In 2010, the Statesboro Herald conducted the first ever search to identify 20 Bulloch County residents under the age of 40 that are making a mark with professional success and community involvement. Since then, the Herald has recognized 80 folks, under 40 who give of their time and resources to make Statesboro and Bulloch County a better place to live.
        The nominations for this year's list will come from the community. The nominee must be under 40 years of age as of January 1, 2011. Deadline for nominations is Friday, March 21. You will find a nominating form in the Herald this week, and it has been printed periodically.  Forms also are available at the Herald office and online at statesboroherald.com. The 20 Under 40 section will publish on Tuesday, April 19.

      To nominate an individual for 20 Under 40, click here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?usp=drive_web&formkey=dHhKUDJLV0t2aDM0TDdHVUQxWWtESFE6MA#gid=0

For those of you who follow the statewide news scene, you know that Georgia Trend Magazine recognizes 40 individuals under 40 years of age that are making an impact around the state. Many of those that made that list in the past later reach the magazine's coveted 100 Most Influential Georgians list.
        As a growing and thriving community, we need to groom leaders for the future in a variety of fields - business, education, law, medical, philanthropic and civic, and recognize those emerging leaders along the way.
        From the Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award recipients to Chamber of Commerce honorees and Kiwanian and Rotarians of the year, we are blessed to have among us those who have given years and in some cases, decades of service to this community.
        All of the people that have been honored by the organizations that I mentioned above began at some point in their careers or personal life to be successful, to be a contributor, to be a leader.   
        I really encourage you to participate by letting us know about those who are making a difference. Hopefully, one day, some of these same individuals will be identified as one of the most influential Georgians for what they have done right here in Bulloch County.
        Jim Healy is operations manager for the Statesboro Herald. He may be reached at (912) 489-9402 or email at jhealy@statesboroherald.com