The Moore County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 34th graduating class of the Moore County Leadership Institute (MCLI). This is an exclusive leadership program hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and has graduated over 650 participants since inception.
MCLI provides participants the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally via
programs with community leaders and experts. Participants learn about local history, business
challenges, civic issues and community involvement as well as receive targeted leadership
development training.
Ultimately, these individuals are well rounded, capable leaders with a deeper understanding of civic responsibility. Upon graduation, they are encouraged to serve in the community in a volunteer capacity and to inspire others in their respective workplaces by being transformational leaders.
This year two group projects were completed benefiting Southern Pines Parks and Recreation
and Cameron Boys Camp. As part of the course requirements, a community project and attendance of a government meeting are required to graduate.
“I would never willingly attend a government meeting; however, this forced me to attend, and it was the most impactful part of the year,” claimed Jonah Saunders, of Provision Ace Hardware, in a press release.
MCLI Class of 2023
Kenia Mills, Pinehurst, LLC
Francesca Carter, Pinehurst, LLC
Phil McNutt, Donovan & Bank Foundation
Jonah Saunders, Southern Pines Ace Operations Co.
Rachel Drew, The Honor Foundation
Bonnie Archibald, Partners for Children & Families
Mary Howard, Town of Southern Pines
Jeremy Sparrow
Jessica Roth, Town of Southern Pines
Sandee Gronowski, First Citizens Bank - Pinehurst
Bill Hanes, Donovan & Bank Foundation
Jesse Erikson, Donovan & Bank Foundation
Ernest Samuel, FirstHealth - Moore Regional Hospital
Vijay Mohanani, Pinehurst Medical Clinic, Inc.
Kristopher Kendall, RSL Ventures Inc.
“Effective leaders are open-minded and willing to strive to move forward for a brighter
future. These graduates took the time to understand the dynamics of effective leadership and
decision making,” said Linda Parsons, President, and CEO of the Moore County Chamber of
Commerce, in a press release. “Participants studied over an 11 th month period our community infrastructure, analyzed their own individual leadership styles, and further developed their communication skills. We are proud of this class and the accomplishments that they have all achieved.”
For those interested in applying to be a part of the next MCLI Class, more information can be found https://www.moorecountychamber.com/mcli/.
Applications are now being accepted for the January 2024 class.
This is the first year of the Veteran Business Expo, and it grew out of Fayetteville PWC’s Economic Impact Program, which focuses on expanding access and opportunity in public-sector contracting while strengthening the local economy. It builds off th
Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle
Big T’s has been a local favorite of Hope Mills since 2000 when Timmy (Big T) and Donna Gray first opened right on Hope Mills Lake. It is a seasonal restaurant, so many of Big T’s loyal customers were happy to hear they would now be open year-round, seven days a week.
