Guided by the belief that leadership is key to economic success and that communities that embrace leadership development gain an inherent competitive advantage, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the J. W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development at the University of Georgia have partnered to create GeorgiaLEADS. The program will ultimately ensure a continuum of leadership development opportunities at the youth, adult and regional levels throughout our state.
Appling County was chosen to be a part of this pilot program, which provides an otherwise inaccessible resource to our community. For the last year, the Fanning Institute has been conducting focus groups, interviews and roundtable discussions with different stakeholders in our community to determine what type of leadership program would best address the needs of Appling County. At the culmination of that process the areas that were identified as needs were:
1. Community Vitality and Involvement.
2. Talent Attraction and Retention.
3. Building a Pipeline of Leaders for the Future.
ApplingLEADS, set to launch in September, will be the first adult leadership program Appling County has had in more than 25 years. Organized by the Chamber, the program will strive to bridge the gaps in leadership development across a diverse group in our community.
As the number one state in which to do business, Georgia has committed to programs that develop and retain leaders. ApplingLEADS will take the same approach to leadership development for our County, ensuring that future business leaders, elected officials and the working class are part of a vibrant, growing community.
If you are interested in being a part of this movement toward planning for the future, please contact the Baxley-Appling County Chamber of Commerce. We would love to discuss this great opportunity with you.