Contributed by Jennifer McCurdy • Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Did you know we have a Young Talent group in DeKalb County? What’s that you ask? Well, it’s a group of DeKalb Countians between the ages of 18-35 who hope to be leaders in this community and want to develop and network with others in their age group.

Why should you care? Because they are our future. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) recognized that communities were not doing enough to develop leaders within their communities. Communities were losing talented employees because they felt they were missing the opportunity to connect with the community. TVA reached out to the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce and DeKalb County Economic Development Authority to spearhead a Young Talent group in DeKalb County.

With the help of Randy Posey, Allstate and Cole Justice, First Southern State Bank the group, Rising Leaders of DeKalb, was formed. It’s free to become a member, you just have to want to be a part of your community and develop professionally.

Part of the mission of Rising Leaders of DeKalb is to help attract and retain talent for industries and businesses within DeKalb County. Partnering with our local businesses and industries to help introduce DeKalb County to their employees who may be doing an internship or are new to the area. Of course, we want to try and bring back those who once lived in DeKalb County or have family still in DeKalb County.

Rising Leaders will hold socials with businesses who are hiring and invite college students from our area to those socials. What a great way to meet people in the community and learn about prospective jobs you may be interested in. Do you have a family member you would like to see return to DeKalb County? Let us know we will reach out and share more information with you.

If you are interested in more information as a business or individual, please call Randy Posey at (256) 365-8805 or Cole Justice at (256) 845-6550.