The Wiregrass Gathering of Eagles Business and Leadership Symposium is back for the eight year. This year’s theme is Connecting the Dots and will feature Bill Boggs, author of “Got What it Takes”. The symposium will be held on February 20 from 8:30 am until 4:00 p.m. 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 begin Bill Boggs. Bill is a four time Emmy Award winning talk show host. As host of the New York based “Midday Live with Bill Boggs”, “NBC’s Weekend Today in New York”, and the long running Food Network hit “Bill Boggs Corner Table”, as well as shows on comedy, history, sports, music and other topics, he has interviewed many of the most notable personalities of our time. Bill will share the success secrets he uncovered from 44 powerhouse leaders including Mark Burnett, Craig Newmark (Craig’s List), Matt Laurer, Anna Quindlen, Marion Cuomo, Bobby Flay, Jim Cramer, Bobbie Brown, Norman Lear, Brooke Shields, Bob Pittman, Bill O’Reilly, Donald Trump and many others.  He will reveal the inside view of what makes the most successful people tick and present a lessons-in-life career guide from accomplished stars at the top of their game.

An afternoon session will feature motivational speaker Belle S. Wheelan, PhD.  Dr. Wheelan is the president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.  She is the first African American woman to serve in this capacity. Her career spans 30 years and includes the roles of faculty member, campus provost, college president, and Secretary of Education.  Dr. Wheelan has received numerous awards and recognition including being named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Washington, DDC. She holds and has held membership in numerous local, state, and national organizations including the American College Testing, Inc., Board of Directors; American Association of Community Colleges, Board of Directors; the Lumina Foundation for Education, Board of Directors; the President’s Round Table of the National Council on Black American Affairs; and the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame, Board of Directors

The day will wrap up with local leaders sharing their secrets to success.  City of Valdosta Mayor John Gayle; Tom Kurrie, partner with Coleman Talley, LLP; and Dario Orlando, owner of Steeda Motorsports will provide insight into their successes in life and in business.

In the eight year, Gathering of Eagles provides valuable services to our businesses and industries and also serves as a fundraiser for the Wiregrass college foundation, making this tax deductible. These funds are used to help students through scholarships and program assistance. 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.