POAG EXECUTIVE MINUTES - September  2001:                  

     The Executive Committee of the Peace Officers’ Association of Georgia, Inc. held a meeting at 4 P. M., September 22, 2001 at the Jekyll Inn, Jekyll Island, Georgia.  Committee members attending included President Bill Hitchens, Vice President Wayne Avery, Board Members Harry Colbert and Homer Bryson, Secretary-Treasurer John Conley, Legislative Chairman Bob Brown and Executive Director Marion Conley.  Public Relations Director Jimmy Jones, Attorney Frank Childs and Chaplain Jimmy Waters were unable to attend. Visitors included: Ken Suddeth, Harold and Pat Groover and Donna Holcomb.

 President Hitchens called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance. 

Wayne Avery gave the invocation.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Hitchens. 

A motion was made by Bob Brown and seconded by Harry Colbert to approve the minutes and financial report from August, 2001.  The motion passed. 

A discussion ensued on the joint partnership with Miller Brewing in the active campaign against underage drinking and responsible drinking.  

President Hitchens reported webmaster, Mark Revenew, should have the availability of PayPal completed very shortly.  Mark was being delayed with the program pending advice on the price of products available through the office. 

District Director Gary Hill had attended the graduation of  the 77^th Trooper School.  He was successful in getting forty three of these graduates to join POAG for their one year of free membership.  However, the question arose of whether or not a potential graduate would receive a free year of membership if that person was already a member.  The consensus of the Committee was that this offer was available only to first time new members. 

The office passed around a copy of the “Certificate of Registration” showing P. O. A. G. is now a registered trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. 

Secretary Conley brought a case before the Committee of a member who had been a member in good standing many many years.  Due to extreme illness the member’s grace period had expired 20 days prior to death.  A motion was made by Bob Brown, seconded by John Conley and passed to pay the benefits in this case.  The motion passed. 

Legislative Chairman Bob Brown suggested the Association make the #1 priority item for the upcoming legislative session be a campaign to tighten the laws regarding telemarketing.  The feelings of the Committee was that at least a certain percentage of funds collected should have to be disbursed for the purpose stated in the organization of the company or business.   

            District Director Ken Suddeth took a moment to compliment President Hitchens on his wonderful leadership during his tenure of office. 

            President Hitchens advised the remainder of the Committee and guests that the opening ceremony Monday of the convention would be slightly altered to include a patriotic theme.  

            A motion was made by  Bob Brown, seconded by Homer Bryson and passed for the Association to forward $500 to the Salvation Army, designated in honor of the fallen police officers, firemen and emergency personnel of the disaster in New York City.

            A motion was made by Bob Brown, seconded by Wayne Avery and passed to adjourn. 

ADDENDUM:  After the election of Wayne Avery, President of this great Association, a meeting for Friday, October 19, 2001 at 10 A. M. was called.  This meeting will be held at the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department range.