A plea to support Leadership Fort Smith

I was in one of the first classes of Leadership Fort Smith. Leadership Fort Smith is now in its 26th year. More than 650 folks have completed the program and the Fort Smith area has benefitted greatly.

So what is Leadership Fort Smith? It’s a 9 month program engaging current and future leaders regarding the needs and challenges of the Fort Smith area. One of the things I enjoyed the most was learning about the history of this region and working with other individuals who would become leaders in advancing this region’s economic success.

Although I grew up in Fort Smith, I learned a great deal about the history and forces that shaped and molded our area’s character, work ethic and developed this region into a wonderful place to live. Each participant in Leadership Fort Smith agrees to try to make a difference in the region.

After being involved in Leadership Fort Smith, I decided to become involved in city leadership opportunities. Leadership Fort Smith really helped me to see a broader and deeper vision for this area.

It has been a real blessing in my life to be able to be involved in community activities. I believe that giving something back to your community helps you to have a fun and fulfilling life. Thousands of people in our area do this every day. I think that the Leadership Fort Smith program has encouraged people over the last 26 years to really contribute back to their community and in the process, the community has done well.

It is easy to sometimes get discouraged by events around us. Make no mistake Leadership Fort Smith will inspire and encourage individuals who will make a huge difference in this area’s future.

Sometimes it’s helpful to step back and reflect on where we have been as a region, but also to realize that our best days are in front of us. Leadership Fort Smith helped foster that spirit of optimism and enthusiasm for helping to develop the quality of life and economic development that we enjoy in this region.

I would urge you that if you know of friends or co-workers who have indicated an interest in being involved in their community, then Leadership Fort Smith is for them. It will broaden their perspective and equip them to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie before us in the future.

Some of my best and closest friends have gone through this program. They have all assumed leadership positions throughout our community in numerous organizations. It is hard to calculate the vast difference that this program has made in the economy and quality of place in our region.

I have also enjoyed staying in touch with Leadership Fort Smith folks and realize that the friendship and networking opportunities out of that program will continue the rest of my life.

I hope you will support the program and nominate leaders who can further develop their leadership skills and will pay a huge dividend for our future.

You can visit the LFS website to nominate someone and get more information about the program.