Program focuses on leadership

The second class of Leadership Columbia County is set to embark on a 10-month exploration of the communities in which they live.

//

The leadership program is sponsored by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.

"It's really just to make them more aware of the aspects of their community so that they can serve others and serve as leaders," said Tammy Shepherd, chamber president and program director of the Leadership class.

Class members became acquainted on Tuesday at an orientation and a reception at Be My Guest Catering and Events in Evans. A graduation ceremony is scheduled for May.

In September, the class will take part in team-building exercises at an overnight retreat. They will also learn about the county's history, Shepherd said.

As part of the program, the class will meet at least monthly to learn about civic topics, including health care, education, economics, local government and community supporters, media, community service, industry and economic development and military, with a day trip to Fort Gordon.

The class also will learn about religion and human relations during the program, Shepherd said.

"It's to work on the diversity of our community, to bring out the awareness level," she said.

Class members will be assigned homework and must complete a class project before graduation, Shepherd said.

Pat Goodwin, of the Medical College of Georgia, will serve as class chairman, and Jeff Butterworth, of Georgia Power, was selected vice chairman.

Shepherd said that the class will meet with other leadership programs in Augusta, North Augusta and other nearby communities.

"I think it is very important that not only are we learning how to work with each other to build a better Columbia County, but we also are learning how to work with our other neighboring communities for a better region," Shepherd said.

The program began in 2009 with a class of 26 people.

The inaugural class graduated in May and created a foundation that helps charities and provides grants to organizations for projects that benefit the community.