40 S G M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 REGION UPDATES Moving Forward. South Georgia Moving Forward The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) named South Georgia as a 2018 Great American Defense Community. During the week of March 12, businesses and individuals from Berrien, Cook, Lanier, and Lowndes counties celebrated the airmen of Moody Air Force Base and their families. The ADC is a national organization focused on community-military issues. Each year, the ADC recognizes military communities and regions that raise the standard in providing the highest possible quality of life for military members and their families. Tift Regional Health System, the Adel- Cook County Tourism Authority, and Adel-Cook County Chamber of Commerce recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new $40 million Cook Medical Center. Construction is expected to be completed in September 2019. Lowndes County The City of Valdosta Mayor and Council officially appointed Mark Barber as the new city manager. Barber will oversee the city’s 10 departments, 600 employees, and $97 million budget. Barber has 30 years of experience in municipal government including 26 years with the City of Valdosta. Sementha Mathews has been named the executive director of the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts. Mathews recently served as public information officer for the City of Valdosta. Mathews is a founding member and current president of the South Georgia Public Relations Society of America. K e l l y H a n k s Sementha M a t h e w s Brooks County With the goal of expanding its outreach to businesses in Brooks County, Kelly Hanks was appointed as the executive director of the Quitman-Brooks County Chamber of Commerce. Former chamber director, Tiffany Holmes, moved to the position of director for Economic Development in Brooks County. Cook County The Adel-Cook County Chamber of Commerce welcomes Heather Green as chamber president. Green recently served as vice president of administration at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce. South Georgia is Named Great American Defense Community American Textile officially opened its 400,000-square-foot facility in Tift County’s new industrial park.