The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

June 17, 2008

Leadership class heads to New River region

Fred Pace

Members of the 2008 Leadership West Virginia class will arrive in the New River region Thursday for the fourth of eight leadership sessions that are taking place throughout the state during 2008.

“I am very pleased that Chesapeake Energy is the session partner for this two-day adventure,” said Pam Farris, executive director of Leadership West Virginia. “The support provided by Chesapeake will help to make this session even more dynamic and exciting for the class members.”

The 47 class members will convene at The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels and other locations around the region Thursday and Friday.

Farris says members of the class are receiving broad-based education on critical topics and, at the same time, are getting opportunities to hone their leadership skills.

“The class members will test their leadership and team-building skills on Thursday by participating in several outdoor activities in the Fayetteville area, including the ropes course and zip-lining through the mountains,” Farris explained. “Passages to Adventure, a West Virginia-based company that specializes in outdoor activities, will lead the class members in this unique learning and team-building experience. Following this, the class will take a mid-afternoon break and then travel to Ansted to visit Blue Smoke Salsa.”

The tourism session will continue Friday at Glade Springs with the leadership development component of the program, according to Farris.

“During each session, the class members are provided with a different a leadership training activity,” she said.

Lydotta Taylor, president and chief executive officer of the EdVenture Group, will provide a training session focused on attitude and influence, as well as keys to effective leadership.

The class also will hear presentations from a number of tourism professionals from around the state, including Eric Pories, Focus Intent LLC; Jeffrey Lusk, Hatfield-McCoy Trails; and Cindy Dragan, chairwoman of Bridge Day.

Other events that will take place during the session include a discussion with David Arnold, managing director of Class VI River Runners and a member of the West Virginia Tourism Commission.

Leadership West Virginia is a statewide education and leadership development program affiliated with the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

“Graduates take away an understanding of the state, but most importantly the program serves as an extensive network of professionals who can put their collective energy together to make the state a better place for business and for residents,” said Farris.

For more information, visit the Web site at www.leadershipwv.org.

— Fred Pace

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