Len Hicks of SB&T Bank led the group in a discussion on the importance of meetings, exploring how to plan, set up for, the proper way to run a meeting, as well as what is not acceptable.

“I truly feel that this module, involving meetings at every level, will better prepare students for the business world, their social involvements, and volunteer organizations that they will come in contact with and each will benefit from their meeting skills and expertise,” Hicks said.

Hicks tutored participants in parliamentary procedure before having them break into groups and hold mock meetings, complete with motions, seconds, debates and voting procedures.

“I feel our Chamber needs recognition for conducting these modules for our young people. Each of those students will become the Leaders of Tomorrow, running our businesses, leading our government, and directly volunteer organization,” said Hicks.

Chamber Champions is coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Division and is made up of 20 second-semester sophomores from Americus-Sumter County High School South Campus and Southland Academy. These students met criteria established by the Workforce Development Division and received approval from school administrators and each student’s parents. Students were also required to submit an essay about how the private sector leads a community.

Support for the program is provided by a number of businesses and organizations. The Chamber of Commerce thanks Sumter County Schools, Little Caesar’s, Kiwanis Club of Americus and Len Hicks for making this first meeting possible.