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Leadership Stanly, an enriching program sponsored by the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce, is an invaluable course that often pays personal and professional dividends for years to come.

Leadership Stanly is a developmental program that offers a select group of participants the opportunity to meet community and civic leaders, discover and understand key issues impacting our region, establish quality business contacts, undertake class service projects, gain hands-on experience in community programs and develop and cultivate lasting friendships.

As a Leadership Stanly alumni (Class of 2008), I have many wonderful memories from my time in the program and I’m grateful for the numerous friendships and business connections I made during my experience.

The overall objective of the SCCoC LS Program is to demonstrate the economic impact to Stanly County from various community stakeholders discussed in each session.

In the nine-month program, monthly sessions focus on a variety of topics including: History; Manufacturing/Industry/Business; Health Care & Human Services; Government/Public Service; Education; Justice System; Agri-Business; and Air/Land/Water — all economic catalysts for the county.

Leadership Stanly builds networks of professionals who are stronger employees, informed individuals and thoughtful community leaders.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, our current LS class did not get to experience some of their final sessions or get the kind of graduation experience we had hoped for them, or a special ceremony reserved for graduates.

This class was a fun, hardworking group of professionals who exceeded our expectations in this program and we would like to take the chance to honor them in the space allotted for our Chamber’s monthly update.

We appreciate the effort and enthusiasm this class put into the Leadership Stanly Program.

We want to thank the businesses who allowed our graduates the time to participate in this program.

Our 2020 Leadership Stanly Graduates include:

• Josh Boyer, Stanly Community College;

• David Cooper, Stanly Funeral & Cremation Care;

• Liz Davis, 110 Main Mercantile;

• Alisha Ellis, Stanly County Schools;

• Jennifer Frick, Stanly Community Christian Ministry;

• Melinda Graham, GHA Autism Supports;

• Jodi Hathcock, Morningstar CAM Solutions;

• Erin Martin, Atrium Health Stanly;

• Louise McCall, West Center Farm;

• Janay Miller, Preformed Line Products;

• Mandy Mills, Stanly County Schools;

• Chancey Powe, Standard Office;

• Katrina Sams, Stanly Community College;

• Brooke Senter, Uwharrie Bank;

• Emily Shaw, Stanly County Schools;

• Will Trexler, First Bank of Richfield;

• Wesleigh Walter, Walter Printing Company;

• David West, Vulcan Materials; and

• Wanda Yow, Town of Stanfield.

Congratulations, graduates of 2020.

We would also like to acknowledge the Leadership Stanly Steering Committee, graduates of

LS who facilitate the monthly curriculum.

The Steering Committee members are dedicated to making each session meaningful and informative. We appreciate all they have done for this program.

Leadership Stanly Steering Committee includes:

• Shawn Oke, Albemarle Sweet Shop;

• Stephanie Campbell, Stanly County YMCA;

• Sara Hahn, Stanly County Public Library;

• Ross Hartsell, Stanly County EDC;

• Jeremy Hathcock, Preformed Line Products;

• Sylvia Lewis, Stanly Community College;

• Nhia Ly, City of Albemarle;

• Lisa Moehn, Stanly County DSS;

• Stacy Ragsdale, Stanly County DSS;

• Tony Russell, Retired, Albemarle Fire Department;

• Tracy Sells, Preformed Line Products; and

• Jessica Smith, Stanly Community College.

Thank you to all graduates and steering committee volunteers.

Applications are available now for the class of 2021.

You can download online or email sandy@stanlychamber.org for an application. Deadline is Aug. 14.

Sandy Selvy-Mullis is president and CEO of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce. Call 704-982-8116 or visit stanlychamber.org.