Leadership Lowndes, the leadership development program celebrating its 20th anniversary in Lowndes County, serves the entire community in various ways, including serving as an important link between the community at large and emerging and current leaders.

Since the inception of the program, nearly 600 participants have experienced the year long program, learning more about the inner workings of their community and having an active role in helping to shape its future.

Many professionals in the business community have participated, including those in the banking and financial services sectors, CPA’s, realtors, developers, contractors, builders, representatives of major utilities, business owners, engineers, architects, and many others who shape the future of Valdosta and Lowndes County on a day-to-day basis.

They participate to become more involved in their community, for the networking opportunities, to learn more about issues, to meet other leaders, to shape future plans and priorities, and to gain a sense of ownership in the community’s future. Recent articles have explored its legacy of community service, commitment to volunteerism, interest in government and elected service, and more.

The program consists of nine day long programs aimed at educating and informing these emerging and current leaders, and allowing them to be exposed to the inner workings of state and local government, health care, economic development, health and human services, courts and public safety, education, and quality of life, among others.

One of the 2007 graduates of the program is Brad Lofton, the executive director of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority. Lofton moved to the community in 2006 and found the program indispensible in helping him get involved. “By virtue of Leadership Lowndes, I was able to develop relationships with many local leaders and key stakeholders. I was able to gain a unique perspective of the overall quality of life in this community by hearing from those in leadership positions as well as seeing firsthand the challenges and opportunities we face.”

Lofton also felt the personal relationships he has formed as a result of the program have helped make him a more informed and better prepared administrator.

“Through Leadership Lowndes, I have made contacts that allow me to pick up the phone and call on professionals in key positions, something that might have taken me several years to develop otherwise. I am able to understand what the issues are affecting economic development, and be better prepared to meet the needs and expectations of our citizens. I cannot place a value on the friendships I have made, the colleagues I have come to rely on, and the resources that I have learned are available.”

Lofton also believes the program benefits the community in other ways. “By being exposed to challenges we are facing and what is being done to address those challenges, whether that is workforce development, transportation, or whatever it may be, we are all more focused on the future success of our community.”

Crawford Powell was a graduate of the Class of 1997.

He recalls how Leadership Lowndes helped him personally and professionally. “Personally I learned more about the big picture perspective of our community, and how everything has to work together for community success.”

“The program broadened my perspective, and I watched as leaders emerged from this program to apply what they had learned in areas like education, health care, local government, public safety, and economic development. In fact Leadership Lowndes helped create my desire to serve the community on the Industrial Authority.”

Powell also sees a defined link between the program and the community. “For business and industry, Leadership Lowndes creates a relationship link between them and the community.”

“The program gives us concrete examples of what we have and what is needed to recruit industry. It forces us to analyze ourselves and determine what we need to meet community expectations. In my work with my company as well as my service with the Industrial Authority, I can honestly see how Leadership Lowndes has benefitted this community and helped us achieve success. This is a program that all businesses and industries should take advantage of.”

Leadership Lowndes is currently taking nominations for the Class of 2009 and those interested can contact Pam Yeager at Commercial Banking Company.