Leadership Fannin Graduates a Class of 30

June 4, 2025

It is considered the gold standard of effective marketing: word of mouth. Whether seeking a great restaurant, good movie or trustworthy auto mechanic, few advertising campaigns could ever match the power of a personal testimony.

When it comes to seeking a desirable place to live, visit or start a business, the principle remains the same. Fannin County has just gained a new group of well-equipped spokespersons, the most recent graduates of Leadership Fannin.

 “I feel like we have gained 30 new ambassadors,” said Rob Kaser, who has been directing Leadership Fannin for three years. “The people who participate in this program get a peek behind the inner workings of the county and come away with a greater appreciation for all that is taking place here.”

Candidates for Leadership Fannin must be residents of the county for at least two years and also be Chamber of Commerce members They must be nominated and vetted before beginning the program.

Each January, Leadership Fannin starts a new class, which is a five-month, deep dive into specific areas of interest, including: local government, social services, education, arts and parks, health care and tourism. The group also spends a day at the state capitol building in Atlanta, meeting with various leaders.

“We have people who have lived here for many years who had no idea of the inner workings of the county,” Kaser said. "Their eyes are opened, they see the great things that are happening here, and they end up being our strongest advocates in promoting the county.”

Roughly 500 people have completed Leadership Fannin since it began in 2003. Before graduating, members of the class are divided into smaller groups and required to do a presentation on specific topics.

Among the greatest areas of interest: affordable housing, adequate parking and volunteer coordination.

“Probably the biggest surprise to the most recent group was what is happening in education,” Kaser said. “We have a very strong system and this is great news for the future.”

And, as Kaser might say: Spread the news.