COVER STORY

Are You Ready For Some Football?
By Jerry Grillo
Both Georgia State and Kennesaw State are considering new football programs – GSU has recruited Dan Reeves to lead its effort. Students, alumni, administrators and fans are enthusiastic, but in the end, it will all come down to money.

About the Cover: Cover photos by www.twovital.com

FEATURES

A Richness Of Resources
By Mary Anne Dunkin
As businesses expand their community service roles, the lines between philanthropy and profit are likely to blur. But experts say everyone benefits when hands-on volunteerism joins traditional corporate giving.

Safeguarding The Safety Net
Ed Lightsey
This year’s farm bill, now being hammered out in Congress, will determine the profitability of Georgia agriculture. Tariffs, price supports, food assistance programs and funds for conservation and research are all being deliberated. And there’s $25 billion less in available funding than there was in 2002.

Local Banking Boom
By Katheryn Hayes Tucker
As big banks continue to buy out small ones, a new generation of community banks is finding a niche by providing more personalized service. And some of the banks are paying their investors handsome returns – quickly.

Casey Cagle: Setting Out To Set A New Tone
By Susan Percy
Georgia’s lieutenant governor says despite a testy legislative session, education came out a winner. He’s looking ahead to the challenges of transportation and healthcare.

New Look For The Old Game
By Jerry Grillo
A roster of new Georgia golf courses, many serving as centerpieces for residential developments, is defying a national trend. But golfers’ demands for year-round course perfection are increasing the cost of playing the sport and, some say, taxing the environment.

OUR STATE

Calhoun/Gordon County: From Rugs To Riches
Downtown redevelopment and bustling business in carpet
Plus, Calhoun/Gordon County At-A-Glance
By Karen Kennedy

Moultrie/Colquitt County: A Unique Partnership
Local leaders and UGA experts team up to guide growth
Plus, Moultrie/Colquitt County At-A-Glance
By Ed Lightsey

Georgia 400: Designing For Destiny
Communities along Georgia 400 seek to handle growing population
Plus, Georgia 400 At-A-Glance
By Kenna Simmons

Walton County: Change Is On The Way
Revisiting small town charm in the face of rapid growth
Plus, Walton County At-A-Glance
By Randy Southerland

DEPARTMENTS

Computers For Youth
By Kenna Simmons

The GreenRoom
By Ben Young

Political RoundUp
By Tom Crawford

Neely Young: The Speaker’s Tax Proposal
Glenn Richardson wants to change the constitutional system for collecting taxes in Georgia. This would greatly increase the power of his office.

Business Casual: Library Envy
By Susan Percy
Homebuyers are buying bigger and bigger houses for smaller and smaller families – except, of course, for the ones who are downsizing.

State Of The Economy: A Multicultural Economy
By Jeffrey Humphreys
The University of Georgia’s impact on Athens was $2.2 billion for the 2002 fiscal year, and Georgia Tech’s impact on Metro Atlanta was $1.7 billion.

Profile: Staying Connected
By Patty Rasmussen
AT&T Georgia President Sylvia Anderson says today’s consumers want choices.

Legends: His Own Calling
By Gene Asher
George Wright found a unique way to honor Atlanta’s sports champions

Art Of The Meal: Rosa Mexicano: Station Break
By Krista Reese
The guacamole, made tableside in the traditional Mexican lava stone bowl, is the number one reason to visit this Atlantic Station favorite.

Politics: Ups And Downs
By Tom Crawford
Some Georgia political figures who were on top of the world mere months ago – including Saxby Chambliss, Shirley Franklin and Sonny Perdue – are finding that things have changed.