COVER STORY
Georgian Of The Year: Facing The Future
By Tom Crawford
Gov. Sonny Perdue will have more influence than anyone else in determining how Georgia addresses the two most urgent issues facing the state: a shortage of water and crippling traffic congestion on our roads. He has taken on the Army Corps of Engineers and put his own person at the helm of the Department of Transportation.
ABOUT THE COVER: Steve Penley painted the cover portrait of Gov. Sonny Perdue from a photograph taken by Daemon Baizan for Georgia Trend.
FEATURES
2008 Hall Of Fame: Lasting Influence
By Jerry Grillo
Georgia Trend adds Hank Aaron, Mack Mattingly, Carl Patton and Herman J. Russell to the Most Influential Georgians Hall of Fame, in recognition of their lasting impact on the state.
2008 Most Influential Georgians
Edited By Jerry Grillo
Our annual listing of the state’s most powerful and influential citizens, chosen from the ranks of business, government, education, nonprofits and the arts.
High Tide At Sea Island
By Krista Reese
Georgia’s premier resort emerges from an extensive restoration and renovation boasting a new Beach Club, new restaurants and a re-invented Cloister.
Where The Jobs Are 2008
By Ed Lightsey
Modest economic growth and a wave of retirements will create employment opportunities this year. Financial services and healthcare are growing, and job-seekers with technical skills are in great demand.
Mike Garrett: Powering Up
By Susan Percy
Georgia Power’s CEO says the state’s combination of growth and increased consumption requires higher rates. He worries about water, transportation and education, and he thinks it’s time for a nuclear renaissance.
Teaming Up
By Mike Tierney
A successful public-private partnership between developer TPA and Cherokee County’s development authority highlights a growing trend in Georgia’s cities and counties.
Small Business Spotlight: Men In Trees
By Jack Wilkinson
Arborguard’s Spence Rosenfeld says the world doesn’t need another tree-cutting company. Saving trees is his passion.
OUR STATE
Cobb County: Rebuilding Cobb
Suburban outposts move to reclaim the city center
Plus,
Cobb County At-A-Glance
By Bill Osinski
Elijay/Gilmer County: Past Meets Future
Holding onto history and welcoming new residents
Plus,
Elijay/Gilmer County At-A-Glance
By Randy Southerland
Elberton/Elbert County: Powered By Water
A well-planned lake generates development
Plus,
Elberton/Elbert County At-A-Glance
By Ed Lightsey
DEPARTMENTS
Organizations: Kiwanis International
By Shannon Wilder
The GreenRoom
By Ben Young
Political RoundUp
By Tom Crawford
Neely Young: Time For A Strong Leader
Gov. Sonny Perdue is the only person in a position to stop the GREAT plan. The power of the governor’s office can be used to stop legislation that will do harm to the citizens of Georgia.
Business Casual: We're Not The Enemy
By Susan Percy
Detractors like to make Atlanta the scapegoat for everything they see as a problem, from the unprecedented drought north Georgia is experiencing to escalating prices at the gas pump. Not so.
Trend Radar
By Ed Lightsey
State Of The Economy: Risky Business
By Jeffrey Humphreys
Although most policyholders will see flat or lower premiums this year, property owners in coastal areas will continue to experience premium increases.
Profile: Paper Trail
By Patty Rasmussen
GPA’s Robin Rhodes says the state’s newspapers are here to stay.
Legends: Family Tradition
By Gene Asher
Three generations of the Rhino family have played for Georgia Tech
Politics: Outlines Of A New Georgia
By Tom Crawford
In Cobb County, long considered ground zero of the Republican Party power base in Georgia, the percentage of white students in the public school system fell below the 50 percent level in 2005-06.
