The Greater Hall Chamber’s Leadership Hall County (LHC) program is celebrating its 30th year anniversary. Founded by the Chamber in 1983, the program exposes highly talented, motivated and potential leaders of Hall County to the inter-related economic, government, socio-cultural and educational issues of the community.
To celebrate the program’s 30 years of success, a new Leadership Hall logo/brand has been launched. “Integrity. Passion. Vision. These words describe the Leadership Hall County program perfectly. We are excited about our new look and look forward to 30 more years of leadership excellence in Gainesville-Hall County,” said Dana Miller, Chamber Vice President of Education.
Over 730 people have graduated from the program. Class members are nominated by former participants and selected by the Leadership Hall Selection Committee. Leadership Hall County graduates continue to be involved in many areas of volunteer and civic service in our community.
Testimonials from Members of the First Class of Leadership Hall County (1983):
“The original class in 1983 was definitely an experiment. We talked through our plan many times, then it would change. We made a few mistakes, which were corrected in year #2. I was designated to repeat, so some experience would be there, and they needed a chairman without a day job! Those were great years, and the experience was truly invigorating. Leadership Hall reflected our leadership assets to others who would help in the future. Our group has great hope and love of community and has continued to stay involved. It is most exciting to see our vision unfold 30 years later!”
Mary Lou Melvin
Community Volunteer
“When you look at the current leaders in the Gainesville-Hall County community, most if not all are graduates of the Leadership Hall County program. Many went on to participate in Leadership Georgia and are now in state leadership roles. That is exactly what Leadership Hall was designed to do – create leaders, provide knowledge to those in leadership roles, and create a vision of the community they have been designated to lead. I am confident Leadership Hall will continue to train and equip future leaders for our community.”
Steve Gilliam
Partner, Smith, Gilliam, Williams & Miles
“In 1983, we did not know what to expect in the first Leadership Hall class. We certainly hoped that we would strengthen our leadership skills and obtain some knowledge of Hall County. The collective wisdom of the class and the Chamber staff created an atmosphere of leadership, learning and volunteerism which continues today. In my view, the Chamber has had great success through the years in training leaders, and that is the purpose of Leadership Hall.”
Randall Frost
Partner, Stewart, Melvin & Frost
“Looking back on the participants in that first class, I am impressed that many have played a significant part in the leadership of our county. The Chamber is to be commended in identifying future leaders.”
Jim Moore
Vice President, BB&T Sidney O. Smith
“I was fortunate to be asked to join Leadership Hall County when it first began. I was not from Hall County and being a young corporate banker – the network and camaraderie of the class was beneficial. I would highly recommend all aspiring business leaders that have the opportunity to join Leadership Hall, to do so.
They will be glad they did.”
Joyce Stephens
Executive Vice President, United Community Bank