and measures was transferred to the Department of Transportation. The DMVS Board will transition to serve as the Board of DDS. HB501 was effective July 1, 2005. State Accounting Office Continued from page 1 reporting standards and practices Operating and improving statewide State's financial and human capital management systems Preparing the state's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR); the annual audited financial statement for the entire state entity. Providing statewide financial information on interim basis. Training state accounting and payroll personnel in new polices, procedures and standards. Improving accountability, efficiencies and internal controls. Vellinga created a new Accounting Department, transferring staff and resources from the Audit Department, the Office of Planning and Budget and the Financial Systems Group of the Georgia Technology Authority. The accounting staff has met with all state agencies to set up procedures for completing the state's financial statements for FY2005 within six or seven months of year end, instead of the previous standard twelve month period. Are You Eligible for Assistance? A new MGIB benefit program has been established under the provisions of the FY2005 Ronald Reagan National Defense Authorization Act. Chapter 1607 provides educational assistance to members of the reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operations) as declared by the President or Congress. Members of a reserve component who served on active duty, on or after September 11, 2001, under title 10 U.S.C., for at least 90 consecutive days or more is eligible for Chapter 1607. Soldiers do not "pay" into this program. Get more information by calling the Department of Veterans Service at (404) 6562306/2322, or saahds@mindspring.com. Additional information is also available by website at http://sdvs.Georgia.gov Summer 2005 Page 3 PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RECOGNITION LEADERSHIP NOMINEES Name Mike Evans Sherma Francis Jennifer Tinker Edith Bass Linda Rawlings Tim Bonds Cynthia Clanton Dan Roach Virgil Costley Paul Lindner Sharlene Adams Teresa Eggleston Jennie Deese Tracey McGoughy Rufus Smith Debbie Timms Craig Southern Michael Sorrells Tanja Battle Heather Sartain Agency Georgia Bureau of Investigation Georgia Merit System Georgia World Congress Center Authority Department of Revenue Georgia State Finance and Invest. Comm. Georgia Building Authority Administrative Office of the Courts Public Safety Dept. of Technical and Adult Education Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Transportation Dept. of Labor Dept. of Human Resources Public Service Commission Dept. of Defense Pardons & Paroles Dept. of Motor Vehicle Safety Dept. of Juvenile Justice Secretary of State Dept. of Banking and Finance CUSTOMER SERVICE NOMINEES Name Lisa Weaver-Johnson Community Service Team Energy Resources Division Susan Nappi Evonne Blyther Linda Rawlings Sylvia Bedell Jeannie McElrath Allison Hodge Todd Garrison Danny McConnell Cynthia Clanton Deborah Johannes Chaplain Susan Bishop Charles Lawrence Tara Burks Foy Stevenson W.S. Nicholson Louis Eldridge Priscilla Zachery Insurance Compliance Section Kevan Farrell Dianne Patterson Agency Georgia Bureau of Investigation Georgia Merit System Georgia Environmental Facilities Auth. Georgia World Congress Center Authority Georgia World Congress Center Authority Georgia State Finance and Invest. Comm. Georgia Technology Authority Administrative Office of the Courts Dept. of Public Safety Economic Opportunity Commission Dept. of Technical and Adult Education Administrative Office of the Courts Georgia Regional Transportation Auth. Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Transportation Dept. of Community Health Dept. of Human Resources Dept. of Natural Resources Dept. of Consumer Affairs Pardons & Paroles Dept. of Motor Vehicle Safety Dept. of Defense Secretary of State HEROISM NOMINEES Name Yvonne Cuthbert Mike Bloulin Bessie Mosley Sergeant W.M. Ellis, II Larry Brown Ricky Brown Elizabeth Brady Luis Narimatsu Chris Cross Gabe Gaddis James Coursey Jermaine Moorer Jerrie Lynn Dean GA Nurses Respond to Hurricane Frances Agency Georgia Bureau of Investigation Georgia World Congress Center Auth. Georgia Building Authority Dept. of Public Safety Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Transportation Dept. of Community Health Dept. of Labor Georgia Finance Commission Dept. of Natural Resources Dept. of Defense Dept. of Juvenile Justice Dept. of Motor Vehicle Safety Dept. of Human Resources SAFETY Name Hollis Dyer TFC Clint Brantley Corporate Safety Committee Sharon Conrad Raymond Samuel Agency Georgia World Congress Center Auth. Dept. of Public Safety Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Human Resources Dept. of Motor Vehicle Safety INNOVATIONS/SUGGESTIONS NOMINEES Name Kirk Canty Jeff Maile Katy Pando Gene Quinn Michelle Green Maris Wynn Budget/Personnel Development Team Jeffrey Boyles Sandy Bond, Kathleen O'Neal, Carol Tims Roger Minshew, William Bass Alfred Walls, Rodney Humphries Information Technology Enterprise Systems Technical Team Agency Georgia Bureau of Investigation Georgia Merit System Georgia World Congress Center Auth. Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Human Resources Dept. of Community Affairs Pardons & Paroles Dept. of Defense Secretary of State Dept. of Transportation Dept. of Motor Vehicle Safety TEAM NOMINEES Name Agency Georgia Environment Facilities Authority Team Georgia Environmental Facilities Auth. Deputy Trainers Georgia World Congress Center Auth. Accounting Division Georgia Student Finance Invest. Comm. Headquarters Communication Center Dept. of Public Safety Identification Security Team Dept. of Technical and Adult Education Probation Operations-SSU Counseling Team Dept. of Corrections TIMS Development Team Dept. of Transportation Hospital Services Unit Dept. of Community Health OCSE Medical Insurance Project Team Dept. Human Resources Winning Water Planning & Implementation Dept. of Community Affairs Coastal Resources Dept. of Natural Resources Field Operations Management Team Pardons & Paroles 165th Airlift Wing Fire Dept. of Defense Region 8 Law Enforcement Dept. of Motor Vehicle Safety Secretary of State Postcard/ Renewal/IVR Team Secretary of State Planning & Programs Team Governor's Office of Highway Safety COMMUNITY SERVICE NOMINEES Name Alex Volodorsky Jim Hyde Donnie Smith Rebecca Hill Stephen Jackson Albert Smith Stephanie Taylor Brenda Edward Carolyn Harrison Upson County Unit Lynda Dukes Sgt. Bobby Brewers & Sergeant Massey Agency Georgia Student Finance Invest. Comm. Georgia Building Authority Dept. of Public Safety Dept. of Technical and Adult Education Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Transportation Dept. of Community Health Dept. of Human Resources Public Service Commission Georgia Forestry Commission Dept. of Defense Dept. of Motor Vehicle Safety HUMANITARIAN NOMINEES Name Customer Service & Comm./Marketing Greg Garren Roy Jackson Mary Ellen Proffitt Barnes Gary Millsaps Mercedes Walker Hershey Tabile Gary Roberts Shalandra Robertson Shannon Byrd Catoosa County Court Service Office Agency Georgia Merit System Georgia World Congress Center Auth. Dept. of Public Safety Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Transportation Dept. of Labor Dept. of Human Resources Georgia Forestry Commission Pardons & Paroles Dept. of Motor Vehicle Safety Dept. of Juvenile Justice Page 4 Summer 2005 INNOVATIONS/SUGGESTIONS AWARD Georgia Bureau of Investigations Kirk Canty Mr. Kirk Canty was recognized for adding two major online features to the Laboratory Information Management System to streamline communication between staff and their customers. The first feature eliminated numerous phone calls that failed to reach the appropriate lab staff and provided a mechanism to document customer requests. The second feature of the website allows prosecutors to cancel laboratory service requests if the service is no longer needed due to case dismissal or adjudication. Over the course of a year, it is estimated that more than 500 services will be cancelled, saving the state thousands of dollars in supplies and time. TEAM AWARD Department of Community Affairs Winning Water Planning W&innIinmg WpalteermPleannntinagt&ion Team Implementation Team (Lynn Cobb, Kanika Greenlee, and Leigh Askew) were recognized for creating and achieving Winning Water: 2004 ACF Children's Water Festival, the first water festival in Georgia that included children based on the watershed in which they live. Through their leadership, well over $50,000 in cash and in-kind contributions were raised from sponsors and more than 1,200 fourth graders in the Apalachicola- Chattahoochee-Flint river basins participated in the day-long festival held at Columbus State University on March 23, 2004. COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Department of Community Health Stephanie Taylor Stephanie Taylor was recognized for serving as a volunteer over the past eight years at Southwest Christian Hospice and Hope House, a facility for health care services for the unique needs of terminally ill patients and their families. Her volunteer work includes spearheading fundraising campaigns, providing patient assistance and support, participating in community outreach efforts and providing general administrative office support. HUMANITARIAN AWARD Georgia Department of Transportation Gary Millsaps Gary Millsaps was recognized for his response to those decimated in the December 26, 2004, tsunami in the Indian Ocean. Gary traveled to one of the hardest hit areas near Banda Ache in Indonesia. Millsaps helped those in desperate need despite potential dangers of extremist rebels, 100-degree temperatures with 85 percent humidity, and the added hardships of sleeping in tents, waiting until nightfall for the water to cool enough to shower, and no refrigerator or ice. INNOVATIONS/SUGGESTIONS - HONORABLE MENTION Michelle Green Michelle Green was recognized for improving housekeeping and laundry processes for greater efficiency and further cost savings to the state of Georgia. Since the time she became director of the housekeeping department in June 2003, she has presented numerous suggestions that have resulted in saving the agency over $85,000. DHR - Southwestern State Hospital Elizabeth Brady Elizabeth (Liz) Brady was recognized as a major contributor to the overall strategic direction of DCH in leading the disease management procurement. This project not only has an immediate budgetary impact, but also has long-range impact potential. Department of Community Health TEAM AWARD - HONORABLE MENTION PGDrCobSpaetciiaoliznedOSuppeerrvaistioinonUnsi-t SCSouUnseClinogunseling Team Team was recognized for work that resulted in over 10,000 treatment hours, 650 counseling sessions and 5,830 related contacts. This team consists of five counselors, Patricia Dague-Creech, Stacey GrantWilliams, Nathaniel Davis, Clinton Miles, Temekia Bailey and one secretary, Debra Crewshaw. Georgia Department of Corrections T1h6e516t5hthAAiirrlilftifWtinWg FiinregDeFpiarrtem&ent wEams reecroggneinzecdyforStehervices rescue of two civilian contractors who had become incapacitated due to lack of oxygen while working in a concrete manhole. Upon arrival it was obvious that time was critical if either man was to survive. Using individual strengths, ingenuity and resourcefulness they were undaunted in their rescue efforts and overcame numerous obstacles. Georgia Department of Defense - NOT PICTURED COMMUNITY SERVICE - HONORABLE MENTION Carolyn Harrison Carolyn Harrison was recognized for her work through the Salvation Army in a branch called "Women's Home League," which serves women who are in transition...transition to a new life from a life of drugs, alcohol, abuse, homelessness, prison, etc. Harrison organizes programs such as "Dress for Success," and "Interviewing and Job Search Skills," drawing on the talents of others. Georgia Public Service Commission Rebecca Hill Rebecca Hill was recognized for her community service as a volunteer with the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation for 19 years, a volunteer for Camp Oo-U-La which is Georgia's only camp for burn injured children for ages 6-17; and the teens and young adult program called Counselors in Training, a program that prepares participants for roles as adult leaders when they turn 21 years of age. Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education HUMANITARIAN - HONORABLE MENTION Mary Ellen Proffitt Barnes Officer Mary Ellen Proffitt Barnes was recognized for providing a home and love as a foster parent to the mentally challenged, both men and woman, ranging from 17 to 65. GA Department of Corrections - NOT PICTURED Herculano Tabile Herculano Tabile was recognized for dedicating his life and personal resources to helping others in the US and his native country, the Philippines. DHR, Central State Hospital Summer 2005 Page 5 LEADERSHIP AWARD Georgia Department of Defense Rufus Smith Mr. Rufus Smith was recognized as an outstanding counselor who utilized his well-honed leadership skills and communication prowess to form the best of seven teams at the Georgia National Guard's Youth Challenge Academy, Fort Stewart, Georgia campus. His creation and implementation of a "Peer Review" process assisted the Academy in proactively identifying behavior problems, allowing for intervention measures resulting in fewer cadets being referred for discipline or dismissal. CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD DHR, Central State Hospital Foy Stevenson Foy Stevenson was recognized for his innovative approach to teaching adults, children and adolescents who have profound intellectual disabilities, sensory deficits, and nursing care needs enabling them to make progress by leaps and bounds over the past year. This is evident by the multiple awards he has received. Stevenson was named employee of the quarter in his division and has also received the Exceptional Children's Professional Excellence Award twice for Central State Hospital. SAFETY AWARD Department of Corrections HEROISM AWARD Georgia Bureau of Investigations ThCe oCorrppoorarteaStafeetySTaeafmetwyas Team recognized for their multi-faceted approach in collecting and analyzing data, reviewing work processes, job safety analysis and training that resulted in the reduction of total accidents, incidents and illnesses by 40 percent over fiscal year 2003 and are being maintained to date this fiscal year. Georgia Correctional Industries team members include: Brian Stanford, Dewayne Howard, Dave Hess, Gerry Barron, Paul Croft, Ray Yawn, Steve, Spivey, Larry Defloria, Barbara Ray and Lynda Fink Yvonne Cuthbert Yvonne Cuthbert was recognized for her heroic actions on October 13, 2004 when she intervened, at personal risk, on the pit bull dog attack of a 10-year-old girl and a 3year-old boy. The dog grabbed the little girl, biting her on her arm and she fell to the ground. The dog then attacked the girl's younger brother, biting him in the head and face. With unbelievable strength, Cuthbert grabbed the dog by the mouth, causing it to attack her when she lost her balance and fell. Another church member used his martial arts skills to rescue Yvonne and chase away the dog. LEADERSHIP - HONORABLE MENTION Jennie Deese Jennie Deese was recognized for her outstanding leadership of the GeorgiaCares program, which included the program expansion, dedication to providing information to consumers, and successful collaboration in the Medicare Rx campaign. DHR - Division of Aging Services Craig Southern Craig Southern was recognized for his leadership contributions at the national, state, and organizational levels. Southern developed and delivered leadership and management training for motor vehicle employees across the United States through his participation in the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety CUSTOMER SERVICE - HONORABLE MENTION Diane Patterson Diane Patterson was recognized for her development of an in-house photo process for licensees and applicants to assist the customer and generate retained revenue for the division. Office of the Secretary of State Lisa Weaver-Johnson Ms. Lisa Weaver-Johnson was recognized for outstanding customer service to Georgia's law enforcement community prior to and during the G-8 Summit. She worked 10-14 hour days and on weekends from April through June performing work and providing assistance that was well beyond her job responsibilities. Georgia Bureau of Investigations SAFETY - HONORABLE MENTION Sharon Conrad Sharon Conrad was recognized for her dedication and hard work in safety education for children, their parents and caregivers and professionals throughout the state. She has devoted time at work, as well as countless personal hours, to protect Georgia's children from serious and fatal injuries in car crashes. DHR, Division of Public Health Injury Prevention Hollis Dyer Hollis Dyer was recognized for assisting the training department of the Georgia World Congress Center to develop and facilitate Workplace Safety sessions focusing on blood pathogens, infection prevention, and proper clean-up of biohazard spills. Georgia World Congress Center HEROISM - HONORABLE MENTION James Coursey James Coursey was recognized for his heroic actions on 1 July 2004. Risking personal injury, Coursey rescued two civilian contractors who had become incapacitated due to lack of oxygen while working in a concrete manhole. Georgia Department of Defense Larry Brown Larry Brown was recognized for an unselfish act as Volunteer Fire Chief for the city of Abbeville that saved the life of a police officer. On the morning of October 14, 2004, Brown found an unconscious police officer in a burning vehicle near his residence. Brown, with the assistance of a bystander, was able to extricate the officer from the burning vehicle before the fire was extinguished by the fire department. Georgia Department of Corrections - NOT PICTURED Page 6 Summer 2005 EMPLOYEE SUGGESTION PROGRAM Kerry Michael Gore erry Michael Gore of the Department of Transportation was awarded $4,237.00 and a certificate of commendation for the implementation of an access database of all records in the district utilities permit log books and log records throughout the state. Implementation of this suggestion has begun in four out of seven of the district offices. It improved the effectiveness of the Right of Way Offices and minimizes the time required to research old records when dealing with prior rights issues and requests for open-records. The cost-savings benefit of Mr. Gore's suggestion resulted in a total savings of $42,378.69 to research a prior right claim/open records request. Doirris Lorraine Berry Doris Lorraine Berry of the Department of Community Health was awarded a monetary award of $3,650.00 and a certificate of commendation for her suggestion concerning the imple-mentation of an electronic document management system. Implementation of this suggestion reduced the space required to store paper files, and the use of the copier, supplies and paper for responding to document requests. It also freed up approximately 90% of one full time clerk who is currently responsible for filing and copying of the records. The benefits of Ms. Berry's suggestion resulted in improved customer service, greater staff productivity and increased document security. Lila Marie Johnson Lila Marie Johnson of the Georgia Forestry Commission was awarded $589.00 and a certificate of commendation for her suggestion of discontinuing the returnable deposit and to begin renting items such as dibbles and backfire torches for a minimal fee on a daily basis during planting and burning season. This suggestion improved customer service by eliminating potential abuse, and created equal access for all customers to the equipment. This suggestion resulted in a tangible savings and the estimated revenue for the first year was $5,893.00 for the agency. GOVERNMENT SPOTLIGHT The Office of State Administrative Hearings The Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH) provides an independent forum for resolving disputes between the public and state agencies. OSAH was created in 1994 as a quasijudicial body within the executive branch of state government. Its purpose is to help insure the integrity of decisions made by state officials regarding the rights, benefits or privileges of private citizens, such as the denial of food stamps, the suspension of a driver's license, or the issuance of a land-fill permit. The OSAH administrative appeal process is designed to confirm that State agency decisions are in compliance with applicable statutes and rules. Before OSAH, agency decisions such as these were reviewed by the agency decision makers.. With the creation of OSAH, the state legislature provided Georgia with a structure for independent and impartial review of disputed agency decisions. OSAH receives over 300 types of cases from agencies through state government. Some examples of the cases decided by OSAH Administrative Law Judges include environmental permits, professional licensing complaints, special education matters, labor and employment issues, election disputes, real estate, tax and consumer fraud issues as well as appeals for matters relative to public assistance determinations and child support commitments. Once a case is referred to OSAH, a hearing is scheduled immediately and a notice is sent out to the complainant within 24 hours. The average case is scheduled for hearing and resolved by the issuance of a written decision in less than five (5) weeks. With an average caseload of two thousand cases monthly, OSAH administrative law judges conduct hearings in each of the state's 159 counties. Chief State Administrative Law Judge Lois Oakley says the hearings are best described as an opportunity for the State of Georgia to listen to citizens with complaints about State agency decisions. Hearings are conducted in generously donated space in county courthouses, municipal buildings and State agency offices. When circumstances dictate, hearings are also held in unconventional locations such as a bedroom or a nursing home bedside. Many of the cases before OSAH judges involve parties who are not represented by counsel, and OSAH judges are skilled at creating an environment so that both parties can explain their case. Georgia is one of twenty-six (26) states with the central panel model of administrative adjudication. Although the very first central panel model was created by California in1945, Georgia has one of the largest central panels in the country as measured by the breadth of case types.. Since Georgia passed its legislation in 1994, several other states have followed suit. In the next few years, it is anticipated that most, if not all, of the states will employ the central panel model because of the efficiency and impartiality it contributes to the provision of due process for citizens. The breadth of OSAH's jurisdiction continues to grow as state agencies discover the value of the independent, impartial reviews provided by the OSAH administrative hearing process. Georgia has received national recognition for its innovative approaches to administrative adjudication. The Office of State Administrative Hearings is nationally recognized for its performance excellence and for the professionalism of its staff. In 2004, OSAH was the recipient of Focus Recognition and the Jim Kelly Leadership Award for leadership in the use of the Georgia Oglethorpe (Baldrige) Criteria for Performance Excellence from the Georgia Oglethorpe Award Process. Judge Oakley has served as the chief state administrative law judge for OSAH since 2000. She has more than 30 years of legal experience in both public and private sectors. The Office of State Administrative Hearings www.osah.georgia.gov OR 404-657-2800 Chief State Administrative Law Judge: Lois F. Oakley Number of Employees: 40 Mission: To enhance public trust in the integrity of state government by providing an independent forum for resolving disputes between the public and state agencies in a fair, respectful, timely, and professional manner. Recognition and Accomplishments: Featured in the Georgia Bar Journal, "Administrative Law Judges 'Ride the Circuit' to Provide Georgians with a Day in Court" Recipient of Georgia Oglethorpe Award Focus Recognition Highlighted in the Journal of Organizational Excellence, "From Bureaucracy to Meritocracy and Customer Focus: A Georgia State Agency Reinvents Itself" Recipient of the Jim Kelly Leadership Award, presented for leadership in using the Georgia Oglethorpe (Baldrige) Criteria for Performance Excellence PARENTS NOT FAMILIAR WITH TEEN DRIVING RESTRICTIONS The Department of Driver Services (DDS), formerly Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety, urges parents of newly registered drivers to know the rules of the road for teens. A recent survey showed that the passenger and curfew restrictions for young drivers are unknown or misunderstood by many DDS License Examiner Julius Johnson parents. On-the-road test appointments are mandatory for those under the age of eighteen who have held a learner's permit for one year and one day. A recent survey of parents calling the DDS reservation system to secure appointments for their children showed twenty percent were not aware of the midnight to 6:00 am curfew for Class D license holders. Twenty percent of those surveyed did not know that a Class D driver may not have any passengers in the vehicle that are not family members for the first six months that they are licensed. Fifty percent of those asked did not know that after the first six months a Class D driver may not have more than three passengers in the vehicle under the age of 21 who are not immediate family members. A newly passed law requires all drivers under the age of 18 to be enrolled in high school, graduated from high school, enrolled in a state approved home school program or must be working to achieve a GED. Many traffic or school conduct infractions are mandatory license suspensions. A student can have no more than ten unexcused school absences to obtain or keep a learner's permit or driver's license. For more information check the DDS website: www.dds.ga.gov. Summer 2005 Page 7 Managing Relationships To Retain Productive Employees Conflict at Work? The Answer Is Here! 2005 Mediation Class: Standing L to R: GMS Division Director - Mustafa Aziz, Donita Browning, Elizabeth Jones, Lloyd Romans, Lisa Deaton, Program Coordinator - Sam Clonts, Miriam Jackson, Don LaFrenier, GMS Instructor/Trainer - Donna Denman, Trainer - Thomas Prince. Seated L-R: Mary Pierce, Shakendra Stewart, Diadra Malone, Amanda Nelson, Lorraine Farr, Veleta Hamilton Unresolved conflicts in the workplace can cause employees to dread going to work and to be less productive once there. Because many employees spend more awake time with supervisors and co-workers than with their families, relationships at work take on greater importance. Like other relationships, conflicts at work are to be expected. Building and maintaining successful relationships at work is not always easy to do. Consider mediation when other efforts have failed. Mediation can be an effective tool for building effective relationships in the workplace. Mediation is a confidential process that seeks to resolve conflicts by providing a neutral third party to assist disputing parties in restoring a key element - positive communication - to their relationship. Mediation is suitable for resolving conflicts with co-workers and/or supervisors, because it allows both parties the opportunity to be heard. Typically, mediation sessions result in signed agreements, developed by the parties with the assistance of the mediator. Because communication in mediation provides insight into each party's point of view, it can be considered successful even when no agreement is signed. The state of Georgia's Dispute Resolution Service has a great track record of resolving disputes and restoring relationships. The program has 25 well-trained mediators who travel statewide to help resolve conflicts that eat away at production and job satisfaction. Typically, privatesector mediators costs hundreds of dollars per hour, with each participant paying a portion. Dispute Resolution Service is provided at no cost to state employees involved in employment-related conflicts. To request this service, contact your Human Resources or Personnel Office. For more information about Dispute Resolution Service and what it can do for you, contact Sam Clonts of the Georgia Merit System at (404) 6562660 or by e-mail at sclonts@gms.state.ga.us. Health Care Spending Accounts TECHNOLOGY TIPS SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! NEW! *Now Health Care Spending Account Debit Card Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) program, you'll receive a VISA Spending Account Card for purchases of eligible health care expenses such as prescriptions, medical, dental, or vision deductibles and co-payments. The new Spending Account Card. Relieve you of the burden of paying for expenses from your personal bank account. Reduce the number of claims you file for reimbursement. Save you tax dollars on the health-related expenses *You must still keep receipts since some transactions may require validation. If you have questions or comments regarding the Health Care Spending Account, you may contact SHPS at 1-800893-0763 (press the * key to speak with a benefits counselor) or visit online at www.shps.net. Cell phones are not just for calling anymore Maybe you've been lost on your way to an unfamiliar destination or maybe you are a sports buff that can't wait to get the latest scores. Many cellular vendors now offer you the luxury of using your cell phone to access email, receive news updates, listen to the radio or obtain weather or travel information. Surely, it was already ingenious to design a cell phone to take photographs, record a video, or to play a game, but now, the World Wide Web could also be available by your cellular service provider. The various options now available on this compact technological device - sometimes small enough to be hidden in a front shirt pocket continues to change how the world defines convenience. And while these features may come in handy for many, they can be a waste of time and resources if the only objective in having the cell phone is for emergencies. The reality is that some people buy cell phones to keep for "emergency use only." Unfortunately, many buy the phone with built-in monthly rates or service fees that are not necessary. In many instances, a basic cell phone can be used to call 911 in the event of an emergency - without a monthly contract or a need for prepaid service. Whether you have a telephone number, or not, or whether you have signed up for service, or not, your cell phone should allow you to connect to 911. FCC requirements state that all cell phones, regardless of the status of service should be able to dial 911. This is true for analog (the old, thick cell phones) or digital (the new, slim phones). You can also buy cell phones, digital or analog, for less than $25. In many areas, you can place other calls as well. Test this by dialing a friend's number and see what happens. You may get an operator who will offer to place the call for you and bill your credit card. The call may cost as much as $3/minute. You can use this if you have a flat tire or similar roadside emergencies. In some areas, if you press 0 (zero) or dial a number, an operator will answer and ask if you want to make a credit card call. Of course, in many areas, no connection will be made. Another idea is to consider reprogramming the phone. The reprogramming enables the cell phone to make credit card calls as well. Reprogramming is convenient if you want to be able to call roadside assistance, the police, or a friend. You don't need to keep the cell phone, charged to recharge it. Purchase a car charger. When you need it, just plug the phone into your car's cigarette lighter, turn it on, dial 911, and it will work. WELLNESS The Benefit of Magnesium Did you know that the mineral Magnesium plays a key role in healthy living? The mineral is necessary for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, according to medical researchers. Studies show magnesium could help to regulate blood pressure. A lack of magnesium has been common in people with diabetes and osteoporosis. The new U.S. Department of Agriculture food pyramid was designed to increase Magnesium's intake in a recommended diet. You can intake more Magnesium by increasing fruits, nuts and vegetables to your diet. According to health experts, most Americans are short on magnesium, which is an essential part of good health. (For informational purposes only.) Page 8 Summer 2005 Congratulations to these dedicated state retirees Submitted by Employees' Retirement System February 2005 Name Years of Service Allgood, Thomas G 34 yrs 00 mths Anderson, Andreane T 34 yrs 02 mths Anderson, Betty B 21 yrs 05 mths Andrews Sr., Gary L 30 yrs 01 mths Bailey, Ronald E 34 yrs 01 mths Baker, Ronald Douglas 13 yrs 09 mths Baldwin, Sylvia J 13 yrs 05 mths Bean Sr, Charles P 32 yrs 09 mths Beasley, Louise G 12 yrs 11 mths Beck, Patricia 26 yrs 06 mths Bennett, Harry Downing 16 yrs 09 mths Bentley, Emmett James 23 yrs 03 mths Blackshear, Peggy S 34 yrs 01 mths Blount, Mary T 14 yrs 07 mths Boatfield, J Lynn 25 yrs 02 mths Boggs, Cynthia B 34 yrs 01 mths Bohlen, Kay B 28 yrs 02 mths Booth, Faye 21 yrs 05 mths Borja, Rosemarie B 12 yrs 04 mths Born, Mable Marian 34 yrs 03 mths Britton, Donna W 34 yrs 00 mths Brooks, Thomas Perry 10 yrs 00 mths Brown, Pearlie Mae 22 yrs 06 mths Brown, Melvin 10 yrs 02 mths Bryan Jr, Grady T 34 yrs 00 mths Buice, Jo P 26 yrs 00 mths Busbee, Glenda P 34 yrs 02 mths Bynes, Patricia H 27 yrs 04 mths Carey, Xanthene S 34 yrs 02 mths Carey, Velida 25 yrs 05 mths Carter, Dorothy J 34 yrs 00 mths Chapman, Leonard 15 yrs 05 mths Chappelear, Edward Harrison 17 yrs 01 mths Childs, Charlie D 30 yrs 00 mths Cichon, Robert A 30 yrs 00 mths Clark, Gail E 34 yrs 00 mths Cobb, Frances P 10 yrs 00 mths Coker, Omer R 17 yrs 02 mths Collins III, George B 23 yrs 07 mths Cone, Charles R 26 yrs 00 mths Connell, Carolina M 34 yrs 00 mths Cooks, Lenola Laverne 27 yrs 07 mths Couch, William L 30 yrs 00 mths Cowan, James D 17 yrs 06 mths Cox, Geraldine M 34 yrs 01 mths Crowe, Markey L 28 yrs 08 mths Cullars, Charlie L 34 yrs 00 mths Davenport, Ervin 34 yrs 00 mths Davis, Willie L 34 yrs 00 mths Davis, Herbert Alan 30 yrs 00 mths Delk, Barbara J 23 yrs 06 mths Denson, Clyde 15 yrs 05 mths Dorminey, Lorene T 21 yrs 03 mths Dowdy, Victoria K 24 yrs 03 mths Duke, Larry T 34 yrs 02 mths Dukes, William A 10 yrs 05 mths Dunbar, Nellie M 31 yrs 02 mths Dunsmore III, Roy Leslie 18 yrs 02 mths Duprow, Dorothy B 15 yrs 05 mths Durden, Edward F 22 yrs 00 mths Eckles Jr, Robert D 34 yrs 02 mths Eden, Michael J 18 yrs 08 mths Farley, Elsie Pearl 29 yrs 03 mths Flow, Joseph L 20 yrs 02 mths Department Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Superior Courts of Georgia Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Public Safety DHR - Public Health Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Dept. of Juvenile Justice DHR - DFACS DHR - DFACS Tax Officials Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Dept. of Technical & Adult Ed. DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Corrections DHR - Public Health Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Transportation Superior Courts of Georgia Ga. Dept. of Labor CSB-Coastal Georgia Technology Authority Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections DHR - Public Health Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Corrections Admin. Office of the Courts Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Georgia Forestry Commission Ga. Dept. of Corrections CSB-GA Highlands Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources George L. Smith II - GWCCA DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Transportation Tax