LGS Class raises $130,000 to build Splash Pad in the Golden Strip
The Simpsonville Area and Fountain Inn Chambers of Commerce partnered in 2019 to host the inaugural class of Leadership Golden Strip, a leadership development program for local business people in the Golden Strip area. The two Chambers will now welcome the Greater Mauldin Chamber of Commerce into the partnership to host Class 2.
Leadership Golden Strip is a 10-month program for professionals with the desire and ability to shape the future of our vibrant communities. Through face-to-face meetings with regional leaders and on-site visits with local agencies and businesses, participants will explore the major issues and unique challenges facing the Golden Strip area.
“We are thrilled for this opportunity to collaborate with our neighboring Chamber, and to offer a robust leadership development option for members of our community,” said Simpsonville Area Chamber President Allison McGarity. The Simpsonville Area Chamber has a strong history of developing community leaders by providing its own Leadership Simpsonville program, which was incorporated into the leadership program.
Members of Class 1 completed a rigorous application process, upheld the program’s strict attendance policy and met all program requirements in order to graduate. Most notably, the class worked together to raise more than $130,000 to design and install a brand new splash pad in the heart of Fountain Inn. Many local businesses supported the effort, with Greenville Water as the Diamond Sponsor. The Splash Pad opened in August and is free for the community to enjoy.
“I could not be more proud of this first Leadership class and the hard work they put into this project so that we could make this incredible donation to The City of Fountain Inn, and most importantly, attract more visitors to our thriving town!” said Fountain Inn Chamber President Whitney D. Ferguson.
Leadership Golden Strip is a dynamic program that supports the development of corporate and community leaders by introducing them to the various aspects of developing and maintaining a vibrant community, helping them to establish dialogue with fellow community leaders and facilitating their contributions to the betterment of the community. Leadership Golden Strip fuels a constant network of informed and community-minded leaders who will go on to work for our local businesses, start their own ventures, serve in public offices and continue to give back to those around them.
The program begins with a formal orientation session and continues with monthly sessions that cover topics such as local and state government, education, arts and history and infrastructure. Each session includes facility tours, expert presentations and one-on-one meetings with aspirational community leaders.
As the business community continues to grow, McGarity is excited about the future of the partnership with the Fountain Inn and Mauldin Chambers. “We are constantly looking for strategies to shake things up and increase the value that our Chamber provides for the business community here in Simpsonville,” she said. “Leadership Golden Strip is one of our pillar programs which upholds the Chamber’s mission statement. We are very proud of our graduates and excited for what is to come.”
Find project updates, applicant information, and more by visiting Facebook.com/LeadershipGS.