Stan Watson, DeKalb County ‘s Super District 7 Commissioner, will host the first in a series of discussions in 2012 on the “Soul of DeKalb-Reflections of Our Progress.”

The event will be held Thursday, Feb. 16, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center.

A reception will follow the panel discussions.

There is no cost to attend or need to R.S.V.P.

The forum will feature selected panelist, including Cassius Butts, regional director for the Small Business Administration; Edward Jennings, regional director for the Department of Housing and Urban Development; Mike Thurmond, former Georgia Labor Commissioner; and Clyde Anderson, CNN financial analyst.

The panelists will discuss several issues: education, economic development, healthcare, community/politics, and the future of DeKalb.

The purpose of the event is to continue the effort to inspire leaders and citizens to collectively work together to raise awareness, generate community support and collaborate on ways to be proactive verses reactive in stabilizing and improving the lives of those who call DeKalb County home.