We have stated this before: Rockdale County is fortunate to have a strong and thriving Chamber of Commerce.

This Chamber is blessed to have strong paid leadership and volunteer leadership. One of the premier programs that the Chamber provides is the Leadership Rockdale program.

Since its inception in 1988, this nine month program has produced many of the civic and nonprofit leaders of our community. The program allows the participants to understand the behind-the-scenes workings of our community. The connections and camaraderie gained lasts forever.

We are proud that our editor, advertising manager and publisher are all graduates of this program. Even though the publisher was part of the best class of 2012, he respects the great leadership that other classes have provided.

This past Thursday the Class of 2014 graduated. We want to salute organizers Clair Cline, Danny Stone and especially Tim Baker, who is stepping down as a leader of the program after serving in that post for 10 years.

We wish the graduates of the 2014 class much success.

The Chamber is currently taking applications for the Class of 2015. Call the Chamber office at 770-483-7049 for more details.