I think our local organizations do a wonderful job of recognizing those individuals who give of their time and resources to make Statesboro and Bulloch County a better place to live.
      From the Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award recipients to Chamber of Commerce honorees and Kiwanian and Rotarians of the year, we are blessed to have among us those who have given years and in some cases, decades of service to this community.
      All of the people that have been honored by the organizations that I mentioned above began at some point in their careers or personal life to be successful, to be a contributor, to be a leader.
      It is with that thought in mind that the Statesboro Herald is launching a search to identify 20 Bulloch County residents under the age of 40 that are making a mark with professional success and community involvement.
      For those of you who follow the statewide news scene, you know that Georgia Trend Magazine recognizes 40 individuals under 40 years of age that are making an impact around the state. I haven't researched this, but I venture to say that many of those that have made that list in the past later reached the magazine's coveted 100 Most Influential Georgians list.
      As a growing and thriving community, we will need to groom leaders for the future in a variety of fields - business, education, law, medical, philanthropic, and civic, and recognize those emerging leaders along the way.
      The nominations for this list will come from the community. You will find the form in today's edition of the Statesboro Herald on page 12, as well as in the online edition. The nominee must be under 40 years of age as of January 1, 2010. Deadline for nominations is Friday, March 12; the 20 Under 40 section will publish on Tuesday, April 20.
      I really encourage you to participate by letting us know about those who are making a difference. Hopefully, one day, some of these same individuals will be identified as one of the most influential Georgians for what they have done right here in Bulloch County.
      So, until next Tuesday, I bid you au revoir.
      Got a scoop for Jan? Call her at (912) 489-9463 or email her at jmoore@statesboroherald.com