Leadership Bibb

By State Senator Cam Ward

Strong leadership is the foundation for community development, and more adult leaders in Bibb County are needed to help build that foundation. If you are age 21 or older and wish to make Bibb County a better place to live, there is a place for you in the Leadership Bibb 2011 adult program.

According to Bibb County Extension Coordinator and program advisor Matt Hartzell, strength in numbers is the key to long-term community improvement. " Our goal is 20-25 participants, and we are inviting virtually any adult in Bibb County who wants to participate." Hartzell said.

The mandatory program orientation for participants will take place Tuesday, January 18 from 7:00-8:00PM at the Bibb County Chamber of Commerce at 835 Walnut Street in Centreville. An alternate orientation will be scheduled in January - the date is still to be determined. For more information, or to register, contact Bibb County Chamber of Commerce Director Tracey Mitchell at 205-926-5222 or Hartzell at 205-926-3117.

There are many successful leadership development programs throughout the state, and for the most part each one has led to outstanding improvements in their respective communities. Entering its fourth consecutive year, Leadership Bibb is creating long term success for the entire county, and it also provides a wealth of individual benefits to the program participants and their employers.

I participated in the Leadership Shelby County Class of 2000. At that time, I thought I knew everything I needed to know about my community. I knew my neighbors, actively worked in the community and participated in many leadership roles. So what else was there to know?

A lot! After spending one day a month for six months with other leaders in my area, I began to see different perspectives on how to move our community forward and recognize the various leadership styles that can be used to help us achieve our goals.

At one point during my class, I had the opportunity to spend time with several people with whom I had very little in common, except that we lived in the same town. Like most people, this would not have normally happened when I was working in my day to day job.

My Leadership Class taught me to learn more about the people I did not work with on a daily basis and the challenges that they deal with. I think I am a better person because of it, and I hope that I can make a bigger difference in my community as a result of this class bringing together so many people.

Whether it is Leadership Shelby County or Leadership Bibb County, one thing is quite clear---we need to bring more business and civic leaders together for leadership education more often. Having a program like Leadership Bibb County will make the entire community a better place to live in the years to come.

Leadership Bibb Mission Statement

Leadership Bibb 2011 Adult Application

Leadership Bibb 2011 Adult Program Dates