**With COVID, this event will resume tentatively in 2021**
Leadership Johnson County is searching for promising members of the community who have demonstrated potential to have a positive impact in Johnson County's future. The program informs, motivates, and challenges selected members to work toward their potential as a leader. Participants will learn about and engage directly in Economic Development, Local Business, Education, Tourism, Healthcare, and Local Government.
Leadership Johnson County explores different areas of being a leader.
From the local environment to the state level of resources & connections needed to lead effectively.
From the local environment to the state level of resources & connections needed to lead effectively.
Requirements
- Tuition is $395.
- Tuition may be paid by the applicant or sponsored by his/her employer.
- Tuition must be paid prior to orientation
- Participants meet one full day (8 hours) per month for 9 months.
- Participants meet the third Friday of each month
- Participants must attend at least 7 of the 9 program days (September through May).
- Participants must attend at least one city council meeting, quorum court meeting, and school board meeting.
Curriculum & Schedule
Meeting Dates
The class will meet the second Thursday of each month beginning at 8:30 am and ending at approximately 4:30 pm. EXCEPTION: The October 17th & 18th class will run from 8:00 on the 17th until the 18th at 5:00 pm.
Class agendas are subject to change.
September 12th – Orientation
- Hanesbrands’ leader Steve Ritcheson & Custom Automated Manufacturing Inc.’s Cindy Lanphear will provide an interactive discussion and presentation about what leadership is, and define the qualities and actions of a leader.
- We will have a team building exercise tentatively scheduled at Pine Crest.
- The class will visit the Innovation Hub to learn how entrepreneurialism, technology, and design directly impact and improve communities.
- Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) will discuss resources that are available to business owners, how community development plays a significant role, and strategies related to economic development. Also, the process of we will discuss site selectors for the state.
- The class will meet State Representatives and have the opportunity to learn about their key initiatives, tour the capital, and meet with Governor Hutchison if available.
- The class will travel to the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and learn how this organization impacts state and federal economic development policy.
- Arkansas Association of Counties and Municipal League purchase equipment, provide legal aid, training, retirement and other resources for counties.
- The class will meet and interact with the founders of a groundbreaking local technology firm and learn how they are leading a career creation and economic advancement in Johnson County.
- Clarksville Connected will discuss Clarksville’s solar power project and the fiber internet project. The class will explore how these projects will lead to more economic progress in Johnson County.
- The class will tour local facilities to learn how waste management and sustainability is being utilized in Johnson County, as well as the advantages of having an environmentally conscious community.
- Representatives from the Clarksville Regional Economic Development Organization (CREDO) will present how the economy of Johnson County is determined by the success of new and existing businesses, and what the key indicators are for the local economy’s health compared to other areas.
- The class will take a tour of Downtown Clarksville to meet local entrepreneurs who will discuss launching and managing their businesses, how they are impacted by the local economy, and the importance of leadership in business development.
- The class will tour the Historical Society Museum to learn more about Johnson County and its progress over the years.
- The class will learn how citizens participate in local government and what the local government’s role is in leading city and county developments.
- The class will be introduced to the boards, commissions, and elected officials associated with the city and county government who lead certain decision-making processes, such as City Council, Planning and Zoning, and Infrastructure.
- We will visit the Clarksville Police Station and the detention center at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
- Manufacturing makes up 1/3 of the workforce in Johnson County. As a leader, it is important to learn be aware of our surroundings.
- The class will tour a few of the local manufactures in the county and learn what it means to be a leader in each of their roles. We will learn the problems they are faced with every day and how to work through the decision-making process.
- We will hear a University of the Ozark’s presentation about shaping the future of the university, how it impacts the local economy, and the importance of collaborating with the community.
- The class will tour the Arkansas Tech University – Ozark campus to learn more about career training opportunities that are available to businesses and residents.
- The class will learn how the Clarksville School District Workforce Development Center will impact local job creation and help reduce “brain drain.”
- Members of the school board will meet with the class for a discussion of responsibilities and how they are instrumental in leading the direction of the Johnson County’s youth.
- The class will tour Johnson Regional Medical Center to learn how groundbreaking technological advancements are providing Johnson County residents with an improved quality of life.
- The class will learn why and how healthcare impacts economic development.
- Community service organizations will share with the class different ways to help serve the community. As a leader, it is important to be aware of resources available.
- Representatives from tourism organizations (Arkansas Department of Tourism, River Valley Tri-Peaks, Clarksville Advertising & Promotion) will speak about the impact of destination marketability on local economy.
- Johnson County has many parks, attractions, and recreational opportunities. The class will explore Johnson County’s beauty and visit some of our tourism sites.
- Much may be learned from watching others. The class will explore a community of choice to identify positives and negatives of ordinances, structures, and what we might be able to implement in Johnson County.
- Graduation Dinner with families to celebrate all that we have learned.