Among 32 participants of Locate South GeorgiaLEADS were three from Colquitt County: Dug Schwalls, Tommie Beth Willis and John Mark Mobley.

ALBANY, Ga. — Three Colquitt Countians were among 32 graduates of the inaugural class of Locate South GeorgiaLEADS.

The class graduated March 16 at the Flint RiverQuarium in Albany following an eight-month leadership development experience. Presented by Electric Cities of Georgia, the program included seven visits to South Georgia communities to better understand the economic and growth needs of the region.

The graduation ceremony, sponsored by the Georgia Power Company, was hosted by the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and members of Locate South Georgia. Georgia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Clark served as the keynote speaker and was joined by Jonathan Sangster, of Georgia Power, who delivered the “Leadership Charge,” on behalf of the Georgia Allies. Director of the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development at the University of Georgia, Dr. Matt Bishop offered leadership lessons to the graduates upon their commission.

Among the participants, who represented 21 counties across South Georgia, were John Mark Mobley, vice president of Mobley Gin Company; Tommie Beth Willis, president of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce; and Dug Schwalls, director of sales for Southern Valley.

Locate South GeorgiaLEADS graduates were asked to personally commit to playing an active role in the future success and growth of South Georgia in the months and years to come. With several participants sharing ways they have already engaged in their home communities as a result of their participation in LSGL, the regional leadership program is already demonstrating results across the region. Touting a “historic regional alliance,” Locate South GeorgiaLEADS’ greatest impact may be in the strength of relationships and networks established to address issues such as broadband and telecommunications infrastructure, future growth and planning around workforce development and transportation needs, as well as regional marketing and brand awareness.

LSGL represents a partnership between the regional economic development initiative Locate South Georgia, the state’s premier business organization, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development at the University of Georgia, to identify and develop regional leaders who can elevate the awareness of regional issues of importance across South Georgia—both within their hometown communities, as well as to elected officials across the region and State.

Graduates of the inaugural program had the opportunity to further develop their individual leadership skills while engaging in discussions of regional importance around economic development, identify and influence of the region, workforce development, and community growth challenges that are both unique and relevant to South Georgia.