Officials Ga. Dept. of Human Resources GA Dept of Banking & Finance Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Public Safety Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Public Safety DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Corrections Flowers, Rocie Lee Flythe, Rebecca Welch Forehand, Blanche E Fowler, Ronnie G Fowler, Roger H Gay, Linda D Gibson, Marjorie Anne Gillespie, Harold C Gourley, Elisha L Green, Iola Guined, Edward E Hahn, Stephen H Haley, Connie L Haney, Linda Arlene Hardeman, Janyth P Haynes, James M Henderson, Jack H Hilson, Virginia H Holley, Elizabeth B Holloway, John T Hon, Larry T Hopkins Jr, John D Hullett, Juanita E Hunsinger, Emerson James Ingram, Fred Ivester, Janet Kay Johns, Nancy J Johnson, Angela J Joiner, James Edward Kelley, Robert Michael Kelly, Jean Slatter Kilmer, Arlo Raymond Landry, Janice L Lane, Sandra Gail Larkey, William F Lawson, Bobby W Leverett, Mary M Levine, Joseph Lewis, Samuel Joseph Lively, G Gail Logan, Betty Jane Mack, Elaine C Manley, Betty Elaine Martin, Milton L Maxwell, Lottie F Mayo, Jannifer P McClure, Janice E McElveen, Marie E Mead, Hazel E Means, Rita F Miller, Judy M Mills, Paula M Mimbs, James W Mitchell, Patsy Joyce Momon, Patricia A Moody, Georgia Moon, Ruby Dean Moore, Johnnie C Moore Jr., Homer Isaac Morgan, Stanley Lanier Morris, Alan H Morris, Roy A Morris, Raymond C Mosley, Joann M Mullis Jr, L.Neil Newsome, Larry J Olivera, Alicia O'Neal, Ronnie G 35 yrs 01 mths 20 yrs 02 mths 21 yrs 09 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 10 yrs 01 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 15 yrs 05 mths 14 yrs 01 mths 21 yrs 11 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 11 yrs 08 mths 11 yrs 04 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 11 yrs 11 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 21 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 06 mths 25 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 12 yrs 00 mths 23 yrs 09 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 31 yrs 01 mths 23 yrs 01 mths 10 yrs 03 mths 32 yrs 04 mths 29 yrs 10 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 10 yrs 04 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 29 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 03 mths 34 yrs 07 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 24 yrs 03 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 23 yrs 01 mths 12 yrs 08 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 03 mths 25 yrs 05 mths 18 yrs 00 mths 13 yrs 07 mths 14 yrs 03 mths 27 yrs 07 mths 19 yrs 03 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 11 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 21 yrs 02 mths 20 yrs 04 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 07 mths 13 yrs 11 mths 34 yrs 01 mths DHR - DFACS DHR - Public Health Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Human Resources DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Education CSB-Albany Georgia Technology Authority Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Human Resources DHR - DFACS Dept. of Juvenile Justice Conversion Company Default Ga. Dept. of Human Resources CSB-GA Highlands Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Transportation Dept. of Juvenile Justice Ga. Dept. of Corrections North Ga Technical College Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Agriculture DHR - Public Health Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Admin. Services Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Agriculture Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Public Safety Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation DHR - Public Health Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Human Resources State Board Pardons & Paroles DHR - Public Health Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Admin. Services Ga. Dept. of Motor Veh. Safety Tax Officials CSB-Albany Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Agriculture Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Transportation DHR - Public Health Ga. Dept. of Transportation Summer 2005 Page 9 Congratulations to these dedicated state retirees Submitted by Employees' Retirement System Owens, Betty J Page, Sybil Ann Parks, Loretta R Parrish, Robert E Patrick, William R Peppers, Joye P Perry, Mattie L Peterman, Robbie Sue Phillips, Roger E Pike, Barbara C Pinkins, Tommy L Sr Pitts, Emory E Pollock, Barbara George Poore, Merle Joan Pope, Jeanette S Pritchett, Emily Pullen, Laurianne H Rhodes, Dorothy G Rhodes, Roy Lee Richmond, Fred Bartow Robbins, Bobby C Roberts, Henry Belle Roberts, Polly S Roberts, Constance B Rogers, Diane W Rooks, William N Rose, Sharon A Ruidera, Paz V Saliba, Sammy Ray Scott, Kathreen H Sellers, Deanna Y Sellers, Judy E Shedd, Patricia Anice Shehee, Judy G Shields Sr, Marvin Barnett Siefert, Ruth Ann Siegel, Sally Lynn Simmons, Edward G Smith, Helen Smith, Rebecca Lynn Spradley, Kathryn C Stanley, Irene M Stephenson, Teresa A Strickland, Julia R Stubbs, Bobby B Stynchcomb, Charisse D Thompson, Patricia S Tillman, Shirley G Turk, Ken R Turner, Thomas L Vaughn, Beverly M Walker, Debra L Walters, Ouida L Wheelin, Maureen Elaine Wheelous, Elbert Whitener, Mary Ardelle Williams, Christine D Williams, Donna Tuttle Willis, Catherine M Winchester, Walter Thomas Wood, Betty Ann Wright, James L Wright, Alton D Wright, Donna N Wright, Dennis J York, Virginia C Ziegler, Michael R 25 yrs 04 mths 10 yrs 00 mths 30 yrs 06 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 03 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 20 yrs 02 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 02 mths 12 yrs 06 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 10 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 28 yrs 09 mths 14 yrs 03 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 10 yrs 00 mths 24 yrs 06 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 16 yrs 04 mths 11 yrs 07 mths 15 yrs 07 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 12 yrs 02 mths 11 yrs 05 mths 13 yrs 09 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 10 yrs 09 mths 15 yrs 09 mths 34 yrs 04 mths 34 yrs 03 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 14 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 06 mths 34 yrs 07 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 14 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 27 yrs 08 mths 28 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 17 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 27 yrs 07 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 03 mths 14 yrs 09 mths 28 yrs 03 mths 12 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 11 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 26 yrs 06 mths 30 yrs 11 mths 34 yrs 01 mths Ga. Dept. of Labor Dept. of Juvenile Justice Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Motor Veh. Safety Department of Revenue Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation RiverEdge Behavioral Hlth Cntr Conversion Company Default DHR - Public Health Ga. Dept. of Education DHR - DFACS DHR - DFACS DHR - Public Health Ga. Dept. of Corrections CSB-Middle Flint CSB-Gwinn./Rockdale/Newton Ga. Dept. of Corrections CSB-Albany Ga. Dept. of Public Safety DHR - Public Health Ga. Dept. of Agriculture Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Employees Retirement Sys. DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Corrections Conversion Company Default Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Labor Quitman Co. DFCS Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Human Resources DHR - DFACS DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources DHR - DFACS DHR - DFACS Department of Revenue Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation DHR - Public Health Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga Dept of Motor Veh. Safety Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources CSB-Lookout Mountain Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections DHR - Public Health Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Education GA Federal-State Inspection Se Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Name Adams III, Raymond R Allen, Phillip M Alvis, Ramona F Anderson, George W Arthur Jr, Kenneth L Barrett, Diane C Beecher, David L Bentley, Katrina A Bland, Mary A Blanton, Judith A Blizzard, James H Bohannon, Michael F Bradford, Maggieleen Bray, Billy E Brooks, Ronald D Brown, Debby Brown, Lonnie Mae Brown, Roger O Bryant, William H Buchanan, Martha Burrell, Naomi F Burt, Keith M Canady, Jane Cantrell, Doris R Carnes, Opal A Carroll, Rosa B Casper, Michael E Caudell, Janice A Cheek, Diann B Clark, Joyce Coker, Jefferson D Colley, Cynthia L Colon, John Conner, Steve K Connors, Sheila A Cooper, Consentena S Cottle, Charles F Covington, Marie E Crawford, Leonard W Crouch, Donald Davis, Cora Davis, Thomas E Davis, Gail L Dishroon, Peggy M Duncan, Elizabeth B Dunham, Elaine G Durance, Glenda S Durrence, John J Ellerbee Jr, Harold A Eskew, Sue M Everett, Curtis Fennell, Dennis M Flanders, Diane H Floyd, Jenelle F Folk, Virgil V Forrester, Dickey P Foust, Shirley R Gibbs, Faye F Glass, Betty J Graves, Ellene S Gresham, Mable C Griner, George D Hackney, Linda A Hamrick, Faye W March 2005 Years of Service 15 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 21 yrs 09 mths 18 yrs 00 mths 20 yrs 04 mths 23 yrs 08 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 17 yrs 01 mths 28 yrs 09 mths 24 yrs 03 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 03 mths 27 yrs 02 mths 15 yrs 08 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 25 yrs 07 mths 21 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 25 yrs 02 mths 26 yrs 08 mths 25 yrs 10 mths 11 yrs 04 mths 36 yrs 01 mths 18 yrs 11 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 05 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 18 yrs 08 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 14 yrs 06 mths 12 yrs 05 mths 16 yrs 07 mths 28 yrs. 34 yrs 00 mths 35 yrs 09 mths 19 yrs 07 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 23 yrs 09 mths 19 yrs 08 mths 25 yrs 02 mths 17 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 06 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 15 yrs 11 mths 34 yrs 08 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 24 yrs 06 mths 29 yrs 01 mths 17 yrs 08 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 30 yrs 02 mths 30 yrs 02 mths 28 yrs 05 mths 31 yrs 07 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 19 yrs 03 mths Department Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga.Dept of Community Health Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Tift Co. PH Ga. Dept. of Agriculture Ga Dept of Motor Veh. Safety Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Public Safety Superior Courts of Georgia Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Bureau of Investigation Ben Hlll Co. DFCS Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Juvenile Justice Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Department of Revenue Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Franklin Co. DFCS Dodge Co. DFCS CSB-GA Highlands State Board Pardons & Paroles Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Transportation Superior Courts of Georgia Dept. of Juvenile Justice Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Gwinnett Co. PH CSB-New Horizons Ga. Dept. of Transportation Thomas-Grady Svc. Ctr. CSB-Gwinnett/Rockdale/Newton Ga. Dept. of Corrections Long Co Jackson Co. PH Ga. Dept. of Public Safety Ga. Dept. of Public Safety CSB-Ogeechee Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Corrections CSB-Middle Georgia Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Labor Laurens Co. DFCS Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Labor Whitfield Co. PH Page 10 Summer 2005 Congratulations to these dedicated state retirees Submitted by Employees' Retirement System Handberry, Marie J Harris, James D