Issue 41 • March 20, 2026 • Athens, GA
Director's Letter
In our gloriously digital age, professional relationships have a sneaky way of shrinking down to a parade of unread Teams messages, calendar invites titled “Quick Sync,” and the occasional LinkedIn “happy work anniversary” notification that feels about as personal as a parking ticket. We solemnly swear we’ll “catch up soon,” then watch entire seasons of life scroll past while we remain convinced that typing “how’ve you been?” counts as meaningful outreach. Then BAM—this week the UGA PSO Small Business Development Centers Annual Consultant and Staff Training rolled into the Georgia Center, and suddenly the hallways turned into a live-action reunion special. Familiar faces appeared out of nowhere like they’d been hiding behind the potted plants since 2025. Handshakes were exchanged. Actual eye contact was made. And—miracle of miracles—people laughed at jokes without muting themselves first. As someone who spent years as the Area Director for the SBDC in Gainesville before landing in this Interim Director chair (still explaining to those colleagues “how did this happen” story), I’ve now hosted this annual gathering for three straight years. Every time, it’s the same delightful event: top-notch training sessions, thoughtful breakout discussions, and then the real magic—the stuff that happens when the agenda ends and the coffee or buffet line begins. These rekindled connections aren’t just nice-to-have photo ops; they’re the secret sauce. The Georgia Center has been doing this “bringing people together under one roof” thing since 1957—long before anyone dreamed of virtual backgrounds that make you look like you’re Zooming from Narnia. Watching longtime SBDC friends reconnect this week drove home the point: no emoji reaction, no “thumbs up” in chat, no perfectly timed GIF can replace the spark you get when you’re actually in the same room, swapping war stories, and realizing you’ve both survived another year of small-business heroics. So here’s my completely serious challenge (with a side of sarcasm): If you’re reading this and there’s someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to—an old classmate, a former coworker, that one buddy who always had the best restaurant recommendations—stop doom-scrolling your inbox and do something about it. Pick up the phone. Send the ridiculous “remember when” email. Better yet, put the next in-person event on your calendar right now. Because nothing fuels better work, stronger networks, and a richer professional life like realizing you still know how to make someone snort-laugh in real time. Here at the Georgia Center, we’re proud to keep providing the venue, the coffee, the food, the hotel room and the excuse to get out of your regular routine and enjoy some valuable training and networking with colleagues. A huge thank-you to every consultant and staff member who joined us this week. You turned these hallways into proof that “catching up” belongs off the to-do list and back in real life—where the jokes actually land.Warmly (and still laughing at the bridge tournament antics)
Events at the Georgia Center
Business is blooming this Spring at the Georgia Center; our building has been positively buzzing with activity over the past two weeks! Here are some of the many events we've facilitated with your help.
2026 Archway Summit
Last week, Archway Partnership held their 2026 Archway Summit in our building. The two-day symposium brought together community stakeholders from all Archway Partnership communities to learn about pressing needs and trends affecting Georgia, as well as UGA resources available to make a lasting impact in their communities. Featured here is the Medical One Panel held in Dogwood Hall.
Dawgs at the Dome 2026
The Georgia Center SEM and F&B teams took our signature Strawberry Ice Cream Pie on the road to the Georgia State Capitol for Dawgs at the Dome. Alongside Hospitality and Food Industry Management students, the team served 350 tartlets. A fan favorite in the Rotunda, the SICP once again proved a hit and reminding everyone that it’s a great day to be a Dawg!
L.E.A.D. IT Conference 2026
L.E.A.D. IT, a professional development day hosted by the Vice President for Information Technology, took place all around our meeting spaces. This event brought together IT professionals, speakers, and leaders from across the University System of Georgia to learn about IT initiatives, exchange ideas, and develop technical, leadership, and soft skills. Our very own James Gilstrap held a breakout session on how their division produces dashboards to keep our operations running smoothly every day!
Small Business Development Center Annual Consultant and Staff Training 2026
The UGA Small Business Development Center held this year's annual Consultant and Staff Training in the Georgia Center. A big shoutout to all our staff who kept the event running smoothly!
