MonticelloLive

Jo Anne Smith, Executive Director of the Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition, Inc. recently became a graduate of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Leadership Arkansas class. The first Leadership Arkansas commencement included 62 graduates from throughout the state. Leadership Arkansas is a program designed to take a statewide view of the economic and political challenges that face Arkansas. The program offers leadership opportunities that expand the impact of community leaders across the state. Created by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, Leadership Arkansas builds a sense of statewide 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.

Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe provided the commencement speech at the Leadership Arkansas Graduation Ceremony, held at the Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas in Rogers. Arkansas State Rep. Benny Petrus, who served as Speaker of the House during the recent 86th General Assembly, was also be on hand to present diplomas. Petrus served as chairman of this year’s Leadership Arkansas Class.

Participants were required to attend at least 80 percent of six program sessions including an Opening Session on September 26-27 in Hot Springs; Tourism Session on Nov. 9-10 at Mount Magazine; State Government Session on January 28-30 in Little Rock; Timber, Oil and Gas Industries and South Arkansas Economy Session on March 22-23 in El Dorado; Agriculture, Economic Development and Northeast Arkansas Session on May 24-25 in Jonesboro, and Arkansas Educational Challenges and Northwest Arkansas Economy Session on June 28-29 in Rogers.

The Leadership Arkansas Task Force that oversaw this year’s class consisted of Debi Barnes, president of Turtle Cove Spa, Inc. at Mountain Harbor; Pat Lile, President and CEO of the Arkansas Community Foundation, Inc. in Little Rock; Dr. Sandi Sanders, project director for the Fort Smith U.S. Marshals’ Museum; Stephan Nipper, Bancorp South – Magnolia, and Marcus Guinn, U.S. Bank – North Little Rock.

Gov. Beebe will serve as the Honorary Chairman of Leadership Class II. Applications are now being accepted for the class. For further information, or to apply, contact Susie Marks of the State Chamber/AIA at 501-210-4206.