JDForward Application

JDForward is the premier adult leadership development program in Jeff Davis County. Created in 2018, our program has trained over 30 leaders for Jeff Davis County. Are you ready to be next? 

To participate, individuals must be associated with an active Chamber member business or organization and have their supervisor's support. 

Attendance in sessions is mandatory, though up to two absences are allowed. 

 

JD Forward Schedule*

Friday, June 12, 5:00 PM Deadline for Applications
Friday, July 3, 5:00 PM 50% Deposit Due
Friday, August 7, 5:00 PM Balance Due

• Session 1: Thursday, August 13 (Welcome and Leadership 101)
• Session 2: Thursday, September 10 (Volunteerism and Community Programs)
• Session 3: Thursday, October 1 (Economic Development & Manufacturing in Jeff Davis County)
• Session 4: Thursday, November 12 (Local Government & State Government)
• Session 5: Thursday, December 10 (Managing Conflict & Personalities)
• Session 6: Thursday, January 14 (Advocacy & Public Speaking)
• Session 7: Days TBD, February TBD (ATLANTA TRIP)
• Session 8: Thursday, March 11 (Education & Supervising Others)
• Session 9: Thursday, April 1 (Tourism & Natural Resources)
• Graduation: ANNUAL Gala -MAY (TBD)

*This schedule is tentative and subject to change. 

In consideration of agreeing to participate in the JD Foward program, the Participant hereby releases the (i) Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County Chamber of Commerce (the "Chamber"), its agents, officers, servants and employees and (ii) any third parties providing facilities or work space access to the Participant while engaged in the JD Foward program, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or relating to any loss, damage or injury that may be sustained by the Participant or any property of the Participant while engaged in or under the control or supervision of the Chamber during the course of the JD Forward program. The Participant is duly aware of the risk and hazards inherent in participating in physical activities associated with trust and team building activities of JD Forward and is also aware of the potential risk and dangers inherent in workplaces and other locations the Participant may visit during the program. The Participant hereby voluntarily assumes all risk of loss, damage or injury that may be sustained by him or her or any property belonging to or in the possession of the Participant while engaged in the JD Forward program. Furthermore, to the extent that negligent or reckless actions of the Participant may cause damage to the workplace or facilities of third parties assisting with the JD Forward program, Participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County Chamber of Commerce from liability for such damage or injuries to third practices attributable to the negligent, reckless and/or intentional acts of the Participant.

I understand that photographs and videos may be taken of the participants during programs of the Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County Chamber of Commerce, including but not limited to JD Forward. I consent to such photographing and videotaping for the use by the Hazehurst-Jeff Davis County Chamber of Commerce and its sister agencies (collectively known as the Jeff Davis County Big House) for commercial use without compensation, of my name, image, likeness, whether in film, photographs, or any other media.

The JDForward program will require participation from August 2026 until May 2027. The program consists of 8 full-day sessions, an overnight leadership trip to Atlanta, a community volunteer project that will be determined during the program, and a graduation ceremony at the Annual Gala.

Participation in at least 6 of the 8 sessions, as well as participation in one community volunteer session and the Atlanta trip, will be required to graduate from the JDForward program. Roll is taken at the beginning and end of each morning and afternoon session, each of which counts as ½ day (.5 day). If an absence is necessary, a total of 2 days or 4 half days for the nine sessions will be excused. A late arrival or early departure of 30 minutes or more will constitute a ½ day absence. Participants with absences that exceed this policy will be dropped from the class and not refunded. 

Tuition for the 2027 Class of JDForward is $950 per person and must be paid by check, cash, or credit card (processing fees will apply). Tuition covers all the program costs, including your Gala ticket for graduation, materials, instructors, meals, travel to Atlanta, and shared hotel room accommodations in Atlanta. Travel to sessions is the participant’s responsibility.