UGA Summer Job Fair
On March 19, Leta Salazar represented the Georgia Center at the UGA Summer Job Fair, actively recruiting for full-time, part-time, and on-campus student positions. Throughout the event, Leta connected with a wide range of students and job seekers, sharing information about current openings and the variety of roles available across the Center.
Symposium on Artificial Intelligence
The IT Management Forum and UGAnet hosted a Symposium on A.I. for the University IT community on March 19 at the Georgia Center. Over 100 IT staff members congregated in our building where Mike moderated a lunch program discussing AI in teaching, research, and government.
Thank You to Our Staff
A huge shoutout and thank you to every staff member who helped with each of these events, plus the others not mentioned here. There's always a lot going on in our building, but your hard work and dedication ensures we can help every event, no matter the size or subject, go as smooth as possible for passionate learners all across the state.
Dawg Day of Giving is just around the corner, and this year, we are rallying behind the Luetrell G. Sims Student Worker Excellence Fund. As many of you know, the fund honors student workers here at the Georgia Center who reflect the same exceptional character and dedication to service that Ms. Sims embodied throughout her years with us. It is a small but meaningful way to keep her legacy alive among the people who walk these halls today. We are asking every one of you to consider making a gift, no matter the size. Truly, every dollar counts. A $5 contribution carries just as much heart as a larger one, and when our whole team shows up together, the impact speaks for itself. Please give what you can and help us celebrate both our students and the spirit of Ms. Sims on this one special day.
Luetrell G. Sims Student Worker Excellence 2026 Scholarship Applications Open
Through the generous support of donors to the Luetrell G. Sims Student Worker Excellence Fund, and in recognition of the hard work and impact of student workers at the Georgia Center, the Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel is proud to award a $500 scholarship to a Georgia Center student worker in 2026. Student staff members are essential to our success. As valued members of our teams, student workers contribute their time, talent, and dedication to supporting daily operations and delivering exceptional service to guests, staff, donors, faculty, event attendees, students, and visitors. Please forward the scholarship application form to eligible student workers that you'd like to see apply!
GSEF Volunteers Needed!
The Georgia State Science and Engineering Fair is coming to the town (hosted at the Classic Center), March 26–28, and we'd love your help making it a memorable experience for our brilliant young competitors! Sign up to volunteer and be part of the excitement! We have multiple volunteer positions available:
- Greeter: Greet attendees, help students find their projects, answer questions, monitor entrance.
- Display & Safety Committee: Help students set up exhibits and check for D&S violations.
- Youth Advocate Committee: Monitor students in and around Exhibit Hall to ensure exhibitor safety and positive experience. Must be minors program approved (background-checked and trained by completing “Programs and Activities Serving Minors” in PEP).
UGA’s Parent Leadership Council
We are thrilled to share that the Georgia Center has been awarded three grants from the UGA Parents Leadership Council (PLC), no small feat among a record 145 applications submitted this year! These funds will support a social media/video student for Continuing Education, SAUGA Jr. interns, and HFIM interns, helping us continue to create meaningful opportunities for students right here on campus. Thank you to the PLC for investing in our programs and the students we serve!
Wellness Corner
March is often associated with fresh starts and spring cleaning—not just in our homes, but in our routines and priorities. This can be a great time to clear out clutter, refocus on goals, and make space for new ideas. A small reset can go a long way toward creating a positive and productive season ahead.
Save The Date!
UGA Inaugural Well-Being Fair
The University of Georgia Benefits and Well-being team invites you to join the inaugural UGA Well-Being Fair on April 29, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Tate Student Center, Grand Hall (Level 5). This year’s theme, Every Part of You Matters, reflects UGA’s commitment to supporting a whole-person approach to well-being. The event is free and open to all UGA faculty and staff. No general registration is required. Whether you stop by for a quick visit or stay longer, there’s something for everyone.
Credits:
Images by Adobe Stock, GC Marcom, and individual GC contributing employees.