The Leadership Southeast Georgia (LSEGA) Class of 2025 recently gathered for its third session, focusing on the vital forces shaping economic and workforce development in Bryan and Effingham Counties. This immersive program deepened participants' understanding of the region’s economic drivers, workforce challenges, and innovative solutions aimed at fostering growth and collaboration.
The session provided emerging leaders with direct engagement opportunities with key stakeholders, offering actionable insights into labor management, human resource strategies, and the critical partnerships between industry and education.
“From emerging opportunities in automotive manufacturing to industry-driven educational partnerships, LSEGA empowers our Class of 2025 to engage with key stakeholders, address challenges, and propose impactful solutions that enhance our community’s quality of life,” explained Jessica Hood, LSEGA Board Member, Program Manager for Session Three, and Vice President of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority. “Our programming equips emerging leaders with the knowledge and skills to drive meaningful regional change.”
The session began at the J. Dixie Harn Community Center in Pembroke, where LSEGA alumna and Pembroke Mayor Tiffany Zeigler (Class of 2024) delivered a welcoming address. This set the stage for a comprehensive overview of economic development initiatives, presented by Jessica Hood and Ryan Purvis, CEO of the Development Authority of Bryan County.
Session highlights included:
- Industry Insights: An employer panel and workforce presentation at the Lanier Learning Center featured representatives from Hyundai Motor America, Sewon America, and Aertssen Logistics. Anna Chafin, an LSEGA Class of 2010 alumna and leader of the Regional Industry Support Enterprise (RISE), also shared valuable perspectives.
- Advanced Manufacturing in Action: Participants toured Hyundai Transys Georgia in Ellabell, observing the production of automotive seats and powertrain components and gaining firsthand exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing practices.
- Cultivating Future Talent: At the Honey Ridge Agricenter in Guyton, Todd Wall from Effingham College & Career Academy and Cliff Kicklighter from Bryan County Middle School discussed K-12 workforce development. They emphasized STEM and Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs, including pathways into the growing EV automotive and racing industries.
- Strategic Workforce Practices: At the Richmond Hill City Center, Summer Beal, CEO of the Bryan County Chamber of Commerce, welcomed participants, followed by a presentation from Suzanne Kirk, President of Employee Development Strategies, Inc. Kirk's session, "HR 101," offered tangible strategies for effective performance management and workforce best practices.
- Understanding Community Realities: The session concluded with a poverty simulation led by Katrina Bostick of Family Promise of the Coastal Empire. This powerful exercise fostered empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families experiencing poverty in the region.
"The energy and collaboration evident during the third session underscore the strength of the LSEGA program," said Kendria Lee, Chairwoman of LSEGA. "Watching these emerging leaders connect, learn, and develop a shared vision for the future of Southeast Georgia is truly inspiring."
LSEGA's impactful programs are made possible through the generous support of sponsors including including Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Evans General Contractors, Georgia Southern University, M.E. Sack Engineering, The Sack Company, Thomas & Hutton, Savannah Technical College, Georgia Power, HunterMaclean, Bouhan Falligant, Savannah Economic Development Authority, Savannah Area Chamber, Goodwill Southeast Georgia, Coleman Company, World Trade Center Savannah, Southeastern Bank, Bank of Newington, Cecilia Russo Marketing, Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon, and Hussey Gay Bell.
Local sponsors for the Bryan and Effingham Counties session included Great Oaks Bank, Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, Coastal Electric Cooperative, City of Richmond Hill, City of Pembroke, Development Authority of Bryan County, and Planters Broadband.
To learn more about the Leadership Southeast Georgia program and its impact on the region, visit lsega.com.
ABOUT LEADERSHIP SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
Leadership Southeast Georgia is a five-month, region-wide program designed to equip, empower and connect community leaders to most effectively advance positive growth and improve the quality of life in Southeast Georgia. The program brings together participants from various industries across 10 counties, fostering collaboration and regional understanding on issues such as healthcare, education, natural resources, economic development and transportation. For more information, visit lsega.com.
