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

The LSEGA 2023 program begins in the Georgia cities of Waverly and Jekyll Island
(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 BankAtlantic Salt RealtyBrunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of CommerceCamden County Joint Development AuthorityCedar Lodge on Honey CreekEmerald Princess CasinoGeorgia Ports AuthorityGeorgia PowerGolden Isles CVBGolden Isles Development AuthorityGolf Club RealtyJekyll Island AuthorityJekyll RealtyKaufman Development Group, King’s Consulting, McQuigg, Smith and CorryOkefenokee EMCParker-Kaufman RealtyRoberts Civil EngineeringSandbox Consulting GroupSheridan ConstructionSilver Bluff Brewing Company, Social Impact Community Partners, Southern CompanySt Marys Downtown Development AuthorityThomas & HuttonTorras PropertiesUnited Community BankValdosta 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.
About Leadership Southeast Georgia
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.
 
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