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Walking the Walk
      An editorial by Margaret Morris

>> When people hear of Sandra McKinney, they may automatically think of the Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce, and with good reason. During Sandra's ten-year term as executive director, the organization increased its membership by nearly 70 percent. As the chamber exceeded expectations in size, great things also happened to Gray and Jones County. 

>>  Sandra with comrades Gray Mayor Jason Briley (left) and Jones County Commission Chairman G.B. ?Butch? Moore, at a PLAN retreat. <<

 
This summer, Sandra McKinney retired from her duties as executive director of both the Chamber of Commerce (serving since 1995) and the Development Authority (serving since 2000). However, the mark she made in the community was tremendous, and her legacy continues to do its magic throughout Jones County. People Looking Ahead Now (PLAN) is familiar to county residents and even statewide. PLAN as well as other organizations originated through support from the chamber with plenty of help from McKinney. "I learned that the members of this community can do anything when they work together," she says. "The county has tremendous potential because of its people and resources." Both components are essential with PLAN. The organization, in its ninth year, was the result of surveys McKinney sent to chamber members to determine their priorities for the county. She held meetings with community leaders and a PLAN steering committee was formed and headed by G.B. "Butch" Moore III. PLAN has addressed economic development, historical preservation, housing, land use, natural resources and facilities.               
 
"Sandra is without a doubt the MOST key member of the PLAN steering committee, not only in its formation, but in her work through the years," says Butch Moore, former chairman, Jones County Commissioners. "While others  involved may have had good ideas and provided time as volunteers in various PLAN endeavors, it was Sandra's tireless, continued work that kept it all together."

In 1998, Sandra was named "Woman of the Year." Beyond her work with the chamber, she was recognized for volunteering as a regional board member with Georgia Youth Science and Technology, a committee member with Jones County Schools Curriculum Review, a board member for the Jones County Alternative School, a participant in the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, and a member of the PLAN Education and Youth task force.  

Sandra's work experience began as a part-time secretary for J. Harris Morton, ordinary of Jones County. "My first job was in Jones County and my last job was in Jones County."  Prior to coming back to work in Jones County, Sandra was an instructor and department head at Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC), formerly Macon Technical Institute. She became assistant coordinator, director, then vice president of instructional services where she supervised credit programs, continuing education, the Milledgeville Center, library services and law enforcement training. She retired from CGTC after 31 years of service, however, not completely. During her tenure with the chamber of commerce, she also held a seat on the CGTC Board of Directors for eight years. Sandra sees a correlation in working for CGTC and the Jones County/Gray Chamber. "At CGTC, I worked in each level of the organization chart until I reached the VP level.  My experience at the chamber was very similar in that I began with a small organization and helped it to grow through all phases of its service to business and the community.  It was exciting to be a part of the growth at both organizations."

"I was very fortunate to be a part of the growth of the chamber of commerce and the development authority under Sandra's leadership," comments Dottie Walker, owner of Gray Drug Company and former chamber and development authority director. "She has certainly been an asset to our community."

These days you can find Sandra volunteering on the Scenic Byways committee. "I really believe in this project and will continue to work with it until we get designation, hopefully by spring 2006." The project preserves the scenic qualities of a travel route through Jones County. She also volunteers with chamber events. 

When asked why the chamber is so successful, Sandra replies, "It's hard to name one task. They all tie in together. "What I really miss is the people. I had lots of contact with individuals from every phase of the community." <<