Clemson Extension partners with the Salkehatchie Leadership Center and the Southern Carolina Economic Development Alliance to provide an advanced leadership program for leaders in Allendale, Bamberg, Hampton, and Barnwell Counties. The mission of this program is to develop an informed community of active, committed citizens who can effectively address regional issues and focus economic development. Approximately 25 leaders from the three counties participate each year. All graduates of the classes have acquired a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges that face our region and are becoming more active in working on the issues.

The agenda for the program focuses on issues pertinent to the Southern Carolina Region with special emphasis on regionalism and economic development. The classes are held from August to May in different locations in each of the three counties with two meetings being held out of the region. A special day spent in Columbia at the Department of Commerce features speakers knowledgeable about economic development. Another day is spent at the SC State Ports Authority and SC World Trade Center with a tour of the ports and speakers knowledgeable about importing and exporting. A retreat is held at the beginning of the year to improve leadership skills and teambuilding skills. An additional overnight retreat is held to solidify class, emphasize skills, and to choose class projects:

For more information, contact Terri Smith, Community Development agent.