Creation of Leadership Franklin County announced

Arkansas Rep. Leslee Milam Post, D-Ozark, announced the creation of Leadership Franklin County, a program housed at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus and aimed at creating leadership opportunities to expand the impact of area leaders across the state.

During a ceremony at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark, Post presented Chancellor Jo Alice Blondin a check for $15,000 and introduced Marci Gage of Ozark as the new director of Leadership Franklin County.

“Numerous economic-development analyses have clearly credited specific growth to follow where leadership classes have been successful,” Post said. “Giving emerging leaders the opportunity to network in itself is crucial to defining future goals and objectives.

Continuing, Post noted: “Supporting a leadership program through Arkansas Tech’s Ozark Campus is an excellent way to encourage economic success throughout our area.”

Based on the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Arkansas program, Leadership Franklin County will build a sense of countywide community by identifying and training individuals with the passion and commitment to become personally engaged in issues, programs and activities aimed at building a better Arkansas.

The goal is to have 20-25 people in each class. Officials aren’t yet sure when the first class will begin. Gage will work part-time (20 hours per week), with ATU-Ozark offering in-kind support in the form of office space and administrative support. Other grants are being pursued to help fund the program. Tuition rates, which have not yet been determined, will also help fund the program.

The funds to start the program came through a Western Arkansas Planning and Development District grant from general improvement funds allocated by the General Assembly, Post said.

Blondin said, “We are honored to be stewards of this new program. Rep. Post’s vision for the region is exemplified by this focus on leadership.”

A.C. Moncrief, president of the Altus Area Sunset Rotary Club, also spoke during the ceremony.

“Leadership classes give every participant a truly unique opportunity to make friends and gain knowledge that otherwise simply would not be available,” he said. “Everyone graduates with insights into how to help create personal and community growth.”