On September 2, 2008 the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce initiated a leadership program entitled "2008 Leadership Emanuel." The Chamber was awarded a $5,000 grant from Fanning Institute to assist with the leadership program. The classes were held on Tuesday nights over 10 consecutive weeks.  The goal of the program was to give Emanuel County a new level of leadership, a level that will sustain our community in the years to come.

Members of the graduating class were Selena Bedgood, Donna Brinson, Bobbie Collins, Will Donaldson, Stephanie Fagler, Jessie Garrett, Tracie Harden, Jim Harrell, Wade Johnson, Karen Jones, Corey Kraus, Rust Lane, Jolly Martin, Lucy Moore, Delmus Mosley, Karen Mountain, Bill Rogers, Scott Rosenau, Athen Walden, Denise Warnock, Valorie Watkins, Wes Wilkes, Sonya Wilson, and Russ Yeomans.

Applications for the second class are now available online below. "2009 Leadership Emanuel" will begin on Tuesday, September 1st.  Deadline for applications is July 15th. The class size will be limited to 20-24 people.  The cost for the program is set at $60 to cover all materials. Scholarships are available. Meals and refreshments will be served at no additional cost.