Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Program To Develop 'Pool' Of Leaders

It's not too late to sign up for Leadership Nevada County.

Jon Chadwell, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office, said people need to know about the program.

What it does, he said, is helps develop a "pool" of leaders in the area. This is done with those involved leaning about the community, developing leadership skills, finding out how leaders act and information on issues of the day.

It also involves learning about the city and county governments and getting to know other community leaders.

Class sizes will be limited to 15 per session so they can be interactive with the participants getting the chance to ask questions and talk one-on-one with each other.

The first "class" will start in January at Rick Evans' Grandview Prairie Conservation and Education Center in Columbus. This will be a two-day retreat on a Friday and Saturday.

Following the retreat, the "classes" will meet on a monthly basis from February through November with the first "graduation" occurring in December 2001.

Those working full time and wanting to attend the program will have to get permission from their employers to miss at least one day of work per month for the meetings. Each session will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., with two exceptions.

Chadwell said there will be a mix of local presenters with people from out of the area being called in to share their knowledge and expertise. Along with this there will be field trips with the "class" visiting different businesses and industries, along with at least one trip to Little Rock and the state capital and possibly a tour of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in Camden.

Some other field trips will include visits to the Department of Human Services, Nevada County Health Unit, Medical Park Hospitals, Potlatch, Firestone and various city halls in the area.

Such a "pool" of leaders is necessary to help transform the community and help it progress toward the future.

Upon graduation, Chadwell said, a banquet will be held for those involved, with the banquet also introducing those in the coming class.

The deadline for signing up for the program is Nov. 15. On Nov. 30, the first 15 participants will be chosen, with a press conference to be held no later than Dec. 15.

The first retreat is scheduled for Jan. 12-13, 2001.

Cost of the program is $100, with some scholarships available. This can be paid either by the participant of their employer.

Applications can be picked up at The Partnership office at 116 E. Second.