LEONARDTOWN, Md. – October 16, 2020 – On October 8 & 9, the Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) Class of 2020 participated in the last of nine educational sessions for LSM’s 2019-20 Executive Program – Energy and Environment.

The two-day event began at St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission’s Marlay-Taylor Water Reclamation Facility where the class received an overview of Metcom’s operations, learned about the wastewater treatment process, and toured the on-site lab which conducts water quality testing and analysis.  The afternoon portion of the session was conducted virtually, allowing class members to hear from representatives of Exelon’s Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO).  These presentations provided an overview of energy production in the region and gave the class insight into the organizations’ leadership structures.

The second day began with a visit to the Loveville Produce Auction, allowing the participants to experience “commerce in action” while observing interaction of the Mennonite and Amish agricultural community with local restaurateurs, grocers, and individuals who purchased from their harvests. Several class members got in on the bidding action, taking home pumpkins, floral arrangements, and other seasonal produce.  The participants then traveled to Farming 4 Hunger where they had an opportunity to learn about the farm’s origin story, mission, and daily operations.  The class also participated in several team-building activities to help them gain a fuller understanding of the impact of the organization and its programs on a larger scale.