Recapping The First Half Of The GAB’s 90th Anniversary Tour

ATLANTA, Ga– The first half of the Georgia Association of Broadcaster’s (GAB) 90th Anniversary is complete. The association marked its 90th anniversary with a celebratory tour across various cities, including Gainesville, Columbus, Augusta, Athens, and Macon.

Each event featured the presentation of “Spirit Awards” to local broadcasting figures and community leaders, recognizing their contributions to the industry and public service. The GAB also made several notable donations, such as to the Georgia Mountain Food Bank, the Otis Redding Foundation, and a brand new scholarship for future broadcasters. Additional proceeds from these events go towards the GAB’s Education Foundation to help fund various programs for broadcast education.

The 90th Anniversary tour celebrations kicked off in Macon, Georgia, with a notable event attended by over 70 guests. Hosts Laura Starling and Ben Jones led the festivities, which included a $2,500 donation to the Otis Redding Foundation and various giveaways. The event honored broadcasting figures and local emergency services, highlighting their community contributions. Key guests included:

Forsyth Mayor Eric S. Wilson

President, Chamber of Commerce, Rebecca Stone

Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller.

Local sheriff, police, and fire department officers

Macon-Bibb Emergency Manager, Spencer Hawkins

The second stop on the tour was held where the Bulldogs play in Athens! This event was hosted by Neil “Hondo” Williamson from the Bulldog Radio Network. Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp attended, emphasizing local broadcasting’s importance. Claud Felton and local emergency services were honored. Notable guests included UGA’s Charles Davis and Senator Frank Ginn. A $2,500 donation was made to Extra Special People (ESP) through Cox Media Group’s Radiothon. Key guests included:

First Lady Marty Kemp

Senator Frank Ginn

Neil ‘Hondo’ (Bulldogs Radio Announcer)

Charles Davis, Dean of Grady College

Loran Smith (Legendary UGA Announcer)

Emergency Management Director Nate Moss

UGA Campus Police Jeff Clark – Chief of Police

Jerry Saulters, Chief of Police

Scott Hull EVP, Athens Pro Hockey Team

Congressman Mike Collins

The third stop took the GAB to the home to the Masters, Augusta! The GAB celebrated local broadcasting excellence with hosts Richard Rogers and Brad Means. Highlights included honoring the James Brown Foundation with a $2,500 donation and recognizing community entities like the Augusta Fire Department. Key guests included:

Richmond County Sheriff’s Department

Richmond County Emergency Management Agency

James Brown Foundation

Augusta Fire Department.

The next stop on the GAB’s 90th Anniversary Tour was in Columbus, Georgia. This event was hosted by Barbara Gauthier of WTVM-TV and Michael Soul of Davis Broadcasting. It was a great afternoon honoring individuals from the Columbus area with the GAB’s  “Spirit Awards” presented to influential local figures, including Georgia Senator Ed Harbison and faculty from Columbus State University. Notable attendees included Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson and Phenix City Mayor Eddie Lowe. The GAB was pleased to award a $2,500 scholarship to support future broadcasters in Columbus. Key guests included:

Georgia Senator from the 15th District Ed Harbison

Faculty from Columbus State University

Members of the Columbus State University Police Department

Muscogee County Sheriff Department

Muscogee Emergency Management Agency.

Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson

Phenix City (Alabama) Mayor Eddie Lowe.

The next GAB roadshow stop was at Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville, Georgia. This event was attended by broadcasters from all over the Northern Georgia region. Bill Maine of WDUN and Joel Williams of WCON hosted the afternoon’s proceedings. The GAB was honored to present a series of “Spirit Awards” to influential local figures. Notable attendees included Gainesville’s mayor Sam Couvillon and other civic leaders. A $2,500 donation was given to the Georgia Mountain Food Bank. Key guests included:

Sam Couvillon, Mayor of Gainesville

Matt Santini, Mayor of Cartersville

Randy Quick, Broadcaster and City Commissioner from Rome

Chairman Lee Hawkins, Representative from District 27

Senator Shelly Echols from District 49

Senator Bo Hatchett from District 50

Representatives from the Sheriff’s Department, Fire and Rescue, and Emergency Management.

The GAB’s 90th Anniversary Tour continues with additional stops in Albany, Savannah, and Atlanta.