The annual Wiregrass Gathering of Eagles Business and Leadership Symposium is celebrating 10 years! The special 10^th anniversary symposium will feature two experts on the topics of talent acquisition, business growth, job growth, and community growth.  The opening keynote speaker is Ricky Steele, Chief Development Officer for Delta Global Staffing.  Ricky is author of The Heart of Networkingand host of internet radio show Booth 61 with Ricky Steele.  He is committed to business growth, marketing, and community engagement.  He has been instrumental in creating the remarkable growth of an Atlanta-based IT Staffing Firm and propelling  PricewaterhouseCoopers to dominance among the Big 5 of emerging growth companies.  Ricky has received many awards including the Georgia Small Business Person of the Year Award and is an alumnus of Leadership Georgia.  Ricky will keep you engaged with his sense of humor and his knowledge of using networking to help others, build talent, grow businesses, and strengthen communities.

The second keynote speaker is Ron Kitchens who is CEO of Southwest Michigan First Group of Companies, a cluster of privately funded economic development advisors who act as the catalyst for economic growth in Southwest Michigan. Ron said, “the most powerful force for change is a job.”  He is an accomplished certified economic developer who encourages people to be change agents by creating jobs. He is also co-founder of the Engage Conference, a leadership symposium for global economic leaders. Ron will reveal how to use networking to lead community change, create jobs, and build a prosperous community.

The symposium will be held on Thursday, February 18 from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm on the Valdosta Campus of Wiregrass.

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 who are in need of help paying for books and supplies as they finish their degrees.  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.