Leadership Putnam 2021 Project

In the 2021 Leadership Putnam Program, we were tasked with completing a project as a group for the betterment of the city. Being born and raised in Putnam County, I immediately started to think about what is missing in our community that can positively impact the lives of everyone.

While out one day I saw the Eatonton Center Stage and I immediately realized that this was an asset for our community, but I felt it needed some improvements such as lighting, a quality sound system, seating, and lettering to help reach its full potential. I was imagining the potential for the city and what an awesome legacy this would leave for the 2021 Leadership Putnam Class. I had reservations because I had concerns about the possibility of invading other groups’ territories, but I knew I had to at least present the idea. After all, ‘nothing beats a failure but a try’ .

My strategy for convincing the class to take on a project of this magnitude was first to convey a purpose for improving the stage which is to make it a prime destination to host community events, a welcoming atmosphere, and provide a venue for citizens and visitors alike to visit while shopping and dining in our downtown arts and entertainment district, and I that the benefits of this project are:

Economic Development Driver – Events and festivals will drive citizens and visitors to the downtown district to spend money by shopping and dining. This helps our current businesses stay afloat as well as a recruiting tool for potential new business.

Community Engagement – Our community is filled with great people with great minds, ideas, and stories. This venue allows the sharing of these great assets and creates a sense of community comradery.

Things to Do – This venue will provide an atmosphere for festivals, community tailgates, art shows, and much more; the options are limitless.

This project was presented at our graduation, it was well received; and thus, the journey begins. We understand that we have taken on a monumental task, but the enthusiasm of my classmates leads me to believe that we are more than capable of achieving success and we know that our efforts will be a great compliment to the work that the city is already undertaking.

LeadershipLeadership PutnamPutnam 20212021

OneOne dayday wewe willwill seesee youyou underunder thethe lights!lights! Soon.Soon. Tourism D.J. Waller Coordinator City of Covington 2021 Leadership Putnam Graduate