Doug Carter, president and CEO of Gainesville's Don Carter Realty and 2011 chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, recently received the Frederick B. Kerr Service Award.

The award honors one Leadership Georgia alumna or alumnus each year who has shown strong and dedicated support for the group, which includes young and aspiring leaders from across the state.

"Leadership Georgia is such a tremendous organization and has benefitted so many people," Carter said Wednesday.

"It has played a significant role in me and my wife's life, in teaching us leadership skills, information about issues of vital importance to our local community and state."

The group selects its participants, which are typically ages 25 to 45, based on potential leadership and geographical location. Carter said about 60 people and their significant others attend five weekend programs throughout the year.

Members have the opportunity to develop relationships with leaders of various
backgrounds and gain insight on issues that affect the state.

Carter, who participated in the program in 1994 and was a chairman in 1995, said the group is the oldest leadership training program in Georgia and is affiliated with the Georgia chamber.

"I'm trying to do my small part in giving back to the program that's done so much for me," he said.

Carter was given his award Friday at a 40th Anniversary Leadership Gala in Augusta.

Many local residents have received the award through the years, including Philip Wilheit of Gainesville, who also is a past president of the organization. Over the years, 20 members of the Rotary Club of Gainesville have earned the award.