More than 100 attendees honed their leadership skills in TheSouthwest Leadership Symposium, a day-long seminar sponsored by theBrookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce and held Friday atEasthaven Baptist Church.

“We were very pleased with the attendance, and the conferencematerial was excellent,” said chamber Executive Vice PresidentCliff Brumfield. “We got great reports from all the attendees wespoke with regarding it.”

Attendees were treated to motivational talks by some of thenation’s top leadership experts, giving them tips on leadership,business, and life skills through the Advance Maximum ImpactSimulcast (MIS), a satellite broadcast of a live gathering of 10motivational leadership and business speakers in Atlanta

“It’s gone really well, and we’ve had great participation,” saidevent organizer Patrick Porter. “And it’s only going to get betternext year. There have been some great speakers.”

Brookhaven Sanitation Department Supervisor Willie Smith said hewas glad to have had the chance to attend the event, as he felt itgave him a new perspective on the workplace.

“I’m glad I came, because it sure gave me some insight into howto get my men on the right track,” he said.

The event brought together city employees, elected officials,businessmen, educators and other leaders.

“I’ve gotten great ideas for leadership,” said Copiah-LincolnCommunity College President Howell Garner. “And it’s really goodfor the community to bring all these people together. This is agreat group.”

Brookhaven Fire Chief Bob Watts said he was inspired especiallyby the talk given by Chick-Fil-A President Dan Cathey.

“I didn’t really know what to expect, but I’ve really enjoyedthis,” he said. “I liked Cathey because I like the idea that youcan take a Godly approach in today’s world and still run asuccessful business.”

Brumfield said the event is one the chamber will definitely workto bring back to Brookhaven next year. In addition, he said, thechamber is looking to bring other such events to the communitybased on the success of the Southwest Leadership Symposium.

“We’ll definitely have this event next year, and at least onemore similar one this year,” he said. “We’re also working on asmall scale forum where we can meet and have monthly meetings ofsimilar cutting-edge leadership material for chamber members. It’sall a metamorphosis and outgrowth of today’s event.”