The annual Wiregrass Gathering of Eagles Business and Leadership Symposium is back. This year’s theme is “Make Your Business Stand Out.” Once again the college is teaming up with premier sponsor Valdosta State University to bring you an outstanding day of learning. The event’s committee members recruited well known national speaker Joel Manby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation (HFE.) Joel was featured on the hit CBS show Undercover Boss. Manby and the employees of HFE moved millions of viewers across the world with their unique approach to leadership. He has graciously agreed to share the principles that make HFE successful with the 2013 symposium participates.

The symposium will be held on Thursday, Feb 21 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm on the Valdosta Campus of Wiregrass. The full-day symposium is designed to help all businesses and industries stand out, whether business services, manufacturing, health care, education, or government. The day will inspire companies to build a culture that satisfies both the customer and employees.

The morning is devoted to keynote speaker Joel Manby, on “Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders,” which are:

• Patient: having self-control in difficult situations
• Kind: showing encouragement and enthusiasm
• Trusting: placing confidence in someone
• Unselfish: thinking of yourself less
• Truthful: defining reality corporately and individually
• Forgiving: releasing the grip of the grudge
• Dedicated: sticking to our values in all circumstances

Participants will be given a hardcover copy of Manby’s best-selling book LOVE WORKS – a must-read for leaders who care.

The afternoon will start off with Publix Supermarket sharing an outstanding message on “making your business stand-out”. Two breakout sessions will follow featuring local business owners who have succeeded while maintaining a caring corporate culture. Some of the afternoon presenters include Chuck and Susan Steel of Steels Jewelry, Hugh Chancy of Chancy Drugs, Ricky Dollar of Wendy’s and Atlanta Bread Company, Tom Carroll of Carroll Farms, Dr. Nelson Clements, and Tim Kuck of Regal Marine.

This event not only provides valuable services to our businesses and industries, but also serves as a fundraiser for our college foundation, making this tax deductible. These funds are used to help students and are needed now more than ever because of the changes to HOPE. The event is also broadcasted throughout the college so students, faculty and staff can take part in this business and leadership development day.

For more information about Gathering of Eagles or to register, please call (229) 293-6190 or visit our website at www.wiregrass.edu.