Locate South Georgia announces the launch of its 21-county regional leadership development program for South Georgia with applications for participation going out June 4.  A partnership with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development at the University of Georgia, Locate South GeorgiaLEADS is the result of an 18-month strategic planning process looking at challenges, priorities and gaps in leadership across the region.
 
As the largest regional leadership program in the State, South Georgia is raising the bar for leadership, economic development and civic engagement for existing leaders.  LSGL is a 8-month leadership experience for leaders throughout South Georgia designed to facilitate awareness of issues that are essential to the future success of the region by giving participants the necessary skills and training needed to effectively lead South Georgia in the 21st Century economy.
 
LSGL links regional site visits and issue awareness to relevant leadership development content within the framework of the Locate South GeorgiaLEADS priorities.  Emphasizing regional priorities throughout the program, each session directly links leadership skills training to issues of critical importance to South Georgia:

Regional Identity & Influence - Includes creating a regional brand and identity for South Georgia that is recognized internally as well as externally, enhancing both perception and influence of the region across the State.

Workforce Development - Includes the strategic alignment of public and private sectors-business, industry, and educational partners-to address key workforce development needs and challenges; and to increase the economic viability of South Georgia.

Collective Visioning & Planning - Includes developing leaders who understand the changing South Georgia economy and culture; and recognize why it is essential to both think and act within a global context, working collaboratively to ensure the region's success.

The purpose of Locate South GeorgiaLEADS is to develop informed, aware, and educated leaders to promote and grow South Georgia by:

Increasing awareness of assets and resources;

Creating a shared sense of regional pride and ownership in both action andsolutions;

Strengthening partnerships and alliances; and

Enhancing political influence and acuity to support the needs and opportunities of South Georgia.
 
Tuition is $1,250 per participant, with scholarships available through the Ash Foundation of Coffee County and the One Sumter Economic Development Foundation.
 
Sumter County, through its participation by the Sumter County Payroll Development Authority, will aid in program administration and implementation.  One Sumter, which has a stated priority of working collaboratively with regional partners to support economic development, workforce development and transportation will provide technical assistance and support to the program.  
 
For more information about Locate South Georgia, please contact Barbara Grogan, Executive Director of the Sumter County Payroll Development Authority, at 229.924.2646; or at [email protected].  
 
For more information about Locate South GeorgiaLEADS, please contact Mary Beth Bass, Executive Director of One Sumter, at 229.815.1669; or at [email protected]. To access an online application, please click HERE.