Know Your Neighbor

This week's Know Your Neighbor includes a conversation with Mark Madison about our grant review process in anticipation of our 2021 Grant Announcement, ideas for voting, and a look into Whit and Alison's favorite Halloween costumes.

Meet Chamber of Commerce president Jim Shaw with Jackson County today. He'll share how the county is expanding and his tips for others looking to grow, and how "the COVID experience" has been for him and his team.

Clayton Oetting is the owner and creator of MESCA and HIBO drinks. Learn how a passion for physics and an entrepreneurial mindset helped him create a new drink and sweetener, all from a spot in Oconee County.

Dr. Angela Moton, Assistant Superintendent Teaching and Learning with Barrow County School System, joins us to talk about her love of learning, ways to help students and parents in our community, and the importance of being inquisitive.

As many of us are exploring ways to garden and grow things at home, we hear from some experts on the topic: 3 Porch Farm owners Steve and Mandy O'Shea. They share how they got into the farming industry, how they've created a sustainable farm - in more ways than one - and why they love the community they live and work in in Northeast Georgia.

These podcasters love talking with their guests, but thought it was about time that Know Your Neighbor listeners got to know them a bit better and hear their stories. There will be occasional episodes where Whit and Alison talk about what's going on in their worlds and communities, debrief on past podcasts, and discuss some topics that are near and dear to their hearts. But this first session allows them to share their stories with all of you.

Beth Patrick with St. Mary's Healthcare System, joins us to share about HR, working in the healthcare industry during a pandemic, and how our young students can find opportunities for work and learning through St. Mary's. Beth is also a United Way of Northeast Georgia Board member and we are excited to share her story and passion for our 12-county region. 

Our very own Director of Community Impact, Mark Madison, joins us to share about his career evolution with United Way of Northeast Georgia, his passion for our community, and how working collectively means a better place for everyone.

You may know her as the wife of Athens' Mayor Kelly Girtz or as the Director of Corporate Communications at Zaxby's or as an advocate for women in the workplace. For those who don't know her, let us introduce Andrea Griffith Girtz. A former journalist, a business leader, a mother and more, Andrea has many roles and still finds time to read books like the rest of us and appreciates a challenge. Listen to her take on how to achieve work-life balance (here's a hint: it might not be possible) and how she thinks we can all be better news consumers.

Elbert County digs deep when it comes to its workforce - and we mean that literally! Known as the Granite Capital of the World, Elberton is home to a huge granite industry. Today we hear from Chris Kubas with the Elberton Granite Association about the industry and his focus on increasing the workforce in the region.

Today we meet Julita Sanders, a Neighborhood Service Office with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department who is dedicated to the people of Athens, helping establish a positive community for our communities and neighborhoods alongside the police.

Do you miss live shows? So do we! Today we talk to Colm O'Reilly, a sound engineer at The Georgia Theatre, about his work, his travels and music of all kinds.

Sheriff Janis Mangum is a leader who has been dedicated to Jackson County her entire life, caring for and serving her residents. Learn more about why she was drawn to her career and the care she puts into her work each and every day.

You might remember him from the 1980 UGA National Championship Team, or as a leader while a student-athlete at the university, or through community service around town. We are pleased to interview Robert Miles, Director of Life Skills with the UGA's Athletic Association.

Join us as we hear from Dave Earnest, Executive Director of Brightpaths. He is a leader in Athens who has been guiding parents and helping create positive family engagement for more than two decades.

Today we get to hear from Jenn Thomas from Clarke Middle School share about their garden and the work being done to teach students about sustainability, business and life skills.

Meet Tarin Tripp, Executive Director at Hope Haven of Northeast Georgia and a great resource for some fantastic employees! Hear about their workforce program for their clients and why right now could be a great time to team up with them.

For our very first episode, we chat with Kay Keller, President and CEO of United Way of Northeast Georgia. She shares her perspective on the connection between for-profit and nonprofit worlds and where she finds joy right now.