Bulloch County Farm Bureau held their annual meeting on Friday morning at the Bulloch County Extension Office. David Cromley, President, Bulloch County Farm Bureau opened the meeting thanking the farmers for attending the meeting.
"We appreciate what you do to help cloth and feed us all. We're so blessed each and every day to be able to live and work here in Bulloch County and enjoy God's beautiful creation," said Cromley.
In a brief business meeting they elected the new slate of board members including:
- David Cromley, President
- Ryne Brannen, Vice President
- Bill T. Akers
- Fred Blitch
- Jane Cason
- Joe Franklin
- Lee Waters
Chair Elect of the Bulloch County Commissioners, David Bennett, then shared his personal journey and his vision for the future of the county. The breakfast was one of Bennet's first public speeches to citizens since winning the election. He emphasized the importance of service and trust among residents.
Bennett, who is married to Jessica and is a father to two daughters, Emma and Sarah, began his speech with gratitude for the support he received during his election campaign. “I’m humbled to be here and to have earned the trust of so many,” he stated, acknowledging those who voted for him and expressing a desire to win over those who did not.
Although Bennett is not originally from Bulloch County, he has deep roots in Georgia. He shared stories of his family’s agricultural background, highlighting his grandfather’s journey from a sharecropper in Dublin, Georgia, to a successful road service business owner. This connection to farming, while he humorously noted he doesn't farm himself, informs his appreciation for agriculture and community values.
A retired Army nurse, Bennett reflected on his military career, which began with his enlistment in the Army Reserve during high school. He spoke of his experiences, including his response to the events of September 11, 2001, and his dedication to serving others, which he sees as a guiding principle of his life.
“My ethos is simple: Honor God, my family, and my country, in that order,” Bennett remarked. He emphasized the importance of family and community, noting that his military career taught him the value of balancing work with personal life.
Bennett’s vision for Bulloch County revolves around transforming local governance to better serve its residents. He emphasized his commitment to improving services and fostering trust within the community, stating, “I want to earn your trust and show you that we can make things better here.”
As he concluded his speech, Bennett encouraged community engagement and collaboration, inviting residents to join him in shaping the future of Bulloch County. His message resonated with those present, leaving them inspired and hopeful for the days ahead.
