Page 8 - Thomson-McDuffie NCG 2023

LEADERS INVESTING
CULTIVATING

IN THE FUTURE
Leaders aren’t created overnight. Nor are solutions to complex cultural issues. Cultivating leaders who become game changers
involves mentors, professional coaches, educators, and peers. Your Thomson-McDuffie Chamber invests in the current and next
generations in several initiatives we hope you will join – as a student, a mentor, a business owner, or active-minded citizen.

By Lydia Cobb • Transform a mindset from manager
to leader, and shift strategic
focus from technical know-how
to productive know-why

growth; and achieve end-goal to
in the area and to maintain a broad • Create confidence in business
plan and confidently pitch
base of active, informed, and effective entrepreneurial ventures
leaders for our community. Leadership
YOUTH LEADERSHIP MCDUFFIE UGA ARCHWAY PARTNERSHIP
Youth Leadership McDuffie invites local McDuffie participants increase their The Archway Partnership connects

high school sophomores and juniors, awareness and involvement in areas Georgia communities with University
selected by their recognized and including government, rural and urban of Georgia and other higher education
potential leadership and the merit of development, education, and business. resources to address locally identified
their application. Students from different needs and opportunities. Not only do
geographic areas get to know one another HIGH POTENTIALS LEADERSHIP individual communities get the full suite of
and develop a level of mutual trust and The High Potentials Leadership program is resources from the University of Georgia,
respect. Applications are available every a collaboration between our Chamber and but Archway communities learn, network,
April within the local schools. the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership and work with each other to improve
Development at UGA. The inaugural quality of life for everyone.
WORKFORCE AND class graduated in 2023, expanding upon
EDUCATION COMMITTEE the leadership concepts covered in our Archway Partnership communities have
The Chamber partners with local Leadership McDuffie program. Ask us addressed issues related to economic
businesses, industries, and the McDuffie about enrollment to learn how to explore development, education, workforce
County school system to develop and diverse leadership styles and strategies development, leadership, health and
attract skilled employees. This group to build productive teams, be a change welfare, overall quality of life, and more.
meets monthly in the training room at the maker, and create a culture of high Learn more: archwaypartnership.uga.edu
UGA Archway Office at 111 Railroad St. in performance as a service leader and
Thomson. We focus on: a mentor.
• Developing a placement program ENTREPRENEURIAL
with industries;
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Curricula developed by UGA’s J.W.
• Creating a Business/Industry Council Fanning Institute for Leadership
that works directly with our local Development and Small Business
school system; and
Development Center guides the
• Increasing business participation Thomson-McDuffie Chamber in our
in schools by providing industry leadership academy for aspiring business
expert guest speakers. owners. The six-month class begins each
September for participants to hone skills
that help to:
LEADERSHIP MCDUFFIE
Connect. Grow. Succeed. • Develop leadership traits critical
Leadership McDuffie is a six-month to carrying out a business vision and
program that provides a forum for working with others to grow, and
participants to learn about challenges set the stage to transition ideas
and opportunities within Thomson and into action
McDuffie County. Enrollment helps
identify, recognize, and develop leaders • Cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship

6 Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce