The future of Gray and Jones County is in the hands of their elected officials and anyone who cares enough to join Jones County People Looking Ahead Now (PLAN).

The 11th annual PLAN retreat is scheduled for next month and more participants are needed to lend their time and expertise. The event will be held at the Little Ocmulgee State Park in McRae April 10 – 12 with facilitator Billy Parish of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs leading the Team Georgia group.

In addition to Parish, Team Georgia includes Malisa Thompson of DCA Housing, David Shellhouse and Candice Scott of DCA Economic Development and Finance, Phil Clark with Middle Georgia Regional Development Center, and Joanna Banks with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

PLAN is a forum open to anyone concerned with the future of the community, and the deadline to register to attend the retreat is Friday, March 28. Registration forms are available at the Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce.

The retreat begins Thursday evening with a feast of the barbecue prepared by Sheriff Butch Reece and his staff of culinary artists. The meal precedes a get-acquainted reception led by DJ extraordinaire, Milton ‘Tony’ Appling.

The evening of fun serves to prepare the group for a day of classes led by Team Georgia. The full-day workshop begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. and the program begins at 9. Attendees have the opportunity of choosing the committee that interests them the most, including economic development, land use, facilities, and housing.

Possible topics to be considered are developing a wireless community in Gray, establishing a Downtown Development Authority to assist in the revitalization of Gray, a study of the feasibility of consolidation of Gray and Jones County, the development of the area around the proposed North Gray Bypass, the implementation of a Tax Allocation District, and the potential of funding of development with PILOT (payments in lieu of taxes) Bonds.

Overnight accommodations are in the lodge of the Little Ocmulgee State Park and are included in the full conference registration fee. All registration packages include meals.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Pam Christopher said due to the Jones County Relay for Life taking place April 11, several PLAN members are coming for the day Friday and will return in time for the Relay. Others are opting to come down Thursday, but also plan to leave Friday afternoon.

Christopher said the retreat was scheduled last year before the date of the Relay was changed.

“When we found out about the conflict, we tried to change, but the lodge could not accommodate us for another weekend,” she said.

Christopher said everyone should register by March 28, even those planning to come for the day.

“We need to know how many to plan for lunch and how much space we need for the meetings,” she noted.

The Friday sessions adjourn by 4:30 and are followed by Team Building at the group shelter with options including horseshoe tournaments, volleyball and more. The final session Saturday morning includes updates from each committee.

PLAN has a place for everyone who wants to make a difference in their community.

“Whether you are a homeowner, business person, educator, religious leader, government leader, parent, or concerned citizen, you are being affected by the changes taking place in our community,” Christopher said. “This retreat will provide you with the opportunity to help shape the future of Gray and Jones County.”

PLAN was formed by a steering committee of community leaders in 1997. Over the past decade, PLAN helped with the formation of Jones County Family Connections and Operation Early Intervention and the reactivation of the Jones County Development Authority. Committees from the organization were instrumental in the development of the county’s gateway, landscape, sidewalk, and buffer ordinances, and PLAN committees worked with the Middle Georgia Regional Development Center to develop the community’s Comprehensive Plan.