Harris, Mary W Harris, Earl G Hartley, Nancy E Hencely, Sonja A Henderson, Mary B Herrington, James E Holsey Jr, Clifford W Howard, Ann Huie Jr, Christopher D Hulett, Patricia W Janssen, Carla Jarrell, Janice E Johnson, Mary Jane Johnson, George F Jones, Josie E Kaiser, Michael A Kesler, Wendell M King, Sandra Kirkland, Dorthy J Kirkland, Claudia Koon, James A Law, Charles E Lewis, Ora J Lewis, Jimmy Lee Lewis, Daniel D Liggins, Christeen Lowery, Nona L Lyons, Earl Marks, Carolyn G Marlow Sr, GWB Martin, Gary Hugh McClinton, Lawrence E McConnell, Lyndell D McCook, Rebecca C McGahee, Gail McGowen, Mitchell T Merkle, Junie A Milhollin, Sandra M Moore, Frances R Morris, Bernard Franklin Mosley, William Edward Nelson, Lester G Nguyen-Tuong, Luc Orr, Joyce M Page, George C Pappas, Michael G Parker, Thomas C Parrish Jr., Roy Lee Pearson Jr, Willie L Perry, Eve E Perry, Mary S Peryea, Phyllis J Phelps, Willie L Poppell, Brenda D Price, Patricia T Raines, Margie Reeves Sr, Lester K Reid, Jack E Riley, LaJuana Roberts, Michael R Roberts, Wanda Robinson, Susan G Robinson, Lynn W Rochelle, William J Rodgers, Terry D Rowan Jr, James W 11 yrs 09 mths 30 yrs 02 mths 25 yrs 00 mths 20 yrs 03 mths 30 yrs 05 mths 25 yrs 07 mths 31 yrs 03 mths 28 yrs 06 mths 29 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 10 yrs 00 mths 13 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 28 yrs 01 mths 10 yrs 00 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 10 yrs 00 mths 29 yrs 08 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 14 yrs 01 mths 29 yrs 34 yrs 03 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 21 yrs 07 mths 10 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 02 mths 17 yrs 04 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 15 yrs 05 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 10 yrs 00 mths 29 yrs 04 mths 21 yrs 04 mths 2 yrs 09 mths 18 yrs 10 mths 29 yrs 02 mths 39 yrs 03 mths 25 yrs. 19 yrs 03 mths 16 yrs 03 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 10 yrs 01 mths 16 yrs 04 mths 18 yrs 03 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 32 yrs 06 mths 24 yrs 02 mths 33 yrs 00 mths 32 yrs 01 mths 14 yrs 05 mths 25 yrs 01 mths 32 yrs 10 mths 23 yrs 09 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 13 yrs 05 mths 17 yrs 05 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 14 yrs 05 mths 23 yrs 08 mths 17 yrs 06 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 12 yrs 05 mths 31 yrs 01 mths 27 yrs 10 mths Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Correctional Industries CSB - Oconee Ga. Dept. of Corrections Department of Revenue GA Dept of Banking & Finance Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Human Resources State Board Pardons & Paroles Carroll Co. DFCS State Board Pardons & Paroles Ga. Dept. of Corrections Office of Planning and Budget Georgia Technology Authority Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Corrections Tax Officials Georgia Dept. Tech & Adult Ed Ga. Dept. of Transportation CSB-DeKalb County Ga. Dept. of Human Resources DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga Dept of Motor Veh. Safety Ga. Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Juvenile Justice Ga. Dept. of Corrections Conversion Company Default Dept. of Corrections Glynn Co. PH Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Education Georgia Technology Authority Ga. Dept. of Corrections Georgia Forestry Commission Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Juvenile Justice Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Correctional Industries Dept. of Juvenile Justice Washington Co. DFCS Georgia Department of Law Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Decatur Co. PH Ga. Bureau of Investigation CSB-Lookout Mountain Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Bureau of Investigation Ware Co. PH CSB-DeKalb County Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Education Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Transportation Roy, Patricia A Sanders, Jan M Scott, Queen E Sheffield, Vivian Joyce Skinner, Martha E Smith, Mary J Sorrells, Annette G Stephens, Jacquelyn Elaine Strathern, Johnnie CR Tew, Mary Ann Tillotson, Bertie J Townsend, Elizabeth B Trafton, Virginia M Trippe Jr, Willie Vaughn, Charles R Vining Sr, Charlie F Wall Jr, James H Wallace, Mary A Ward, Nettie M Weaver, Millie D Weems, Rosalind D Welch, Sarah B Westberry, Aaron C Westbrook, George C West-Willis, Delieta R Whitfield, Virginia O Williams, Diane E Wilson, June C Wingfield III, Marion M Woodall, Raymond E Woodruff, Terry L 10 yrs 10 mths 20 yrs 04 mths 13 yrs 01 mths 20 yrs 08 mths 25 yrs 01 mths 10 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 21 yrs 04 mths 10 yrs 00 mths 22 yrs 00 mths 31 yrs 04 mths 15 yrs 03 mths 14 yrs 09 mths 12 yrs 03 mths 20 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 28 yrs 11 mths 15 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 35 yrs 04 mths 22 yrs 09 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 31 yrs 02 mths 12 yrs 03 mths 31 yrs 03 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 27 yrs 10 mths 34 yrs 00 mths Ga. Court of Appeals Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Corrections Laurens Co. PH Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Henry Co. PH Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Dept. of Juvenile Justice Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Putnam Co. DFCS Ga. Dept. of Labor CSB-Middle Georgia Ga. Dept. of Corrections Office of Comm. of Insurance Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Corrections Office of Planning and Budget Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Thomas-Grady Svc. Ctr. Floyd Co. DFCS Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Georgia Forestry Commission Ga. Dept. of Audits Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Education CSB-McIntosh Trail Dept. of Juvenile Justice Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Transportation April 2005 Name Years of Service Adams, Robert 30 yrs 11 mths Andrews, Ethelene H 34 yrs 00 mths Arroyo, Beryl F 30 yrs 00 mths Auderski, Hanna LH De 19 yrs 00 mths Avera, Harvey Randal 14 yrs 03 mths Awtrey, Reginald W 34 yrs 00 mths Axley, Barbara Jannette 28 yrs 04 mths Barnes, Mary A 28 yrs 02 mths Bell, Alice Ann 16 yrs 04 mths Bennett, Donald Lee 34 yrs 01 mths Bohler, Cindy Mitchell 26 yrs 03 mths Booth, Robert J 10 yrs 09 mths Bowen, Patsy Tison 18 yrs 01 mths Brooks, Pamelia G 30 yrs 01 mths Brooks, Carol Luvenia 21 yrs 02 mths Bryson, Ann Marie 34 yrs 01 mths Bussey-Bowman, Katherine L 34 yrs 00 mths Butler, Brenda P 34 yrs 00 mths Campbell, Evelyn Jean 11 yrs 03 mths Cannon, Jeanette H 20 yrs 03 mths Cathcart, John S 31 yrs 04 mths Chandler, Peggy A 15 yrs 07 mths Choy, Sharon F 34 yrs 01 mths Cochran, Paul J 27 yrs 00 mths Coffee, Thomas Marvin 34 yrs 00 mths Collins Sr, David L 27 yrs 03 mths Cornell, Jonathon David 16 yrs 02 mths Crawford, Brainard 34 yrs 00 mths Daniels, Nancy Carolyn 16 yrs 06 mths Daniels, Jennifer T 14 yrs 01 mths Davis, Calvin Cornealus 14 yrs 11 mths Department Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Admin. Services CSB-McIntosh Trail Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Corrections Department of Revenue Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources DHR - DFACS Georgia Forestry Commission CSB-Pineland Area MH Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Georgia Forestry Commission DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Human Resources DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Corrections Georgia Technology Authority Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Department of Revenue Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Corrections CSB - Oconee DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Summer 2005 Page 11 Congratulations to these dedicated state retirees Submitted by Employees' Retirement System Davison, Charley L Dewberry, Kenneth R Dockery, Patricia W Dunn, Joni Moncrief Ellison, Carl Allen Fields, Charlotte Viola Flowers, Beauford Forbes, Robbie J Furman, Lyubov Gladin, Wilber A Gooch, Susan J Graves, Lynda Kay T Griffin, Brenda James Griffin, David H Grimes, Janice M Grimes, Kay J Hale, Amy L Hancock, Kenneth W Hardy, E Al Hardy Jr, John R Harris, Mary Nancy Harris, Sarah Jackson Harrison, Fred Coleman Hinds, Gloria Holloway, Malcom David Hopper, Wayne Horne, Marshal A Hulsey, Catherine C Ingram, Mary Frances Johnson, Dorothy M Johnson, Sharon C Johnson, Annie P Johnson, Steve A Jones, Jane C Jones, Edward Lamar Jones, Walter A Jordan, Edward L Kavanaugh, Mark E Keaton Jr, Spence Kelsey, Cameron Kendrick Jr, Ike Kennerly, June Elise King, Howard Curtis Kinsey, Wesley Lavon Kirkland, Rebecca N Kohler, Harrison W Lane, Lynda S Lewis, Mary B Lifsey, George Richard Liggins, Margaret Lively, Donald B Long, Robert A Lowe, Ola Belle Madaris, Betty N Maltese, Rosanne B Martin, John Martin, Sara A Maye III, Peter R Mays, Angelia Mays, Tonia G McCrary, Rufus T McDaniel, Mary Lou McMurtrey, Amy C McQuaig, Roger R Meeks, Jack T Melnik, Deborah W Middleton, Joey L Mikell, Betty Ann 17 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 11 yrs 03 mths 34 yrs 03 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 31 yrs 05 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 10 yrs 01 mths 22 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 29 yrs 09 mths 18 yrs 11 mths 28 yrs 10 mths 17 yrs 05 mths 28 yrs 11 mths 35 yrs 02 mths 22 yrs 10 mths 36 yrs 07 mths 15 yrs 04 mths 13 yrs 06 mths 16 yrs 00 mths 32 yrs 09 mths 16 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 04 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 12 yrs 05 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 28 yrs 04 mths 25 yrs 04 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 28 yrs 03 mths 20 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 18 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 13 yrs 09 mths 25 yrs 00 mths 17 yrs 05 mths 25 yrs 05 mths 23 yrs 10 mths 34 yrs 04 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 30 yrs 04 mths 17 yrs 00 mths 29 yrs 08 mths 24 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 30 yrs 03 mths 13 yrs 09 mths 31 yrs 04 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 20 yrs 11 mths 23 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 23 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 10 yrs 04 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 30 yrs 01 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 31 yrs 03 mths Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Admin. Services Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Agriculture Ga. Dept. of Motor Veh. Safety CSB-Middle Flint DHR - Public Health Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Public Safety Ga. Dept. of Agriculture State Board Pardons & Paroles Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Public Safety Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Public Safety Ga. Dept. of Corrections DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Agriculture Ga. Dept. of Motor Veh. Safety Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Motor Veh. Safety Ga. Dept. of Transportation Dept. of Juvenile Justice Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Georgia Building Authority DHR - DFACS Dept. of Juvenile Justice Georgia Building Authority Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Juvenile Justice CSB-Albany Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Transportation Dept. of Juvenile Justice CSB-Pineland Area MH Georgia Department of Law DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Motor Veh. Safety Georgia Forestry Commission Ga. Dept. of Human Resources CSB-Lookout Mountain DeKalb Co. DFCS Ga. Dept. of Human Resources DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Monroe Co. DFCS Ga. Dept. of Corrections DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Education Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Human