Glynn and Camden Counties Host the Kickoff of Leadership Southeast Georgia 2023 Programming with a Focus on Natural Resources

(GEORGIA, USA) Leadership Southeast Georgia, a professional development and leadership program in 10 coastal counties, launched its 2023 programming in Glynn and Camden counties on Feb. 2–4, 2023. The Class of 2023 consists of 30 leaders from business, professional and civic organizations. Candidates are nominated and selected by LSEGA alumni and regional leaders to participate in a five-month course of ongoing personal and professional growth to build connections and learn collaboration skills that empower them to improve the region.

“Every new class at LSEGA is a new opportunity to develop skilled and competent people who will lead our region. We have a larger class this year, and I am excited to highlight the work happening in the Glynn and Camden County area,” said Cherise Cartwright, LSEGA 2023 Program Manager for session one. “And what I’m most proud of for this session is the number of local businesses that stepped up to support the program.”

Specifically for the Glynn and Camden Session, local sponsors include Ameris Bank, Atlantic Salt Realty, Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, Camden County Joint Development Authority, Cedar Lodge on Honey Creek, Emerald Princess Casino, Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia Power, Golden Isles CVB, Golden Isles Development Authority, Golf Club Realty, Jekyll Island Authority, Jekyll Realty, Kaufman Development Group, King’s Consulting, McQuigg, Smith and Corry, Okefenokee EMC, Parker-Kaufman Realty, Roberts Civil Engineering, Sandbox Consulting Group, Sheridan Construction, Silver Bluff Brewing Company, Social Impact Community Partners, Southern Company, St Marys Downtown Development Authority, Thomas & Hutton, Torras Properties, United Community Bank, Valdosta State University, and Westin Jekyll Island.

This initial session began with a review of programming, content and participant expectations. Additionally, the class focused on effective relationship-building methods among the attendees to develop peer networks that will last during and after the LSEGA program. Participants also examined different styles and preferences of communication and the impact they have on leadership.

The topic of the initial session was natural resources, featuring pressing issues pertinent to our area’s coastline. Through a variety of activities and visits from guest speakers, participants heard diverse perspectives on how Georgia’s coastline intersects with historic preservation, tourism, development and conservation.

“We are excited to kick off our 2023 programming in Waverly and Jekyll Island,” said Jared Downs, Chairman of the LSEGA Board of Directors. “This session will create stewards of the Georgia coastline who understand how important preserving it is to our state.”

The session began at Cedar Lodge on Honey Creek in Waverly, Ga. After introductions and a discussion on the effect of natural resources on politics, real estate and development, as well as tourism in Camden County, the group took an eco-tour of Jekyll Island. Day two featured a state of the region address with remarks by Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ralph Staffins; CEO of International Auto Processors Don Asdell, Michael Kaufman, Kaufman Development Group, and others. After lunch, the class heard a presentation from the Jekyll Island Authority and took a tour of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Jekyll Island Historic District. The final day included a Glynn County legislative update and a wrap-up of session one.

Speakers scheduled to appear included Alison Shores, President of the Camden Country Chamber of Commerce; Gary Ingram, Cumberland Island Superintendent; Kim Bednarek, Executive Director of Okefenokee Swamp Park; Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base Public Affairs Officer Scott Bassett; and many others.

The LSEGA 2023 overall program sponsors include Evans General Contractors, Georgia Power, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Georgia Southern University, M.E. Sack Engineering, Gulfstream,  HARCO Construction, The Sack Company, Sterling Seacrest Partners, Thomas & Hutton, International Paper, Hunter Maclean, Colony Bank, Hussey Gay Bell, Comcast, Savannah Economic Development Authority, Visit Savannah, Chick-fil-A Hinesville, and Southeastern Bank.

To learn more about the LSEGA program, visit: http://www.lsega.com/

Leadership Southeast Georgia is a five-month, region-wide program designed to equip, empower and connect community leaders to most effectively advance positive growth and improve the quality of life in the southeast Georgia region. The executive board and program participants represent a variety of industries across Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Screven counties. From February through June, the class spends two to three days a month traveling to surrounding counties exploring regional issues such as healthcare, education, natural resources, economic development and transportation. For more information, visit lsega.com.

Cynthia Cradduck, Managing Partner of Cecilia Russo Marketing

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