Local Matters Podcast

08/07/2025

Next up to join the Local Matters family is Seth Winterhalter. Tune in every Wednesday on your favorite audio platforms—Youtube, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple Podcasts!

Seth Winterhalter is a captivating speaker and strategist who helps public sector leaders transform burnout, bureaucracy, and broken communication into high-impact leadership within thriving workplace cultures. As the creator of the ABCs of Impactful Leadership, Seth equips local government leaders with tools to lead through political pressure, inspire cross-departmental collaboration, and build cultures where people thrive, even under constant public scrutiny.

With over two decades of executive leadership experience and a unique background as a professional orchestral conductor, Seth brings unmatched energy, insight, and storytelling to the stage. He also hosts The HaltingWinter Podcast, where he interviews municipal leaders from across the country and shares real-world stories of leadership in action. Seth’s keynotes are crafted specifically for public sector audiences— practical, energizing, and designed to create lasting change.

07/07/2025

07/07/2025

Trust, Accountability, and the Augusta Charter Review

Sheffie Robinson, a software engineer, clinical sociologist, and college faculty member, is a recent appointee to Augusta's Charter Review Committee. She explains what led to Augusta-Richmond County consolidation in 1995, what a charter is, and how the committee will get public feedback. We also touch on transparency, accountability, and what it will take for our elected officials to build trust and grow Augusta. For more information, please visit www.augustaga.gov/3314/Charter-Review-Committee. You can also email Sheffie at [email protected].

Watch this episode & Subscribe to the Local Matters Podcast of Georgia YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/Lv0-PRjGAG0?si=5-0qNm4yxCiZJEOW

Sheffie Robinson, a software engineer, clinical sociologist, and college faculty member, is a recent appointee to Augusta's Charter Review Committee. She exp...

04/07/2025

New Episode Alert: Local Matters Podcast

Trust, Accountability, and the Augusta Charter Review with Sheffie Robinson

Sheffie Robinson, a software engineer, clinical sociologist, and college faculty member, is a recent appointee to Augusta's Charter Review Committee. She explains what led to Augusta-Richmond County consolidation in 1995, what a charter is, and how the committee will get public feedback. We also touch on transparency, accountability, and what it will take for our elected officials to build trust and grow Augusta. For more information, please visit www.augustaga.gov/3314/Charter-Review-Committee. You can also email Sheffie at [email protected].

Tune in to Local Matters Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud. Join the conversation and check out the links in the comments below!

01/07/2025

This week on Local Matters, we’re excited to welcome Sheffie Robinson, a member of the Augusta Charter Review Committee! She’ll be sharing insights into the Charter Review Process. Join us for a pertinent discussion. The commission is gathering information, establishing procedures, and seeking public input through meetings and surveys to shape Augusta's government for the next 30 years. The review aims to address challenges such as population decline, financial struggles, and the need for a more transparent and accountable form of government to promote growth and improve city services. Tune in this Thursday on your favorite audio platforms—Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple Podcasts!

26/06/2025

Get ready to vote! This is what you need to know:

25/06/2025

New Episode Alert: Local Matters Podcast

Georgia Public Service Commission Runoff, and Stuff

Did you know only 2% of Georgia voters turned out for a statewide election? Do we really care about rising utility costs? If you do, don’t miss the chance to vote on July 15th!

This is your opportunity to learn about voter eligibility, the Georgia Public Service Commission's role, and who made the runoff. Plus, I’ll share my thoughts on a pet peeve from my local government days: property owners who neglect their properties. Let’s get engaged and ensure every voice matters in shaping the future of our state!

Tune in to the Local Matters Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud. Join the conversation and check out the links in the comments below!

19/06/2025

Enhancing your Entrepreneurial Spirit! With Rebecca Callis Mixson

Rebecca Callis Mixson of the Augusta Small Business Development Center provided an overview of the their services and history, explaining how it assists entrepreneurs across Georgia. Running a business is challenging, so they support business owners, and in so doing, help expand Georgia's economy. They offer business consulting and training programs. She shared her background and discussed the center's network of consultants, upcoming training initiatives, and recent events like the Women's Summit. They offer financial and marketing workshops, emphasizing the importance of financial management, user experience, and practical business advice for entrepreneurs.

Watch this episode & Subscribe to the Local Matters Podcast of Georgia YouTube channel:

Rebecca Callis Mixson of the Augusta Small Business Development Center provided an overview of the their services and history, explaining how it assists entr...

19/06/2025

🎙️✊🏽 Celebrating Juneteenth with Art, History & Power ✊🏽🎙️

This Juneteenth, Local Matters honors the enduring spirit of freedom with a powerful symbol: a hand-painted Black power fist by our host, Janice Allen Jackson.

Our youngsters decided painting would be our Father's Day activity. I chose this image only because I thought it would be easy to replicate. However, it is also a wonderful symbol of Juneteenth.

The raised fist gained global significance during the 1968 Olympics when Tommie Smith and John Carlos stood tall on the podium, fists held high, in a bold call for human rights and racial justice. That moment wasn't just protest—it was a declaration of dignity, pride, and the ongoing struggle for political and economic freedom for two superior athletes who weren't sure how welcoming the USA would be when they returned from Mexico City.

As we celebrate Juneteenth—the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in 1865—we’re reminded that freedom is not a finish line, but a work in progress. And like that iconic image in 1968, my painted fist is a reminder: we honor the past, speak to the present, and keep pushing forward.

18/06/2025

New Episode Alert: Local Matters Podcast

Enhancing your Entrepreneurial Spirit! With Rebecca Callis Mixson

Rebecca Callis Mixson from the Augusta Small Business Development Center provided an overview of their services and history, highlighting their support for entrepreneurs in Georgia. They offer business consulting, training programs, and recent events like the Women's Summit, focusing on financial management, user experience, and practical business advice to help expand Georgia's economy. Learn more about SBDC at
https://georgiasbdc.org/locations/augusta-office.

Tune in to the Local Matters Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud.

Join the conversation and check out the links in the comments below!

17/06/2025

Please welcome Rebecca Mixson to the Local Matters Family. Her episode will be released on Wednesday at midnight on your favorite audio platforms Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud! Rebecca provided an overview of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center's services and history, explaining how it assists small businesses across Georgia through various business consulting and training programs.

Rebecca Mixson is the area director for the Augusta office. She joined the team in 2014, initially as a program coordinator, then moving to business consultant and now area director.
Rebecca works with established and aspiring entrepreneurs regarding basic business information and direction in growth as a business owner by helping assess opportunities and facilitate strategic planning for successful implementation. Her extensive business and educational background provides a solid foundation to guide clients toward success.
Rebecca’s background in retail markets, staff management and leadership blend well with the demands of small businesses. She reads market trends, develops target marketing for small businesses, develops visually appealing displays and provides image consulting. Her background aids in identification of skilled and unskilled labor markets for growing businesses as well.
Recognitions in business and education include being named Young Careerist by the Business and Professional Women, State Runner-Up in Individual Development Program through BPW, Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, and District Elect Rep for Distinguished School Performance Award.

15/06/2025

Happy Father’s Day Local Matters Family! 💙 Today, we celebrate all the dads, father figures, and mentors who guide with wisdom, lead with love, and strengthen our communities every day. Thank you for everything you do!