On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, the Council for Quality Growth hosted the 2023 State of Henry County Address in partnership with Henry County and the Henry Chamber of Commerce at the Merle Manders Conference Center in Stockbridge. A sold-out crowd of more than 300 Council and Chamber members, elected officials, businesses, residents, county staff, and partners of Henry County attended the annual lunch to hear from Henry County Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell. This year’s lunch was presented by Squire Patton Boggs and Truist.
Chairwoman Harrell focused her 3rd State of the County address on mission, purpose, and a new theme for Henry County, “Henry Cares. Henry Committed.” This was unveiled alongside the county’s new logos and colors. In keeping with her past addresses, the Chairwoman used her time to highlight members of her community and present the annual Henry Hero Awards.
She first commended the county’s commitment to public safety, reporting declining crime rates in all categories due to an expanded police force, opening of the Real Time Crime Center, training and re-training programs for law enforcement, and a focus on mental health. The county has also recently opened a new fire station and more than doubled the number of 911 operators to answer emergency calls. She presented the first Henry Hero Awards to Officer Cory McDonald, Corporal Charles Polk, and Firefighter Aaron Porter for their contributions to ensuring the safety of Henry County’s residents.
Chairwoman Harrell spoke about healthcare, announcing $3.5 million of American Rescue Plan funds approved for an extension of Piedmont Henry to create more capacity. She presented the next Henry Hero Award to Amanda Reeves, Executive Director of Hands of Hope Clinic, a charitable healthcare provider offering medical, dental, and mental health services to those at or below the poverty line. The clinic is approaching its 20th anniversary, and Reeves has provided over 50,000 free clinic visits to…
Read the full article here