The second annual “Gathering of Eagles” Business and Leadership Development Symposium was a huge success thanks to the speakers, committee members, and many volunteers. Charlie Crews, Mike Godwin, Joe Belson, David Durland, and Carolyn Eager graciously served as volunteers on the steering committee. Through their hard work 3 nationally known speakers, one local speaker, and 3 panel members were recruited to share their success stories. Mark Webb, a licensed therapist shared insight into maintaining a positive outlook through the choices made each day. Two panel discussions were led by Tom Kurrie with expert panel members: Patten Seed Company President Ben Copeland, Letica Plant Manager Debra Clark, and Riley Church Pews Co-Owner Jerome Riley all sharing how they became the successful regional leaders they are today.

The first keynote speaker was Tim Tassopoulos, Senior Vice President of  Operations for Chick-fil-A, who gave a motivational talk on the Three C’s of great leaders and shared the ethical Chick-fil-A business philosophy. George Thornton, CEO of Agriliance, gave the attendees a global forecast of the agriculture industry as well as personal leadership principles that have carried him to success. The last keynote speaker, Jimmy Blanchard, former Chairman of  Synovus, shared four key points to leadership leaving all attendees inspired and ready to take each of their companies to new heights of excellence!

All of the keynote speakers shared their talents and time free of charge and the committee members arranged their travel and lodging at no cost to the college. Their generosity and commitment to promoting growth in the area helped generate over $25,000! The money generated from this event will be used to help Valdosta Technical College provide the highest quality educational programs possible for students.

A special thanks goes to Scott James who volunteered to serve as the day’s MC and led the participants through an innovative day of business and leadership growth. Attached you will find more speaker tips as well as a few pictures of the day’s event. Plans are already being made for next year’s symposium in January 2009!

Speakers and topics on which they spoke.