Chamber Kicks Off New Leadership Development Classes for 2024-2025
The Excellence in Leadership program, the flagship of the Chamber’s Leadership series, is designed to identify, orient, develop and network both existing and emerging leaders with the goal of enhancing positive growth in the business community. The 2024-2025 class includes 40 professionals from across Morgan County who will meet monthly over 10 months, focusing on specific leadership topics. The class kicked off in August at The Magnolia Room in Decatur with fun “getting to know you” exercises and gained expert insights from Tricia Collins with Eagle Center for Leadership, who guided them through the Make A Difference personality profile.
Edge Student Leadership, aimed at 10th and 11th graders across Morgan County, was created to expose students to leadership opportunities in a creative and challenging environment while also equipping them with the tools necessary to develop individual leadership skills. The program encourages students to positively influence their schools and serve in their community. In August, the group of 35 students kicked off the year at AMF River City Lanes, enjoying a night of bowling and bonding.
In September, the Edge Student Leadership class joined the Excellence in Leadership class for a Poverty Simulation at First Baptist Church. Participants were immersed in real-life scenarios, navigating economic challenges and making critical decisions about healthcare, childcare, education and housing. This hands-on experience highlighted the difficult choices many families face every day.
Following the simulation, both groups heard from local artist and historian Frances Tate, who provided an update on the Scottsboro Boys Museum and shared insights on diversity, equity and inclusion. The session fostered a deeper understanding of these important topics. Both classes also also helped sew hygiene bags for those that attend the Neighborhood Christian Center.
The Excellence in Leadership program is presented by Nucor Steel Decatur with gold sponsors City of Decatur, Alabama - Government, Durbin Leadership LLC and Shawn D. Garth, MarMac Real Estate.
The Edge Student Leadership program is presented by Nucor Steel Decatur with gold sponsors Hubbard & Drake General-Mechanical Contractors Inc., Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corporation and the Morgan County Commission.
Equip, a leadership program for 8th grade students from across Morgan County, exposes students to post-high school opportunities in skilled trades and programs requiring less than a four-year degree. The program, divided into fall and spring sessions, features approximately 25 students per session. In September, 26 students spent the day at the Cook Museum of Natural Science, where they focused on learning career and financial skills. Jillian Massey from Horizon Point Consulting led sessions on employability skills, including completing job applications and mock interviews.
After lunch, Andrew Calvert from Redstone Federal Credit Union played the game of "Life" to teach them how to budget and make smart money choices. Thank you to our presenting sponsor Nucor Steel Decatur and our gold sponsor 3M for helping prepare our students for the workforce.