Gov. Nathan Deal will kick off the New Year with a fireside chat Thursday in Dahlonega during a joint meeting of the Dawson and Lumpkin County republican parties and the Foothills Republican Women.

The event begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at Achasta Grille, at 639 Birch River Drive.

Deal will address what he would like to see accomplished in the upcoming legislative session as well as his plans for continuing to improve Georgia's economy and educational system.

John Padgett, chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, is also scheduled to attend.

State Rep. Kevin Tanner is the event's key sponsor, along with Sen. Steve Gooch and several area republicans.

"Gov. Deal has done a tremendous job for the north Georgia area. It's always a privilege to have him back home," Tanner said. "I would encourage folks to come out and take advantage of this opportunity to visit with the governor of our state."

For more information, call Linda Clary-Umberger at (770) 853-9922.