The Community Xccelerator program successfully held its first information session for local residents and interested students on the evening of Tuesday, June 25 at the Willis L. Miller Library. The visitors took advantage of the opportunity to learn about the program’s mission and how to join the Community Xccelerator.

The program is a 20-session program that provides access to actionable insight and exposure for those enrolled by bridging knowledgeable resources within our community with participants. Those that enroll are able to learn directly from local, subject matter experts.

Each participant graduates from the program with new connections, financial empowerment, proven business advice, and a greater ability to impact his or her community.
 
During the interest meeting, attendees heard from Program Director, DeWayne Johnson, as he discussed the structure, schedule, early sponsors, and enrollment process for the program.

“The goal of the Community Xccelerator program is to teach aspiring individuals how to gain significant traction for their future by participating in a series of interactive empowerment workshops and receiving direct knowledge from regional leaders. This program is for the community, and that includes local area residents as well as students from VSU, Wiregrass, and GMC that study, work, and live here,” said Johnson.

Upon starting, program sessions include vital topics for empowerment, such as government affairs, eat-to-live nutrition, physical/mental health, financial literacy, understanding taxes, real estate investing, business development, branding, and public speaking.
 
In attendance during the interest meeting was recent Valdosta State University graduate, Jasmine Miles, who is one of many in the room who were interested in enrolling in the Community Xccelerator program.   

“I feel like the Community Xccelerator program will be a really great opportunity for anyone that’s seeking a chance to take that next step towards their purpose,” proclaimed Miles.

The Community Xccelerator meeting also included interest and support from Ella’s Top Corral General Manager, Nicholas Perry, and Marketing & Business Development Director, Kyle Steven Webb.

“Ella's Top Corral is excited to collaborate on these endeavors to further integrate into the community.  This type of program can help me to elaborate on knowledge, tools, and goals that I want to create,” stated Webb.
 
According to Johnson, the immediate goal of the interest meetings is to give interested parties a chance to gather information in order to meet the upcoming August 6 enrollment deadline.

Early sponsors for the Community Xccelerator program include CJB Industries, Chick-fil-A Valdosta Mall, Ella’s Top Corral, and Miller Hardware.

“I am grateful for our early sponsors. They have shown that they identify with the passion to build stronger citizenship within our community and are interested in growing their influence by helping to equip individuals in all walks of life to overcome challenges before they arise,” added Johnson.