The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce’s 2027 Leadership Chattooga Student Edition recently completed a full day of activities focused on leadership and community involvement during its Industry Day.

The leadership program helps local high school juniors and seniors develop leadership skills while learning about community issues, local services, and resources. The program also prepares students for future roles in business, government, and civic organizations.

The students began their day in Trion at Mount Vernon Mills, where they toured the facility and learned how yarn is transformed into finished rolls of denim and twill fabric.

They also visited the Chattooga Animal Shelter to see the work being done under the leadership of Charlie Long and his staff. Students learned about the new kennels designed by Michael Warren with the county and built with help from local CTAE students.

Next, the group toured Smith Ironworks’ expanding facility in Lyerly with owner Drew Smith.

After lunch, the students visited Teloga Springs Farm, the county’s oldest operating farm of its kind, where Mandy Hicks shared its history and gave students a look at the work she and her husband do there.

The students will return to the Hurley Center training room for a deeper look into communication and presentation skills as they continue their leadership development program.