Middle Georgia Technical College

MGTC, Houston CLCP Announce Appointment of New Coordinator

The Houston County Certified Literate Community Program (Houston County CLCP), in partnership with Middle Georgia Technical College, is pleased to announce that Joe Bishop has been appointed to the position of coordinator of the organization.

Bishop is well known to the Middle Georgia area as the News Director of Georgia Eagle Broadcasting and it΄s flagship radio station WNNG AM 1350, based in Warner Robins. A contributor to the Buyer΄s Guide Newspaper and a past columnist with the Houston Home Journal, Bishop is aware of the importance of the written word as a key vehicle of expression in today΄s society. In addition, as a Sunday School teacher at Centerville United Methodist Church, a father of three elementary school age children, and a long time board member with Houston County CLCP, he has seen firsthand how literacy impacts the quality of life for individuals and their neighborhoods.

“I look forward to helping expand and spread that message of hope through literacy, “ Bishop said, “ and continuing the inspired work of my predecessors Bob Getter and Skip Holmes in forging Houston County΄s position as a state leader in the fight to reduce the tragedy of illiteracy.“

Houston County CLCP Board Chairwoman Kathy Hart was pleased with Bishop΄s selection.

“Joe is a natural fit for this position,“ she said. “As a long time resident of the community, he΄s seen the challenges and opportunities presented by the recent growth of Houston County and as a long time member of CLCP, he knows how a high level of literacy opens doors to a better future for all of us. Joe΄s energetic, a real“go-to person“, and I can’t wait to see where he helps take CLCP in the coming months!“

Those sentiments were echoed by Brenda Brown, director of Adult Education Services at Middle Georgia Technical College.

“Joe is a great asset to CLCP and Middle Georgia Technical College΄s adult literacy program,“ she said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and community contacts to our organization. I am looking forward to how he will use his skills to market our programs for continued success.“

Meanwhile, Warner Robins Mayor Donald Walker, known affectionately as “The Father of Adult Literacy in Houston County“ for his unfailing support of CLCP΄s vision and mission, commented about Bishop΄s appointment.

“(Former Coordinator) Skip Holmes left big shoes to fill but CLCP is in good hands with Joe Bishop,“ he said. “He΄s a good man with good character and has a high level of energy. The city is fortunate to have Joe!“

Houston County Certified Literate Community Program is a volunteer board of community minded individuals, leaders in their own respected areas of business, education, government, and civic service, who understand the disastrous impact that a high level of illiteracy has on a community, and who are working to empower local residents to take steps to better themselves and their neighborhoods by embracing a greater proficiency in reading. For more information on how you can help keep Houston County a “Certified Literate Community“, call CLCP at 478.329.4765.