Resources DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Corrections Morrow, Betty J 27 yrs 08 mths Mullins, Paul V 34 yrs 08 mths Musgrove, Julia P 34 yrs 01 mths Nelms, Edward 19 yrs 00 mths Netland, Lance Alfred 20 yrs 08 mths Newman, Kathleen H 28 yrs 00 mths Nixon, Judy L 34 yrs 04 mths Norris, John Powel 22 yrs 06 mths Ogletree, Terrell 34 yrs 00 mths Parks, Carolyn E 11 yrs 04 mths Phelps, William Lee 34 yrs 04 mths Phillips, Wayne L 31 yrs 07 mths Phillips, Linda C 20 yrs 10 mths Pitman, Donna P 31 yrs 03 mths Purmort, Donna L 25 yrs 01 mths Ramey, Laura A 19 yrs 08 mths Redding, Annie J 30 yrs 06 mths Reynolds, Carmen G 28 yrs 00 mths Roberson, Clinton 34 yrs 01 mths Roberts, Hosea James 11 yrs 03 mths Robinson, Henri Yvonne 25 yrs 04 mths Robinson, Jackie Lamar 15 yrs 00 mths Rodgers, Emmett Perry 21 yrs 01 mths Rogers, Jeanie C 26 yrs 07 mths Rose, Eunice G 25 yrs 05 mths Sanford, Vickie C 27 yrs 09 mths Sewell, Rudolph 20 yrs 07 mths Shearin, Amelia Darlene 29 yrs 01 mths Shivers, Gwendolyn R 34 yrs 00 mths Shook, Freddie R 20 yrs 07 mths Smith, Raymond K 26 yrs 11 mths Smith, Cynthia Ford 15 yrs 10 mths Smith, Robert Lee 12 yrs 11 mths Stewart, Norma Joan 17 yrs 02 mths Storey, Janet W 34 yrs 00 mths Strange, Alice Pearl 26 yrs 00 mths Strong, Susan Z 34 yrs 00 mths Thomasson, Thomas William 10 yrs 01 mths Thompson, Troy N 18 yrs 06 mths Turk, Barbara A 34 yrs 00 mths Veal, Timothy 12 yrs 04 mths Vickers, Earl J 34 yrs 00 mths Walker, Shirley A 27 yrs 00 mths Wansley, Jon R 30 yrs 00 mths Waters, Mary E 29 yrs 00 mths White Jr, Thomas B 34 yrs 00 mths Whitehead, Janice A 24 yrs 05 mths Williams, Dianne 34 yrs 03 mths Wilson, James R 34 yrs 00 mths Wilson, Lloyd Emmitt 12 yrs 01 mths Wood, Gladys K 15 yrs 02 mths Wright, Timothy Doyle 10 yrs 09 mths Wright, Rosemary M 10 yrs 06 mths Yarbrough, James Marcus 26 yrs 02 mths Younginer, Debi Lee 34 yrs 00 mths Zettler, Gail M 34 yrs 00 mths DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Transportation CSB-DeKalb County Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Agriculture Ga. Dept. of Corrections DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Motor Veh. Safety Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga Dept of Motor Veh. Safety Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources DHR - DFACS Georgia Forestry Commission Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga.Dept of Community Health DHR - DFACS Ga. Correctional Industries Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Motor Veh. Safety Ga. Dept. of Corrections State Board Pardons & Paroles CSB-New Horizons Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Human Resources DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Agriculture Ga. Dept. of Agriculture Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Agriculture Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Office of Comm. of Insurance Dept. of Juvenile Justice State Board Pardons & Paroles Ga. Dept. of Motor Veh. Safety Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Defense Dept. of Technical & Adult Ed. Ga. Dept. of Corrections May 2005 Name Years of Service Department Adams, Lula B Adams, Danny Farrow Alverson, Edward Traylor Anderson, Robbie H Arrington, Jim 34 yrs 00 mths 12 yrs 03 mths 35 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 32 yrs 00 mths Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Public Safety Pulaski Co. DFCS CSB-New Horizons Page 12 Summer 2005 Congratulations to these dedicated state retirees Submitted by Employees' Retirement System Baker, Sharon Foster Baldwin, Robert E Barnes, Marie M Batten, James R Battiato, Helen C. Wallace Battle, Ermagene Blackmon, Ronald Louis Blount, Betty V Bostick, Thomas M Bouchard, Anne W Braddy, Barbara O Brendel, Hillard W Brinson, Dorothy D Brown, Glenn L Brown, Thomas J Brunson, Charlotte L Bryant, Larry Cullen Busby Jr, Robert W Cannon, Helen L Cargile, Cecil A Carr, Sherry L Carson, Lonnie Carter, Susan P Carter, Mary Alice Cawley Jr, George J Clark, Nina O Clark, James Collins, Deborah J Combes, Patricia F Comer, Sandra E Cook, James Kenneth Cook, Janice E Crosby, Malinda Darby, Mary Louise Davis, Janet B Dehart, Robert H Dennis, Sylvia L Dennis, Deborah D Drake, Janis E Eberhardt, Robert L Edwards, Johnny Steven Edwards, William Smets Ellington, Frances C Eubanks, Etta M Fay, Carole B Fennell, Tim Ford, Christina C Fowler Sr, Samuel Freeman, Bonnie Varina Frye, Rebecca L Garey, Bruce H Garnigan, Donald L Gill, Nedra A Glasco, Phillippa L Glaze, Clara Griffin Godwin, Mary Greenlee, M Elysia Greer, Gail Harden, Karen C Harden, Frances V Hargrove, Ruby P Harris, Arlene G Hatcher, Diane Hill, Herman Hill, Lutrena Brown Hollomon, Stephen W Hood, Paul Michael Horton, Irene H 19 yrs 05 mths 25 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 11 yrs 03 mths 29 yrs 07 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 25 yrs 01 mths 11 yrs 11 mths 22 yrs 11 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 13 yrs 07 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 12 yrs 09 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 18 yrs 11 mths 16 yrs 11 mths 16 yrs 08 mths 34 yrs 07 mths 14 yrs 08 mths 14 yrs 05 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 18 yrs 06 mths 14 yrs 09 mths 34 yrs 07 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 21 yrs 03 mths 19 yrs 03 mths 15 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 23 yrs 04 mths 35 yrs 04 mths 32 yrs 09 mths 30 yrs 01 mths 15 yrs 07 mths 34 yrs 04 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 20 yrs 09 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 25 yrs 01 mths 30 yrs 06 mths 34 yrs 10 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 14 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 28 yrs 00 mths 27 yrs 02 mths 18 yrs 01 mths 26 yrs 01 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 14 yrs 11 mths 25 yrs 02 mths 14 yrs 04 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 25 yrs 00 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 10 yrs 07 mths Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Forsyth Co. DFCS Jekyll Island State Park Found Muscogee Co. PH Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga Dept of Motor Veh. Safety Ga Dept of Motor Veh. Safety Ga. Dept. of Admin. Services Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Labor CSB-GA Highlands Ga. Dept. of Corrections Dept of Economic Development Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Transportation Dept. of Juvenile Justice Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Transportation CSB-South Georgia Dept. of Juvenile Justice Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Corrections Newton Co. PH Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Corrections CSB-Coastal Dept. of Juvenile Justice Ware Co. PH Green Oaks-Moultrie Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Toombs Co. DFCS Ga Dept of Motor Veh. Safety CSB-Ogeechee CSB-Clayton County Ga. Bureau of Investigation Georgia Forestry Commission Dept of Community Health Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga Dept of Motor Veh. Safety Ga. Dept. of Corrections DHR - DFACS Ga. Dept. of Transportation DHR - DFACS Georgia Technology Authority Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Transportation Georgia Forestry Commission Ga. Dept. of Labor General Assembly of Georgia Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources CSB-DeKalb County Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections DHR - BOCOP CSB - Oconee Ga. Dept. of Public Safety Ga. Dept. of Corrections Hosley, Mary Alice 29 yrs 05 mths Hudson, Brenda C 26 yrs 01 mths Hudson, Woodrow W 10 yrs 11 mths Irby Jr, Edmondson J 17 yrs 08 mths Ivie Sr, James B 25 yrs 01 mths Johnson, Barbara Gail 30 yrs 00 mths Jones, Elizabeth Ann 34 yrs 00 mths Jones, Beverley Arlene 11 yrs 07 mths Josey, Debra E 34 yrs 01 mths Justus, Freda Bradley 16 yrs 02 mths Keen, Jake Daniel 11 yrs 01 mths Kennedy, Sylvia S 30 yrs 06 mths Key, Betty J 12 yrs 08 mths Kirby, Constance A 26 yrs 05 mths LaFoy, Jane 34 yrs 00 mths Larsen Jr., Jens E 30 yrs 03 mths Lawrence, Peggy W 34 yrs 04 mths Lawrence, Effie G 34 yrs 00 mths Leslie, Agustus D 34 yrs 00 mths Locke Jr, Gary Winfred 11 yrs 10 mths Lovett, Velma V 16 yrs 09 mths Lundy, Donald L 35 yrs 05 mths Maddox, Randall M 34 yrs 00 mths Martin, Ted P 34 yrs 00 mths Martin, Harold Von 32 yrs 10 mths Martin III, Joel Q 34 yrs 00 mths Mayo, Joel Kenneth 34 yrs 00 mths McBrayer Jr, Thomas C 34 yrs 00 mths McDonald, Beverly T 15 yrs 04 mths McNeely, Patricia A 34 yrs 00 mths Meachum, Kenneth Bernard 21 yrs 02 mths Mills, Charlotte M 26 yrs 05 mths Moody, Lonnie Alver 14 yrs 04 mths Moore, Diane C 30 yrs 00 mths Morgan, Richard D 20 yrs 07 mths Morris, Clara B 34 yrs 00 mths Morrow, Reubin B 30 yrs 02 mths Mumford, Caroline G 23 yrs 06 mths Murphy, Aljosie 34 yrs 03 mths Murray, Joan M 25 yrs 04 mths Neal, Sara M 16 yrs 05 mths Nelms, Patsy Sikes 22 yrs 04 mths Newell, J. Paul 10 yrs 11 mths Oliver, Lois P 30 yrs 03 mths O'Neal, Jill 15 yrs 08 mths Owens, Jennie S 34 yrs 00 mths Owens, Helen F 30 yrs 00 mths Palmer, Henry 34 yrs 00 mths Parker, Nellie B 14 yrs 06 mths Payton, Norma J 25 yrs 09 mths Peacock, Joseph Daniel 15 yrs 11 mths Pellitteri, Vito J 16 yrs 01 mths Perron, Maurice E 21 yrs 06 mths Pettigrew, Nancy G 34 yrs 00 mths Phillips, Sadie W 23 yrs 04 mths Pierson, Brenda S 28 yrs 06 mths Redding, Elton Dale 16 yrs 09 mths Reeves, Janice Lewis 34 yrs 00 mths Roberts, Benny R 15 yrs 10 mths Rowell, Sylvia S 16 yrs 00 mths Samuels, Bowler 34 yrs 00 mths Sapp, Faye R 34 yrs 00 mths Seals, Cora Bell 34 yrs 00 mths Segars, Troy D 34 yrs 01 mths Sexton, Thomas F 34 yrs 00 mths Sheriff, Donald E 15 yrs 05 mths Shope, Clevie R 34 yrs 00 mths Siddappa, Jalaja P 27 yrs 11 mths Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Veterans Service Georgia Technology Authority Ga. Dept. of Corrections Dept of Administrative Service Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Transportation Rabun Co. DFCS Ga. Dept. of Corrections Tattnall Co. DFCS Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga Dept of Motor Veh. Safety Ga. Dept. of Education Ga. Dept. of Agriculture Hart Co. DFCS Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Georgia Forestry Commission Ga. Dept. of Veterans Service Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Public Safety Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Transportation CSB-New Horizons Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Labor Richmond Co. PH Ga. Dept. of Defense CSB-Cobb County Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Human Resources CSB-New Horizons State Board Pardons & Paroles Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Peach Co. PH Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Thomas Co. DFCS Ga. Dept. of Human Resources CSB-Middle Georgia Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Lowndes County Schools Georgia Building Authority Jasper Co. DFCS Department of Revenue Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Public Safety Ga. Dept. of Human Resources CSB-Satilla Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Labor DeKalb Co. PH Summer 2005 Page 13 Congratulations to these dedicated state retirees Submitted by Employees' Retirement System Smith, Doris M Smith, Clyde Copeland Smoot, Sharene L Standard, Linda T Stone, Cisro Rosevelt Taylor, Freddie Taylor, Connie P Taylor, Lucia D Thomas, Alvin K Thomas Jr, James I Thurmond, David G Travis, Eddie L Ussery, John Fredrick Wade, Beverly S Wall, Marietta F Waller, Denise Gayle Weldy Sr, Bobby C White Sr, Charles H Whitt, Mary Lou Williams, Retha Williams, Lillie M.B Williams, Carol G Williams, David L Williamson, Sadie A Yarbrough, Connie K 34 yrs 01 mths 29 yrs 01 mths 19 yrs 10 mths 26 yrs 07 mths 19 yrs 11 mths 35 yrs 08 mths 34 yrs 01 mths 24 yrs 05 mths 14 yrs 11 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 26 yrs 09 mths 15 yrs 10 mths 11 yrs 07 mths 30 yrs 00 mths 18 yrs 05 mths 28 yrs 09 mths 35 yrs 05 mths 14 yrs 10 mths 10 yrs 02 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 25 yrs 02 mths 19 yrs 02 mths 15 yrs 06 mths 34 yrs 00 mths 34 yrs 00 mths Dept. of Juvenile Justice Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Thomas Co. DFCS Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga. Dept. of Public Safety Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Corrections Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Transportation Ga Dept of Motor Veh. Safety Ga. Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Juvenile Justice Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Agriculture Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Human Resources Ga. Dept. of Labor Ga. Dept. of Corrections Coffee Co. DFCS Ga. Dept. of Labor 2004-2005 State Charitable Contributions Program Awards Governor's Award Categories 9001 and up Employees University of Georgia 1001-9000 Employees Georgia Institute of Technology 101-500 Employees Georgia Merit System Not pictured: 501-1000 Employees -- Armstrong Atlantic State University 1-100 Employees Employees' Retirement State Agency & University System Largest Increase in Contributions Georgia Southern University Department of Transportation Highest Level of Employee Participation Atlanta Metropolitan College Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity Highest Increase in Percent of Participation Georgia Student Finance Commission, and Savannah State University Commissioner's Award Categories These are the runners up for the Governor's awards in these employee population groups 1-100 employee Skidaway Institute of Oceanography Georgia Student Finance Commission 101-500 employees Dept. of Community Affairs, Georgia Public Telecommunicat+ions Commission, Office of Planning and Budget, Dept. of Banking and Finance, Dept. of Administrative Services and Dept. of Law Winners have the highest contribution per employee 501-1000 employees Georgia College and State University and Ga. Technology Authority 1001 to 9000 employees Georgia State University, Dept. of Technical and Adult Education and Dept. of Revenue 9001 and up Department of Human Resources TRAINING/WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CHANGE YOUR RESULTS BY CHANGING YOUR HABITS We develop our habits from a variety of sources: the way we were raised, the way we see the world, the way others see us, our experiences, etc. Even when our habits, actions, or behaviors do not get us the results that we want, we continue doing them until we open our minds and find a better way to get the results we want. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a national best-seller by Dr. Stephen R. Covey, founder and chairman of Franklin Covey, Co., introduces ways to break ineffective patterns through practicing seven new behaviors that lead to effectiveness. Effectiveness is the ability to get what you want in such a way that you can get it again and again and again. Effective organizations depend on effective people, so the habits begin on a very personal level and then expand to an interpersonal level. All of the habits reflect universal principles. Habit 1: "Be Proactive" Take responsibility for your actions and the consequences that follow from those actions. Recognize that you are in control of your behaviors and your responses to all the stimuli that touch your life every day. The opposite of being proactive is being reactive, allowing the actions of others to dictate your responses. Being reactive means giving up control of your own behaviors, giving your power away. Proactive people realize that they make choices for their behaviors and responses by weighing the possible consequences of each action. Proactivity helps people and their organizations to accept new challenges and to achieve goals. Habit 2: "Begin With the End in Mind" Beginning with the end in mind means setting goals and providing a direction in which to work. A personal mission statement is an excellent way to set goals for one's personal life. Within an organization, having a shared vision and mission unites employees and aligns individual, team, unit, division, department, and organization goals so that everyone is working toward a common purpose. Habit 3: "Put First Things First" All too often, the things we find most important in life are pushed aside in favor of spending time on things that are urgent but not necessarily important. By exercising Habits 1 and 2, we know that we make the decisions that affect our lives and that we have a clear vision with prioritized goals for what we want to accomplish personally and professionally. We are then able to act on Habit 3 to be sure that we are working on the right things that will help us reach our goals. Habit 4: "Think Win-Win" This is the first of the interpersonal habits and helps create the mindset of mutual benefit. Our society encourages the win-lose mindset in which one party wins (meets his needs) and the other loses (does not meet his needs). Thinking win-win throughout conflict resolution helps parties to be creative in problem-solving, to seek to meet the needs of all parties, and to break the win-lose habits that have been ingrained since childhood. Habit 5: "Seek First to Understand Then to Be Understood" By practicing this habit, we learn to listen to the words and emotions of others so that we can better understand their positions. We can then be better understood when it is our turn to express our positions. Communication is enhanced, leading to more effective problem-solving. Habit 6: "Synergize" This habit embodies the idea that "the whole is more than the sum of its parts." By exercising Habits 4 and 5, we seek mutual benefit and listen carefully to others. We are then able to celebrate the differences in the way we each see the world, in approaches, in opinions, in backgrounds, and in experiences. Our creativity is freed to allow us to come up with solutions that no one person would have come up with alone resulting in synergy. Habit 7: "Sharpen the Saw" In order to be effective, we must take care of ourselves in four dimensions of life: physical, mental, spiritual, and social/emotional. We must renew ourselves in order to continue to work toward our goals. Earlier, I mentioned that effectiveness is getting what you want in such a way that you can get it again and again and again. By continuously improving and renewing, we keep ourselves at the height of effectiveness personally and professionally. By practicing the seven habits, you will see increased productivity and effectiveness for yourself and for your organization. For information about registering for the Georgia Merit System course, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People", go to the GMS web-site at www.gms.state.ga.us. Page 14 Summer 2005 Agencies exercise business continuity, disaster recovery plans In an emergency, state agencies must work together to make sure essential services keep operating, and many of the state's larger agencies are already preparing for such an emergency by developing and exercising business continuity plans. Several agencies took part in a facilitated review of their plans on June 20 to increase employee awareness and to identify areas for improvement. Participants included the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Resources' Mental Health Division, Georgia Merit System, Secretary of State's Office and State Board of Workers' Compensation. Some agencies participated as observers, including the Department of Education, Department of Motor Vehicle Services, Board of Pardons and Paroles, Department of Technical and Adult Education, Office of Homeland Security, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Office of State Administrative Hearings and Public Service Commission. The "tabletop exercise" was a continuation of activities begun last year at the Digital Academy on Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, which attracted 87 participants from 29 state agencies. The Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) sponsored the Digital Academy and contracted with Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU) in Marietta to oversee training. Business continuity refers to the processes and procedures an organization puts in place to ensure essential functions continue during and after an emergency or disaster. The goal is to prevent the interruption of mission-critical services and to resume essential operations as soon as possible. The exercise was facilitated by GTA, SPSU and KPMG, which provides risk management and advisory services. GEMA provided funding. "We walked through agency plans, validated processes and identified areas needing improvement," said James Price, who oversees GTA's business continuity and disaster recovery planning. "We focused on training and getting people familiar with their roles and responsibilities." Agencies sent at least two representatives, one from business or program operations and another from IT operations. A report about the results of the tabletop exercise will be distributed to agencies, and they'll also be given guidelines for conducting their own in-house exercises. "The exercises need to be conducted and plans should be updated on a regular basis," Mr. Price said. Several state agencies have formed an association to assist each other in developing business continuity and disaster recovery plans. For more information about the association, contact James Price at 404-651-8421 or jprice@gta.ga.gov. MONEY MATTERS Work With Someone You Trust Reportmydriving.ga.gov to curtail accident claims Is your retirement money invested properly? Will you have enough income in retirement? How will you pay for a child's education? Financially, what would happen to your family if you died? How will you pay for long-term care? The MEMBERS Financial Services Program located at State Employees Credit Union has one objective: to help you reach your financial goals. We're here to help you make sound financial decisions consistent with your risk tolerance, investment time-lines and goals. The program works in cooperation with the State Employees Credit Union and complements the products and services the credit union makes available to you. Together we can provide a total package to help you realize your full financial potential. When it comes to insurance and investments, we understand the importance of a trusted partner. Contact Guy Cook, the MEMBERS Financial Services Representative serving SECU, at (404) 463-1895 for a no-cost, no-obligation appointment. Representatives are registered through, and securities are sold through, CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member NASD/SIPC, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free (866) 512-6109. Insurance sold through licensed CUNA Mutual Life Insurance Company Representatives, and in New York, licensed insurance representatives of other companies. Nondeposit investment products are not federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by the credit union. DNR offers music concerts at Unicoi Park Most Saturdays, now through mid-November at Unicoi Park and Lodge in Helen, some of the best musicians in the area will perform Appalachian Mountain, Bluegrass and Southern Gospel music. "Pass-the-hat" donations to the musicians are welcome. There is a $2 parking fee. For more information, call 800-573-9659 Ext. 305. The Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) has a new web site to allow the public to report the driving practices of state employees who drive government vehicles. Drivers in Georgia can go to www.reportmydriving.ga.gov to file complaints about government vehicle drivers. DOAS Commissioner Dana Russell said comments on courteous and conscientious state employees driving state vehicles are also encouraged. Complaints are tracked to ensure follow-up by the agencies involved. The site is a part of Governor Sonny Perdue's and the Commission for a New Georgia's plan for state agencies to use resources more