Submitted by Bill Woodard, Executive Director, Smith County Chamber of Commerce
The Smith County Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of fostering leadership skills and community engagement through its acclaimed Leadership Opportunity Smith County programs. These initiatives, designed for both adults and youth, have played a significant role in shaping the county’s future by empowering individuals to become effective leaders.
The journey of Leadership Opportunity Smith County began in 1998 when local leaders, representatives of Leadership Upper Cumberland, and the Smith County Chamber of Commerce came together to establish a program that would nurture leadership potential in the community. The formation of the Governing Board and the election of officers, with Mr. Jerry H. Futrell as the first Chairman, laid the groundwork for the inaugural class, which commenced in February 1999. Since then, the program has evolved under the guidance of esteemed leaders like John Foster and Denise Givens, continued to thrive and make a positive impact.
The programs comprise a well-structured curriculum, providing participants with comprehensive leadership experiences. The journey kicks off with an intensive one and a half-day retreat in February, followed by seven topic-oriented one-day sessions held monthly from March through September. The topics cover various aspects of community life in Smith County, such as government, business, education, health, and more.
Participants in Leadership Opportunity Smith County have the unique privilege of engaging with county and state leaders to delve into the issues that matter most to the community. The presentations feature a mix of lectures, panel discussions, tours, and interactive group activities, enhancing the learning experience and fostering collaboration among the participants.
Throughout the program, participants are encouraged to think critically, solve problems, and set community goals through structured exercises and presentations. To earn their well-deserved graduation, class participants must attend the opening retreat, all program activities, and complete various homework assignments and group projects, as well as individual projects relevant to the program’s themes.
Over the years, Leadership Opportunity Smith County has celebrated the graduation of 215 accomplished individuals across twenty-one classes. Graduates commonly reflect on the program as a transformative learning journey, with sessions on various topics that shape their understanding of Smith County’s dynamics. Beyond academic learning, lasting friendships have blossomed among participants, underlining the importance of active participation in the program.
Moreover, the program goes beyond nurturing adult leaders by extending its impact to the younger generation. In 2000, the adult leadership class took a significant step by establishing the Youth Leadership Opportunity Smith County program, which began in September 2001. The Youth Leadership group is a mix of students from Gordonsville High School, Smith County High School, and local homeschooling communities. These young leaders undergo monthly class sessions from September to May, supplemented with extra project activities, resulting in the graduation of twenty-two classes, with the 24th class set to conclude in May 2024.
Leadership Opportunity Smith County continues to stand as a shining example of how investing in leadership development reaps long-lasting rewards for the community. Through its unwavering commitment to nurturing capable leaders of all ages, Smith County is undoubtedly securing a brighter future for itself and its residents.
We will be taking applications for the Youth Leadership at the beginning of school and this year Sophomores through Seniors are invited to submit applications. The class size is twelve participants so if you are interested have your student contact the guidance office at Smith County High School, Gordonsville High School, or the Smith County Chamber of Commerce. (615-735-2093)
Adult Leadership will be taking applications for a new class in January of 2024.
