What is Leadership St. Clair County?

Leadership St. Clair County is a prestigious program run by the St. Clair Economic Development Council (EDC), designed to cultivate leadership skills and deepen participants’ understanding of the county’s economic, social and governmental landscape. The program brings together professionals from various industries, providing a platform for networking, collaboration and learning from experts in business, education, government and community service.

Participants gain hands-on experience through site visits, workshops and discussions, covering critical topics such as economic development, public policy, infrastructure, healthcare and education. The goal of Leadership St. Clair County is to empower leaders with the tools and connections necessary to drive positive change in their communities.

For more details on the program, visit: Leadership St. Clair County

My Journey Through Leadership St. Clair County

In 2023, I had the honor of completing the Leadership St. Clair County program. This experience allowed me to expand my knowledge of the county’s challenges and opportunities while connecting with other leaders who are equally passionate about making a difference.

Throughout the program, I:

✅ Engaged in discussions with community leaders and policymakers.

✅ Learned about St. Clair County’s economic growth strategies and infrastructure development.

✅ Explored initiatives aimed at improving public education and workforce development.

✅ Developed relationships with professionals from diverse backgrounds, fostering collaboration and a shared vision for the county’s future.

✅ Established direct connections with key county and state officials, opening doors for Margaret’s growth and development.

Leadership St. Clair County Experience

The program included various themed days, each providing a unique perspective on key aspects of our county:

• Education Day – Toured local schools, Eden Career Tech Center and Jefferson State Community College, learning about workforce training and educational development.
• Government & Safety Day – Met with Judges, the District Attorney and toured the county call center and jail to gain insights into the legal and public safety systems.
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• Economic Development Day – Visited several agriculture facilities and manufacturing plants, observing firsthand the industries driving St. Clair County’s economy.
• Infrastructure Day – Explored the Coosa Valley Water Treatment Plant and one of the Alabama Power Dams, understanding the importance of resource management and infrastructure planning.
• Quality of Life Day – Experienced the diverse recreational and cultural assets of the county, including horse riding at the Arena, a visit to the Mustang Museum in Odenville and a trip to Horse Pens 40 on Chandler Mountain.
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• Graduation – The program concluded with a ceremony at Ashville City Hall, marking the culmination of a transformational experience in leadership and community engagement.

Strengthening Margaret Through Leadership

One of the most valuable takeaways from this experience has been the ability to identify opportunities for Margaret at both the county and state levels. The relationships I formed with decision-makers, business leaders and infrastructure planners provide an invaluable network that will directly benefit our community. Understanding how regional economic initiatives are developed has given me the tools to advocate for more funding, partnerships and resources for Margaret.

Through these connections, I now have a deeper insight into how we can leverage county and state programs to enhance economic development, improve infrastructure and provide better services for our residents. This program reaffirmed my belief that true leadership isn’t just about working within city limits—it’s about building relationships that extend beyond and bringing real opportunities back to our community.

Applying Leadership Lessons to Margaret

Completing this program has strengthened my commitment to Margaret’s continued growth and success. The insights I gained will help guide my leadership as I advocate for responsible economic development, enhanced community services and transparent governance.

Leadership is about action and I am dedicated to applying these lessons to ensure Margaret remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Join Me in Building a Stronger Community

I invite everyone to get involved in shaping the future of our community. Whether through public service, volunteering, or supporting local initiatives, we all have a role to play in Margaret’s success.