appropriately and efficiently. The program is voluntary; however, all state agencies, excluding law enforcement entities, are encouraged to affix bumper stickers advertising the program web site to their vehicles. The stickers are mandatory for DOAS vehicles. The initial order of 10,000 bumper stickers has been depleted and an additional order of 10,000 stickers has already been made. Stickers can be obtained by emailing GAFleet@doas.ga.gov. According to Debra White, director of DOAS Support Services Division, the area that manages the state's fleet services, DOAS is quite excited about the program. "It is an initiative that we thought was important and felt the state would benefit from it." According to Commissioner Russell, until now, there were no clearly defined methods to report and respond to complaints reported by motorists. Although the site was available to the public in April, a news conference to announce the site was held on the top deck of the Jesse Hill parking deck on June 13. Since the news conference, the site has had an increase in reporting activity. The new program has the potential to decrease the state's annual accident claims, which have cost the state more than $10.5 million since 2002. Statistics since 2002 show Georgia has paid $10.5 million for more than 5,800 accident claims involving state vehicles. Since 2002, state drivers who rear-ended other motorists caused 623 accidents, costing the state approximately $4 million. Failure to yield was the second most costly violation, causing 757 accidents and costing $2 million. As of July 1, 2005, the Office of Fleet Management, formally housed in DOAS, was transferred to the Office of Planning and Budget; however, DOAS will continue to manage day-to-day operations. Summer 2005 Page 15 Test Your Vocabulary Work Tip 1. To scold severely or angrily. ___ Berate (bih-RAYT) v. 2. Speech or action that flatters and tends to coax, entice, or persuade (often used in the ___ Irrefragable (ir-REF-ruh-guh-buhl) adj. plural) 3. To bring up (a subject) for discussion or debate. ___ Broach (broch) v. 4. Lacking proper seriousness or respect; ___ Deprecate (DEP-ri-kayt) v. showing inappropriate levity; pert. 5. Talking much, especially about common- ___ Flippant (FLIP-uhnt) adj. place or trivial things; talkative ___ Inculcate (in-KUL-kayt) v. 6. To teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions; to urge on the mind. ___ Blandishment (BLAN-dish-muhnt) n. 7. Uncompromising; irreconcilable; not capable of being swayed or diverted from a course; ___ Tendentious (ten-DEN-shuhs) adj. unsusceptible to persuasion. 8. Impossible to refute; incontestable; ___ Garrulous (GAR-uh-luss) adj. undeniable; as, an irrefragable argument; ___ Intransigent (in-TRAN-suh-juhnt) adj. irrefragable evidence. 9. Marked by a strong tendency in favor of a particular point of view. 10. To disapprove of strongly; State Agencies Take Steps Toward Cleaner Air and Better Health Most people would probably say that walking is not an option for them for work-related activities. But did you know that in the U.S., more than 25 percent of auto trips are less than one mile in length? Walking is one of the simplest, most efficient ways of getting from point A to B. Unfortunately, most Americans have gotten into the habit of using their cars for even the shortest of trips. Not only has this contributed to a rise in obesity rates, but it has also contributed to metro Atlanta's air quality problem. To reverse this trend and get people moving again, The Clean Air Campaign and the region's eight transportation management associations (TMAs) organized the Metro Atlanta Walk There! Challenge in April. Participating individuals tracked how far they walked each day and logged their steps online. Thirteen state agencies challenged their employees to put their feet on the street, and the results were impressive. Many participants were among the top walkers in the region, including Eve Gao of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. She was the top walker among public employers during the second week of the challenge, adding steps to her daily routine by walking to lunch, for errands and for entertainment. Walking is just one way you can free yourself from traffic and help clean metro Atlanta's air. Other commute alternatives such as carpooling, teleworking, transit and vanpooling are also excellent ways to reduce your stress and add time to your day. Thanks to Commuter Rewards, a new program offered by The Clean Air Campaign and the region's transportation management associations (TMAs), clean commuters can also earn cash and prizes. The concept is simple: clean up your commute, log how you did it, earn cash and win prizes. Commuter Rewards encompasses three different financial incentives: the highly-successful Cash for Commuters program for commuters currently driving alone to work; Commuter Prizes, a monthly prize program for existing users of commute alternatives; and Carpool Rewards, a gas card program for carpools with three or more people. Commuters can get more information and register to participate by visiting www.cleanaircampaign.com. Is Your Work All About the Money? Money is not the only reason for choosing an employer. It is also true that many people seek more from their employment than just monetary gains. Some people work jobs at a sacrifice of money because of the fulfillment the job offers. Others like contributing to something larger than themselves; something important. A sense of development and growth or the challenge of the job are other reasons why some employees stay with a particular employer. Others simply use employment as a way to meet people, to make a love connection or just to interact with others who have a similar interest or lifestyles. And while all the listed reasons may possibly be important, the majority of the 21st century workforce works primarily for compensation. But many employees make the mistake of only seeing their compensation in terms of the amount of earnings they take home. And while monetary compensation is significant, employees have to consider their "total compensation" and rewards package to really access the overall value of their employment. Many benefits available to employees are expenditures for organizations. The overall cost the employer pays to fund the position and its benefit package should be considered when assessing the full worth of the position. Employees may actually loose compensation when changing jobs if they do not compare their complete compensation package with that offered by the other employer. Work-life benefits, paid parking, holidays and paid-time-off are a small example of benefits that can be included when assessing your "total compensation." Consider for example that state employees on the statewide salary plan earning a $31,000 annual salary have a total compensation of $41,317. Plus, employees should compare elective options offered by each employer to ensure individual desirable benefits, such as travel allowances, training, and cash bonuses remain available. Lastly, employees should also include various conveniences and payroll options as part of their overall compensation. Payroll deduction and some of the pre-tax benefits it provides can also affect the bottom dollar. Employees should look at their complete compensation and benefit package before making a decision to accept another employment offer. As state employees, visit www.gms.state.ga. us/GreatPlaceToWork/TotRewards Calculator.asp to learn more about your total compensation. ASSESSMENT SERVICES For your organization development needs Assess your staff Assess employee satisfaction and identify training needs Assess your customer Assess your organization's image and measure customer satisfaction Assess your services Evaluate your customer service delivery, and collect environmental scanning data Consult- with you to help gather information and shape the project direction Design- content questions and look for the instrument used to contact and communicate with your target audience Develop- online and hard copy surveys, timelines, interim communication and reminders Conduct- distribute and troubleshoot any problems respondents may have Monitor- response rates and total response counts Compile- centralize and categorize responses for reporting purposes Create- clear and concise text and graphs that summarize responses and provide valuable insights We can We care We customize For Further information or to schedule a consultation please contact Georgia Merit System, ASSIST Unit Felicia Brockington 529 Church St. Decatur, Georgia 30030 fbrockington@gms.state.us or 404-371-7321 Test Your Vocabulary Answers 1. Berate (bih-RAYT), v.- To scold severely or angrily. 2. Blandishment (BLAN-dish-muhnt), n. - Speech or action that flatters and tends to coax, entice, or persuade often used in the plural) 3. Broach (br ch) v. - To bring up (a subject) for discussion or debate. 4. Flippant (FLIP-uhnt), adj.- Lacking proper seriousness or respect; showing inappropriate levity; pert. 5. Garrulous (GAR-uh-luss), adj.-Talking much, especially about commonplace or trivial things; talkative 6. Inculcate (in-KUL-kayt; IN-kul-kayt), v.-To teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions; to urge on the mind. 7. Intransigent (in-TRAN-suh-juhnt) adj. - Uncompromising; irreconcilable; not capable of being swayed or diverted from a course; unsusceptible to persuasion. 8. Irrefragable (ir-REF-ruh-guh-buhl), adj.- Impossible to refute; incontestable; undeniable; an irrefragable argument; irrefragable evidence. 9. Tendentious (ten-DEN-shuhs), adj.- Marked by a strong tendency in favor of a particular point of view. 10. Deprecate (DEP-ri-kayt), v. 1: to disapprove of strongly; Page 16 Summer 2005 Saluting Employees Serving Our State and Country Labor Pardons and Paroles "I am proud of the brave men and women of George state government who are serving their country abroad in the war on terror. These courageous men and women are not only public servants at home, but they've volunteered themselves as defenders of freedom for our entire nation. I offer each of them my sincere thanks, and my prayer for their safe return home." Governor Sonny Perdue Sandi Buchanan Texas Less than 2 years Christopher Sneed Kuwait Presently Serving Pardons and Paroles Glen Brown Georgia Guantanamo Bay 2 yrs James Smith Iraq Less than 1 year Craig Flint Washington Less than 2 years Joseph Becton Jr. Georgia 2 yrs Marie Rothwein Florida 1 year Ronnie Mays Iraq Presently Serving Reginald Warren North Carolina Less than 2 yrs Richard Croley Missouri Presently Serving Rusell Bloodworth Unknown Presently Serving Public Safety Technical and Adult Education Workers' Compensation Not Pictured: Carrie Gordon Iraq, Presently Serving Ted Stradford Middle East Presently Serving Jeff Bright Unknown Less than 1 year Joseph Braswell Unknown Less than 2 years Andrew Gideon Iraq Presently Serving Mary Jirsa Georgia Less than one year Janice Askin Georgia, Kuwait Less than one year Georgia Leadership Institute AGENCY PARTICIPATION Senior Management Principle-Centerered Leadership Department of Juvenile Justice Department of Administrative Services Georgia Technology Authority Pardons and Paroles Executive Leadership Program Department of Economic Development Department of Revenue Department Human Resources Department of Corrections Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority State Finance and Invesment Commission Georgia Merit System Governor's Leadership Summit "I am committed to developing the talent that is already in every level of state government and ensuring they explore and understand the elements of my vision and direction for the state." - Gov. Sonny Perdue Thursday, August 18, 2005 Georgia World Congress Center 285 Andrew Young Int'l. Blvd., NW / Atlanta, Georgia 30313 Keynote Speaker: John Schuerholz, General Manager, Atlanta Braves "Developing a Winning Team and a Strong Bench" Thursday, December 8, 2005 Keynote Speaker: Jim Collins, Author of "Good to Great" (invited)