Monday, August 19, 2024: One of the many things I’m proud of from my time serving as Mayor of the City of Pooler is the relationship that we built with the YMCA of Coastal Georgia and our joint venture that resulted in what I believe is one of the finest recreational complexes in the area. I am pleased to meet today at the Habersham YMCA in Savannah with the leadership of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia to learn more about the great work they are doing throughout the area and the plans they have for future expansion. After a great visit, I head to Tharros Place in Pooler where CEO Julie Wade and her excellent staff share with me the great work they are doing by providing support and residential services for survivors of human trafficking for girls between the ages of 12-17. Using an individualized trauma-informed approach, Tharros- which means courage in Greek- Place is helping survivors work toward a brighter future for themselves. Next, I head to the Georgetown area in Southside Savannah where I visit with my good friend, Michael Kooden, General Manager of United Distributors, and his staff for a tour of their facilities and to discuss today’s business climate and the challenges businesses face. Afterwards, I head to Waycross in Ware County where I join the Ware County Republican Party and Chairwoman Debra Giddens for the opening of their headquarters on City Boulevard.
Rep. Carter visits Tharros Place
Tuesday, August 20, 2024: I’m back in Savannah this morning as I meet with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Research Assistant Administrator Steve Thur, who is in town for Sea Grant Week 2024. The National Sea Grant College Program has been in effect for over 50 years and supports coastal, marine and Great Lakes communities through research, extension and education. After my meeting with Administrator Thur where we discuss current legislation involving NOAA, including the Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) proposal to protect Right Whales, I have the opportunity to address the group of over 300 attendees as I welcome them to the First District and thank them for their work on Georgia’s coast including the Shellfish Research lab, the only oyster hatchery in Georgia, located on Skidaway Island. Afterwards, I head to my hometown of Port Wentworth in West Chatham County where I have the privilege of speaking at the groundbreaking of Ice Cove, the new training facility of the Savannah Ghost Pirates that is being built along with the City of Port Wentworth’s Amphitheater. Located at the new Anchor Park, this development will include a number of multi-use fields and courts for sporting activities as well as restaurants and other amenities. Next, I head to my alma mater, Groves High School in Garden City, where I am hosting a Naloxone Information and Training Event that is attended by a number of businesses and agencies throughout the district. Naloxone is an opioid overdose reversal drug that, when administered properly, can counteract the effects of an opioid overdose and save lives. With the help of students from the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, attendees were trained in the proper administration of Naloxone. I was also proud to announce that Walgreens will facilitate the donation of 900 units of naloxone to organizations in the district. After a visit with my good friend, long time Georgia Power representative Truitt Eavenson, I head to our Savannah district office where I have an on-camera interview with CBS news to discuss how climate plays a part in modern politics. We complete the filming of the interview by traveling to Leopold’s Ice Cream in downtown Savannah and enjoying a delicious ice cream cone.
Rep. Carter hosts Naloxone Information and Training event
Wednesday, August 21, 2024: I’m up early and at the shape up of the International Longshoremen Association 1403 in Brunswick this morning as I have the opportunity to briefly address them and thank them for the important work they do in keeping our ports running. Afterwards, I head to Schroeder’s Market in downtown Brunswick where I meet with Brunswick Mayor Cosby Johnson as he brings me up to date on activities in the city. Next, I head to St. Simons Island where I meet with a constituent before heading to the Habitat for Humanity headquarters in Brunswick where I meet with their dynamic board and CEO Mary Lamond. Before meeting with the board, we have a mortgage burning by one of the recipients of a Habitat home- a truly touching experience. Afterwards, I head to the Convention Center on Jekyll Island where I have the honor of speaking at the Annual Georgia Environmental Conference and bringing them up to date on my work as Chair of the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Environment, Manufacturing and Critical Materials (ENV) subcommittee. After filming this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing and Material Minute in our Brunswick district office, I join in on a virtual tech briefing on the VSR proposal with experts in the marine technology area. Next, I have a live interview on Fox Business’ Evening Edit with Liz McDonald to discuss the crisis at the Southern border.
Rep. Carter addresses the Georgia Environmental Conference
Thursday, August 22, 2024: Today we have our first ‘Take Buddy to Work Day’ as we visit the CSX rail yard in Savannah to learn more about the important work they do to help move freight throughout our country. At the invitation of Conductor Kevin Cook, I meet with representatives from the company for a briefing before joining Kevin and fellow Conductor Jason Sessions for a demonstration run on a locomotive. I am extremely impressed with the attention to safety of this great company and gained a better understanding of the importance of this industry particularly with moving freight to and from the Georgia Ports. Afterwards, I head to midtown Savannah for a meeting with Chatham County Commission Chair candidate Joel Boblasky before heading to our Savannah district office for a meeting with local representatives from the University of Georgia. Next, I head to Richmond Hill in Bryan County where I join Mayor Russ Carpenter and we visit some of the neighborhoods affected by the Ogeechee River flooding. While the response from all levels of government- local, state, and federal- has been excellent, the response from the community and neighbors has been inspirational and has helped make this horrible experience a little better. After heading to the ribbon cutting of Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) at the Goodwill Center in Southside Savannah and welcoming this great organization to our area, I head to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) lodge on Ogeechee Road where we welcome Commander in Chief Al Lipphardt to our area. Next, I head to Ferguson Avenue in Savannah where I speak at the Chatham County Republican Party Quarterly meeting.
Rep. Carter visits the CSX rail yard
Friday, August 23, 2024: I have a great phone conversation this morning with the CEO of AMR Action Fund to follow up on our meeting at the Capitol a few weeks ago discussing the need for more antibiotic research and development in our county. My first stop this morning is in Baxley in Appling County as I visit Plant Hatch, a boiling water reactor (BWR) nuclear plant run by Georgia Power that provides electricity to over 2 million homes in Georgia and accounts for about 8% of the total electricity provided in our state. During our tour of the plant where we saw the company’s training facilities and safety equipment, it was quite obvious that their commitment to safety is their number one priority. After a great visit, I head to Jesup in Wayne County where I am honored to speak to local Georgia Forestry Association members and bring them up to date on forestry issues in Washington. Next, I join in on our all-staff conference call before heading to the Rayonier Pulp and Paper mill that has been an integral part of the business community in our district for many years. Opened in 1954, the Jesup plant was the second southeast pulp mill opened by Rayonier and specializes in high purity cellulose specialties. The natural polymers it produces is used extensively in manufacturing filters, food, pharmaceuticals, and various industrial applications.
Rep. Carter visits Plant Hatch
