Press Release

Berkeley Chamber Of Commerce Develops Business Leaders

(BERKELEY COUNTY, SC)  The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce Leadership Berkeley program gives both current and future business leaders and inside look into how the county operates, while developing and strengthening member’s leadership skills.  The 19 member Leadership Berkeley Class of 2007 embarked on their eleven-month journey back in November. Sessions afford members the opportunity to take and “inside” look at the social, economic, political and cultural aspects of Berkeley County.  The Leadership Berkeley program takes participants everywhere from behind the locked doors of Lieber Correctional Facility, to a beautiful boat ride through the Goose Creek Reservoir.  Leadership Berkeley members also embrace the chance to meet and talk personally with multiple state Senators, Representatives and the Berkeley County Supervisor, Dan Davis, all in one day. The sessions conclude with an official graduation in November.

"For me, Leadership is a unique and wonderful opportunity to meet a variety of local business professionals and government officials,” says Ellis McGaughy, 2007 Leadership Berkeley Class Member and Plant Manager for DuPont,  “More importantly, we are developing our personal leadership skills and enabling higher achievements through collective collaboration for the good of our county and region."

Potential Leadership Berkeley class members must be nominated by a Leadership Berkeley Alumnus. They must also complete a detailed application discussing their past accomplishments, current community involvement, and what they hope to accomplish in the future. 

“We seek candidates who are serious about leadership and helping Berkeley County progress,” says Caldwell Pinckney, Jr., President of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, “The purpose of the program is to develop tomorrow’s business leaders today.  We want to give leaders the tools they need to help guide and foster the future prosperity of the county”. 

Former Leadership Berkeley Class members include: Jan Faulkner, Santee Cooper, Tony Geary, Alcoa Mt. Holly, Lynn Austin, Home Telephone Company and Jeff Molinari, City of Goose Creek.

"Leadership Berkeley exposed me to the vast array of county resources and programs, educated me on the critical issues facing the county and introduced me to a bright and talented new generation of leaders and friends,"  says Laura Varn, Leadership Berkeley Alumnae and Vice President of Corporate Communications for Santee Cooper.

Members of the 2007 Leadership Berkeley Class include: Matt Allen, First Citizens; LeeAnn Coleman, Santee Cooper; Wendy Cruce, Santee Cooper; Doug Dickerson, Berkeley Independent; Troy Diel, Santee Cooper; Christa Dunn, Dixon-Hughes; Lori Gaskins, Home Telephone; Edward Guinn, Thomas & Hutton Engineering; Brandon Hawkins, Pendley Construction; Ellis McGaughy, DuPont; Andrew Paras, Post and Courier; Stephen Parker, TRICO Engineering; Larry Philips, Alcoa Mt. Holly; Lynn Ray, Santee Cooper Credit Union; Madelyn Robinson, ARCADIS US, Inc.; Carlissa Roper, South Carolina Federal Credit Union; Mark Schlievert, Berkeley County Water & Sanitation Authority; Mark Shelton, Post and Courier; Tony Simmons, Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Tasha Higdon, Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union.

Leadership Berkeley classes begin every February and end each November.  If you are interested in becoming part of the 2008 class, please contact Elaine Morgan, CEO of the Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce, at 843-761-8238 to be put on next years application list.