September 2020 GEDA Newsletter

Happy September GEDA Members,

As we are winding down the heat of the summer, we are normally getting ready for our largest gathering of the year in Savannah. It will be odd not seeing you all and celebrating together.  Just know that the Annual Conference Committee led by Sean McMillan is hard at work preparing some great content for a virtual gathering.

Over the summer, I have been participating in some leadership training courses with other economic developers.  It has been an enlightening time learning and sharing with one another.  We have discussed how to navigate some very challenging situations and that I have begun implementing. One of the things that has been most refreshing for me is the discovery that I am not alone in the challenges that I face as a leader, whether those are internal or external. 

It was a reminder to me to dive deeper with my colleagues and build better relationships.  I would strongly encourage you to find opportunities to develop as a leader, learn from your peers, identify a mentor and do not be afraid to share the knowledge that you have gained. I assure you that there is someone in our association that will benefit from it, and so will you.  There have been countless times where I have discovered a solution to one of my own challenges through helping someone else with theirs.

I just recently picked back up a book I have had for many years – 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John Maxwell.  The first law is that of intentionality.  Be intentional with your growth, define your plan and watch it flourish!

Have a great month and feel free to reach out with anything you may need.