The City of Sylvester’s leadership team was recognized for completion of the Edge Development Certification Program at the recently concluded ECG Economic Development Summit. Over the last year, the community leadership group completed a six-month training program followed by a six-month strategic planning session to create an implementation strategy with measurable project-based directives.
“The City of Sylvester, along with its many dedicated leaders, has invested significant time and effort into this program, and their success is commendable,” Daryl Ingram, ECG Sr. VP and Chief External Officer, said. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each participant for their unwavering commitment and valuable contributions to the process. They are well-prepared to carry forward this momentum, with numerous projects already identified. We eagerly anticipate their continued success.”
In early 2022, the city’s leadership team, comprised of city council members and department heads, began the Edge Development program with a series of educational programs that provided best practices in utility enterprise operations and community development. The initial training served as a prerequisite to the strategic planning process. The city identified a group of community leaders, including industry stakeholders, religious and civic organizations, and educational and government administrations to participate and provide community insight into the process.
Throughout the program curriculum, elected officials and city department leaders heard from industry and academic experts in the areas of utility best practices, return on investment principles, revenue protection, jobs and capital investment creation, and organic growth concepts. These insights played a pivotal role in shaping the project-based plan, which is poised to drive the city’s growth and success well into the future.