🌟 Guest Speaker Spotlight: Brian Harland 🌟

Today our CEO students had the privilege of hearing from Brian Harland, Executive Director of the Jefferson County Development Corporation and a proud member of the CEO Board. Brian holds multiple board seats across our community, making him the perfect person to speak on the power of community.

With a focus on economic development, Brian shared the importance of both attracting new businesses and supporting the ones already here. He highlighted some of our community’s recent wins, including the arrival of Manner Polymers, the creation of The Commons downtown, and other exciting infrastructure projects in the works.

Brian reminded our young entrepreneurs that the CEO experience is about more than business—it’s about being immersed in the community, discovering opportunities they didn’t even know existed, and gaining behind-the-scenes knowledge from local leaders.

He also emphasized the critical role of shopping local and how small businesses are the backbone of thriving communities. His challenge to our students: get involved, give back, and keep your dollars local.

"A community is only as strong as the hands that build it. Every time we choose to support our neighbors, we're building a future we all share."

Thank you, Brian, for inspiring the next generation of leaders to see the impact they can have right here at home!