Governor Perdue Swears-In Two New Members of the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue today delivered the oath of office to Danny J. Brown of Sandersville and Mary S. Edenfield Gibbs of Bonaire as the newest members of the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority (GAEA). The GAEA is comprised of 9 members appointed by the Governor and selected from around the state.

"Agriculture is a major economic engine in this state and the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Center plays a critical role in marketing our agricultural products," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "Danny and Mary will have key roles in boosting our state's economy."

GAEA is responsible for the construction and operation of the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Center in Perry. The facility provides Georgia's agricultural community with a public place to showcase and promote Georgia products and livestock to agri-businesses. Brief biographies of the newest GAEA members are presented below:

Daniel (Danny) J. Brown, Sandersville, GA - Brown, also a former member of the GAEA, is currently Director of Marketing and President of AGrowStar, one of the state's leading grain marketing facilities with six locations throughout Georgia. From 1976 to 1995, he was with McCoy Grain Exchange in Davisboro, serving the last 8 years as president. From 1995 to 2000, he was Director of Marketing for Milner Grain Exchange. Brown is a graduate of Georgia College and State University and is a member of the Alumni Board. He is past president of the Georgia Feed and Grain Association and the Washington County Jaycees.

Mary S. Edenfield Gibbs, Bonaire, GA - Gibbs was born in Bonaire and grew up in Macon. She previously served with the GAEA was from September 1993 to August 2001. In 1959, Gibbs co-founded Strato Menswear and Cleaners and retired as its president in 1997. She presently serves as Vice Chairperson of Macon State College Foundation and as Vice Chairperson on the Board of Directors of Robins Federal Credit Union. Gibbs also served several years as a Director of the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce and one year as Vice President.