Excellence in Leadership Class Sets New Fundraising Record Through Community Service Project

The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s 2025–2026 Excellence in Leadership class raised more than $35,000 through its community service project, the inaugural Dec Days Festival and Top Deck Social, held April 18 in downtown Decatur.

Held April 18 in downtown Decatur, Dec Days brought the community together for a day filled with local vendors, food trucks, entertainment and family-friendly activities. The celebration continued into the evening with the ticketed Top Deck Social featuring live music from Nashville-based artist Jackson Dreyer. Due to weather, the nighttime event was moved from the parking deck to the Morgan County-Decatur Farmers Market.

Through sponsorships, ticket sales and community support, the class raised more than $35,000 — surpassing last year’s record of $32,183.09 and setting a new fundraising record for an Excellence in Leadership class.

Proceeds from the project will benefit three local nonprofits: Brothers for Life Benefit Fund, Community Free Clinic of Decatur-Morgan County and Meals on Wheels.

The class will present checks to each organization on Tuesday, May 26, at 10 a.m. at the Chamber office.

The Chamber’s Excellence in Leadership program began in 1987 and serves as the organization’s premier leadership development program. Designed to develop and connect community leaders, the 10-month program features monthly sessions focused on topics impacting Decatur-Morgan County and includes a community service project supporting local nonprofit organizations.