Chamber Leadership Programs Emphasize Education in Fall–Winter Sessions
The Chamber’s three leadership development programs – Excellence, Edge and Equip – continued to meet throughout the fall and into the winter.
Excellence in Leadership, the Chamber’s flagship leader development program for professionals, visited GoFAR USA Park in October for some fun team building exercises. After lunch, participants worked through inspiring “leadership lightbulbs” led by Carol Beth Durbin, our Excellence in Leadership facilitator with Durbin Leadership, LLC and the group heard from Misti Potter, Executive Director of the Singing River Trail. The day wrapped up with a great discussion about their class community project.
The class met in November to learn about the impact of education in our community. The group started the day at the Chamber’s State of Education Forum, where they heard from local educators and students. After breakfast, they traveled to Decatur Morgan Hospital for a tour and lunch. In the afternoon, the group visited the Career Academies of Decatur, where they toured several programs at Decatur’s third high school. They ended the day at the Alabama Center for the Arts in downtown Decatur for a guided tour led by Director Jennifer Bunnell and also heard from the United Way of Morgan County.
In December, the class met for Law & Order Day. The class began the day at the Morgan County Courthouse where they heard brief presentations from our area judges and officials. The group then traveled to the City of Decatur Fire and Rescue Training Center to hear about their work and training to serve the community. Attendees even had the chance to practice CPR with guidance from Chief Nathan Springer and Lt. Brandon Sivley. After lunch, the class stepped into the courtroom for a hands-on mock trial exercise led by Morgan County District Judge Shelly Waters — taking on roles from judges and attorneys to witnesses and jurors. A huge thank you to Tina Gibson for coordinating the day and to everyone who contributed to its success! Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Nucor Steel Decatur, gold sponsors the City of Decatur, Durbin Leadership, LLC and Shawn D. Garth, Realtor.
In October, our Edge Student Leadership class, comprised of sophomores and juniors from across Morgan County, had an exciting visit to Gofar USA Park for a team-building experience. The students were divided into groups to tackle various challenges that required clear communication, strategic thinking and teamwork. After lunch, Taylor Simmons of Horizon Point Consulting, Inc. discussed the results of the students’ Strong Interest Inventory assessments to help them identify their interests when choosing a career path. Kayla Kretzer with Clothe Our Kids of North Alabama came to help sort clothes the students donated.
In November, the class focused on the role our judicial and criminal justice systems play in our community. Starting with presentations from local judges and officials at the Morgan County Courthouse, students learned firsthand about the judicial and criminal justice systems. After a tour of the Morgan County Jail, the class participated in a mock trial led by Morgan County District Judge Shelly Waters. Students played roles as judges, jury members, attorneys, witnesses and the accused to gain an authentic view of courtroom procedures. The Chamber is thankful to Tina Gibson for coordinating Law and Order Day and to all the participants that made it a success.
In December, our Edge Student Leadership had a great time exploring economic development in Decatur-Morgan County! The day kicked off with Jeremy Nails from the Morgan County Economic Development Association sharing how the organization recruits industry to our area, followed by an interactive economic development game. Students then toured United Launch Alliance to learn about its contributions to space transportation and its significant impact on the local economy. After lunch, representatives from Joe Wheeler EMC explained the essential role utilities play in economic growth and hosted a fun round of Joe Wheeler Jeopardy. The day wrapped up with Andrew Calvert from Redstone Federal Credit Union showing the students the value of budgeting and saving money through an interactive game of LIFE. Thank you to our presenting sponsor Nucor Steel Decatur and gold sponsors Hubbard & Drake General-Mechanical Contractors, Joe Wheeler EMC and the Morgan County Commission.
Our Equip Student Leadership program, consisting of 21 eighth graders from Decatur City, Morgan County and Hartselle City Schools, toured the Decatur Utilities Water Treatment Plant in October. They learned all about the process that turns water from the Tennessee River into clean drinking water for our community. The plant can treat 68 million gallons of water a day! After lunch, Brian Jackson with 3M visited the Chamber to speak to the group about the products and processes at 3M’s Decatur plant and the many career opportunities available. Students discovered that many of the products they use every day are made right here in our community!
In November, the group explored the Calhoun Community College Decatur campus. They toured several departments including the Health Science building where they learned about the dental, nursing, surgical tech and EMT programs. Students also visited Calhoun’s Advanced Technology Center which included CNC Machining, Additive Manufacturing, Welding, Aerospace, HVAC and Electrical. This opportunity helps our 8th graders make informed choices as they prepare for high school and plan their future careers.
The class met in December for a tour of United Launch Alliance in Decatur. The students learned about rockets ULA has built and launched which include the Atlas V, Delta II, Delta IV and the Vulcan. The students got an up-close look at the processes each rocket undergoes before being shipped out of the facility and eventually launched into space. The class then visited Calhoun Community College's Decatur campus to tour the Automotive Technology program. Instructor Lewis Nall shared how students learn diagnostics, repair and modern automotive systems.
They met again later in the month for their last session that included a surprise—a tour of the Cook Museum of Natural Science, where they explored hands-on exhibits and learned about the career opportunities available in the science and tourism fields. After lunch, Morgan County Sheriff Ron Puckett and members of his team spoke with the students about peer pressure, drug awareness and how deputies work to keep our community safe. To celebrate, each student received a certificate of completion and a cupcake. The goal of the five-month program is to help 8th graders with leadership training, career development and to show them in-demand job opportunities. Thank you to our presenting sponsor Nucor Steel Decatur and gold sponsor 3M.