2022 GFC Fall Huddle
Written by Troy Clymer | GFC’s Associate Chief of Forest Management
On Monday, October 24, and Tuesday, October 25, the Georgia Forestry Commission held a “Fall Huddle” at Lake Blackshear Resort in Cordele, Georgia. Personnel from across the agency gathered to receive agency updates, technical training, leadership development, and team building. The event provided a great opportunity for GFC personnel from all departments to meet face to face bringing together old friends and the chance to make new ones. Strengthening bonds across the agency in this format enhances trust, communication, respect, and accountability – helping everyone see that we are one GFC, one team that serves in many functions. We came together in the huddle to grow and learn from one another, then went out to serve in our separate functions, doing our part to keep Georgia’s forests healthy and productive.
The meeting covered an array of topics that were put together to develop a theme focused on personnel safety, the relevance of the GFC, and the customer service GFC provides each day, both internally and externally. Jay McSwain, who serves as the Atlanta Braves Chaplain, talked with the GFC team about building trust, refocusing commitment to service, and the principles of an organization. President and CEO of the Georgia Forestry Association, Andres Villegas, talked about the value of forestry in Georgia and the important role the GFC plays in helping keep Georgia’s forests protected and managed. GFC Board Member Chad Nimmer closed the meeting with a discussion on ethics, helping participants understand the connection between morals and ethics and how words and actions affect a reputation and can build trust and loyalty in a brand.
All the speakers and the meeting provided a powerful impact that will resonate throughout the GFC team, helping mold the next generation of GFC leadership. The Fall Huddle will help keep the GFC relevant and focused while building relationships and developing forestry’s future leaders.
