Graduation luncheon held for 2008 Leadership Lincoln class
By Sherry McKellar

Leadership Lincoln 2008 graduates were back row (L-r): Al Danner, Stella Crosby, Judy Jordan, Roxanne Ashmore, Denise Cunningham, Carole Radford, Sherry McKellar, Damonica Lee; back row: Ginger T. Dawkins, Chris Guin, Brandie Reese and Traci Bussey. Not pictured: Wanda Duncan and Brain Campbell.

The 2008 Leadership Lincoln class participated in their graduation luncheon at First Assembly of God's Family Life Center on Thursday, May 29.

Guest speaker for the commencement was Patricia Goodwin of Augusta. Raised in Tampa, Florida, Pat graduated from Mercer College-Tift Division 86' with a Bachelor of Science Business Administration and a minor in Computer Science. Pat has two children and three grandchildren. She resides in Columbia County, GA. Pat Goodwin is currently serving as a Business Manager II in the Division of University Advancement, at the Medical College of Georgia.

Pat is responsible for managing divisions annual operating budget, improving office practices, assess technology and special projects in the division. Prior to her current position, she was employed for twenty-nine years with the Southern Company having worked at various branches of the company and throughout Georgia and Alabama. Her previous roles were document control supervisor and she retired as a Senior Information Client Analyst.

Graduates and guests enjoyed a catered meal provided by Bountiful Baskets N 'More. Following lunch, plaques and gifts were presented to the graduates.

The graduates began the Leadership Lincoln program in February with personality profiles and a team building session facilitated by John Bringuel, community facilitator for Family Connection Partnership and Allyson Martin, Community Development Consultant with Georgia Electric Membership Corporation. Participants became familiar with one another and the different personalities of each group member. They participated in challenging activities and games. Participants were divided into groups and using arts & crafts supplies, create on poster board what they want Lincoln County to be like in 20 years. Besides growing and prospering, their dreams for the future of Lincoln County include; a hospital, the lake resort, a technical school, an amphitheater, a city park, Outback, Publix and a CVS.

From February through May, each session focused on areas that comprise economic development such as local government, education, cultural and historical appreciation, tourism and local recreational opportunities. With the completion of each session, the program graduates gained valuable insight to the responsibilities of community leaders and resources available as well as service initiatives by both city and county entities. This overall knowledge raised their community awareness and ultimately community involvement.

Graduates of Leadership Lincoln 2008 are: Roxanne Ashmore, County Clerk; Traci Bussey, Lincoln County Finance Director; Brian Campbell, Asst. Superintendent Lincoln Co. Board of Education; Stella Crosby, Data Entry Coordinator Family Connection; Denise Cunningham, Planner Lincoln Co. Planning & Zoning; Al Danner, Engineer Georgia Power; Ginger T. Dawkins, Assistant City Clerk City of Lincolnton; Wanda Duncan, Administrative Assistant Lincoln Co. Dept. of Public Safety; Chris Guin, Wastewater Superintendent City of Lincolnton; Judy Jordan, Owner/Photographer Koehler Galleries; Damonica Lee, Youth Development Coordinator Family Connection; Sherry McKellar, Administrative Assistant Lincoln Co. Development Authority; Carole Radford, Real Estate Agent Turner Realty and Brandie Reese, Chamber Administrator Lincolnton~Lincoln Co. Chamber of Commerce.

Leadership Lincoln is funded through donations from local businesses and community supporters. This year Jeff & Sheri Easter Inc., Farmers State Bank, Wilkes Telephone & Electric Company, Georgia Power, Rayle EMC, Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln County Development Authority sponsored the 2008 program. Through their monetary support, these businesses and organizations have invested in the future of Lincolnton and Lincoln County.

Leadership Lincoln participant nominations will be solicited from chamber members in the fall of 2009 and the next program will begin in January 2010. If you are interested in participating or sponsoring the program please contact the Lincoln County Development Authority at 706-359-7970 or email us at lincolncham@nu-z.net.