Leadership program gets ready for new class

Published Feb. 24, 2011
By Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and Keesler News Staff

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Kimberly Adams, chief of training development for the 81st Training Support Squadron's faculty development flight, has spent almost a year learning more about the challenges and opportunities facing south Mississippi through the Leadership Gulf Coast program.

Now in its 21st year, Leadership Gulf Coast selects 37 participants each year to gain greater knowledge and understanding of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and to create a communication network between present and emerging leaders in the region.

The program, founded by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, currently has more than 600 graduates. The current program began in August and ends in May.

"Leadership Gulf Coast has been a rewarding experience," said Ms. Adams, a lifelong Gulf Coast resident who's worked at Keesler for 22 years.

"The military presence on the Gulf Coast is impressive to say the least, but I now have a greater appreciation for what Keesler offers to the community," Ms. Adams pointed out. "Keesler is a tremendous asset to the entire Gulf Coast. Not only is Keesler the second largest employer on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but also in the entire state."

"LGC exposed me to many aspects of the Gulf Coast that I never knew," she explained. "The most important thing that I take away from this experience is an appreciation for the entire Gulf Coast region. While I respect the uniqueness each county, city and town brings to the overall Gulf Coast community, regional thinking is the key to the Gulf Coast's future success. Individually we are great, but collectively we can be outstanding!'

An anonymous committee selects the participants based on a matrix, which ensures a true cross-section of all segments of the community. Attendance at monthly sessions is strictly enforced with minimal absences allowed. Each session is based on current issues and concerns of the Gulf Coast.

The program's first two activities are a get-acquainted breakfast and an overnight retreat to introduce participants to the program itself and to each other. Other days with specific themes are planned throughout the year, such as Military Day, with certain events hosted by Keesler, to provide insight into the role and impact of area military installations.

Other sessions focus on local and state government; human needs and health; economics and the role of business, industry, and employment in the Gulf Coast community; human relations and intercultural relationships; education from preschool to graduate studies; and the tangible and intangible ingredients of quality living in the community.

Another overnight retreat serves as a review and culmination of the program in which study groups report their findings and participants discuss future trends in economics, business, and demographics.

A graduation ceremony honors and celebrates the success of program participants.

Chamber officials point out that Leadership Gulf Coast has succeeded in breaking barriers between communities and continues to build a unified vision for the Gulf Coast.

The 81st Training Wing will call for nominations soon, so interested persons are encouraged to begin the application process.

For more information, call Christen Hartley, 604-0014; or log on to LGC@mscoastchamber.com.

Susan Griggs, Keesler News editor, contributed to this report.