PSO will optimize existing resources by

• marketing services in the state and region,
• examining ways to achieve administrative efficiency, and
• streamlining data collection and analysis for assessing the effectiveness of PSO programming.

PSO will develop new revenue streams by

• expanding existing programs and services that generate external funds;
• increasing the number of grants and contracts;
• developing new programs and services that meet constituent needs, tap new markets, and generate revenue rather than require support of funds;
• investing in programs and technologies that have the potential to generate new funding; and
• increasing private fundraising efforts.

PSO will continually reassess its direction and purpose by

• scanning national trends for best practices,
• engaging in regular assessment and discussion about the direction and relevance of its programs, and
• adjusting programs and resource allocation to high-priority issues and areas.

Georgia Power Company notified the SBDC in December that the company will provide a $40,000 sponsorship and $10,000 in participant scholarships to support the SBDC’s new GrowSmart™ program. This is a multi-session training program targeted at businesses that are poised to expand their sales and employment. It is a successor to the Kauffman Foundation’s FastTrac® GrowthVenture™ program, which the SBDC has offered for the past 12 years.

To find out more: Small Business Development Center

Two Federal Work-Study students have been awarded funding through the Office of Service-Learning as inaugural participants in the Assistants in Community Engagement (ACE) program. These students work with faculty members in a range of disciplines including music education, horticulture, social work, and environment and design. ACE students act as undergraduate teaching assistants in service-learning courses and provide support for the service-learning activities and logistics, such as on-site support at off-campus venues, tracking project activities and outcomes, and communication between students, faculty and community partners.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

The Office of Service-Learning (OSL) announces the availability of the 2011-2012 mini-grant program. This program provides up to $500 in "just-in-time" funding for faculty members and graduate students who are implementing academic service-learning. Funding can be used for materials, background checks, or other expenses directly related to the service-learning component of their course. Since 2008, the Office of Service-Learning has provided some $20,000 in direct support of service-learning through its mini-grants program. Applications are available on the OSL website at www.servicelearning.uga.edu.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

On June 21-25, 2011, Botanical Garden Director Wilf Nicholls and Public Relations/Special Events Coordinator Connie Cottingham attended the American Public Garden Association (APGA) national conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Garden became a participant in two new APGA initiatives, including the Sentinel Plant Network (to monitor the introduction and spread of plant pathogens and pests across North America) and the Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens program (aimed at addressing childhood obesity through teaching children about plants and nutrition, and by increasing their activity in gardens).

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

On May 7, 2011, the Gardens of the World Ball was held. This board of advisors annual event is the Botanical Garden’s main fundraiser. This year the French region of Provence was celebrated. Food, wine, decorations, and the gardens were enjoyed by a sellout crowd that helps support the immediate and long-term well-being of the Garden. On May 8, volunteers re-bundled thousands of blooms and delivered them to seniors’ homes and centers across the community.

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia