By TIM PRESTON
ASHLAND — Lloyd Keyser says “all aspects of local business” operations will be the focus of the 30th annual Community Leadership Development Program through the Ashland Alliance.
“The biggest thing about this is the participants come away with an awareness of all the community has to offer,” said Keyser, program chair for Community Leadership Development.
“It seems every year there is at least one place we visited that struck a chord. It may be a community or service organization,” he said. “We get comments from both natives and newcomers saying ‘I didn’t know that is what that business did.’ It is a leadership program. It is not just another walk-through tour.”
The program will take place on Sept. 11, 16 and 23, as well as Oct. 2, 7, 14 and 21 with a graduation luncheon Oct. 28. Each day will feature a different behind-the-scenes exploration of business, government, education and cultural aspects of the area.
Topics for the 2009 leadership program include child advocacy, public safety, government and leadership, arts, education and entertainment, health and human services, transportation and Greenup County industry. Tours include aspects of operation by King’s Daughters medical Center, Salvation Army, Tri-State Airport, FedEx, Heritage Farm Museum, Kanawha River Terminals, Graf Brothers Flooring and Lumber, Greenup Dam, Morning Pointe Ridge Senior Care Residence, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital and breakfast at the home of State Rep. Tanya Pullin.
While each day’s agenda is hectic, Keyser said participants will also enjoy opportunities for business networking, education and fun.
“They will hear from all different kinds of business leaders and travel through businesses, churches, homes and communities at large,” Keyser said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Space is limited to 40 participants. Program fees for Ashland Alliance members is $199 and $225 for non-members. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 4. For more information contact the Ashland Alliance by e-mail at paulam@inicity.net or call (606) 324-5111.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.
