The Plant City Chamber conducts the annual Leadership Plant City training to promote the development of long-term leadership in the community. The purpose of the program is to identify and advance emerging leaders in Plant City. The meetings offer a forum for participants to meet and exchange ideas with each other and with community leaders, and to learn from the perspectives and experiences of one another.
Leadership Plant City also informs participants about a wide range of community issues, resources, and opportunities that exist in greater Plant City and Hillsborough County, and to develop in them a broader and deeper sense of community. As a part of this, the gatherings open doors for participants to enter volunteer roles in which they would like to serve in the area.
The training sessions are configured to increase the leadership abilities of the participants. The intent is also to build camaraderie, and a spirit of solidarity to build common ground for working together on present and future community, and Chamber, projects.
Cat Bowen, a Personal Insurance Agent at Florida Insurance Center on North Alexander Street, is one member of the current class. She has worked in the insurance industry for more than 18 years, and joined Leadership Plant City, “To meet like-minded professionals, and to further understand Plant City’s operations.” The sessions have provided her with, “…the ability to connect to other professionals in the Plant City area.”
Among the topics Leadership Plant City offers are: content to educate participants on local government; agriculture; business and industry; economic development and transportation; media and tourism; health, wellness, and fitness; education; and the history of Plant City.
The government session provides a comprehensive overview of local governance through hearing from local leaders like Mayor Nate Kilton, and discussions on leadership with City Manager Bill McDaniel. In order to see public safety infrastructure first-hand, participants take tours of the Plant City Police Department, Fire Rescue facilities, and take part in exercises that give them hands-on learning.
The agriculture session highlights the diverse agriculture in the area, and how those resources shape life as it exists today.
Jocias Garcia, a Banker at TD Bank on Alexander Street, opens business and personal accounts and gives guidance on establishing financial structures, budgeting, debt management, debt consolidation, and credit management.
Garcia also runs his own endeavor—JGZ Group—that is guided by five principles—gaining spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. “I personally believe and apply focus to the five principles to gain in everyday life, Garcia said. “All powered by Jesus Christ and what I have encountered through Him.” Garcia decided to join Leadership Plant City after evaluating the opportunity/cost benefit of surrounding himself with peers and mentors who know Plant City, and how it is life-giving when the community comes together. He also intends, “to seek the wisdom that this training will bring to me, rather than sit idle and wait for something to happen. I chose this training to expand my capabilities, to work with others who are willing to put their time into something that can lead to positive change.”
Anyone who works for an organization or company in Hillsborough County, or works for a company that is a Chamber member can apply to be in the program. There are no age or position requirements.
Leadership Plant City runs from August 2024 to May 2025. The 10-session program meets for a full-day on the second Tuesday of each month. There is a cost for the program. For more information contact: Jerilyn Rumbarger, Membership Director; Jerilyn@plantcity.org; (813) 754-3707.