Lakeland Business Guide 2019 Chamber Guide_2019 | Page 70

BETHANY THOMAS
member of Leadership Lakeland
Class XXXVI
Leadership Lakeland classes are not only
exposed to a new network of professional
peers but are given long-lasting
relationships that feel like family, too.
“While each class is different, friendships
developed during the program are long-
lasting. Together, each class transforms
into a family of members who look out
for one another,” says Breed.
Thomas started out the class knowing
only two out of the 30 participants. Now,
she says, “There is not a single person in
the class that I would not do anything for.”
“Within the 36-hour retreat, our
class went from being acquaintances
to becoming a family. We laughed, we
cried, and we dreamed of what our city
is destined to become and how we could
play a part,” says Battle.
Those who lead the Leadership
Lakeland classes also greatly believe in the
relationships that are fostered through the
program. “Personally, I have grown more
as a leader, as a member of our Lakeland
Chamber, and as a citizen because of
the relationships I have through this
experience,” says Ledford who grew up in
Lakeland and was a part of Leadership
Lakeland Class XXIX. The experience
“It bridges the gap
between various
organizations
within the
education, health,
arts and recreation,
and service fields.”
– BETHANY THOMAS
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