Leadership Union County (LUC) proudly gained four new graduates from the local program on September 17. The students enrolled in the six-month course beginning April 2019, attending a monthly class through September. The program focuses on developing leaders to help create a unified and progressive community by identifying opportunities and challenges, developing strategies, and providing resources to achieve community goals.

The LUC Class of 2019 proudly consisted of members Carla Beeler, Robbie Corum, Mindy Grimm, and Pam Holbert. Classes were held the third Tuesday of each month beginning at 8:30am. Orientation was held at the Union County Historical Society in April with facilitators Colleen Beeler and Ava Padgett. The class met each session at the UT Extension Union County office with a quick introduction and light refreshments, then visiting an array of venues in the county throughout the term of the class.

For April, the classmates, learned about community services, opportunities to volunteer in Union County, and identification of where there are needs. In May, Industry Day was hosted by Wayne Toppins and Pearl Coffey. The class visited Clayton Homes for a tour of the plants, American Business Equipment, Thunder Road Printing and Carmeuse North America – Luttrell Operation. Members were able to ride in a truck, eight-hundred feet underground for a tour into the mines. June was Government and Criminal Justice Day, facilitated by Richard Phillips. Classmates visited the courthouse including the judge’s chambers, offices of the Trustee, Property Assessor, Election Commission, Chancery Clerk & Master, District Attorney, Clerk, Finance, Sherriff and 911, and had a guest speaker from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

In July, Becca Hughes and Kay Jones hosted the LUC Health and Human Services Day. Class members spent the morning at the Union County Extension office having informational and enlightening conversations about the services provided to Union County residents from the Union County Health Department, Union County Department of Human Services, CEASE, and iCare. The class then traveled to the Union County Senior Center where they enjoyed a delicious Spaghetti lunch and discussed services and event happenings. The class made a quick stop by the Maynardville Public Library where they learned about the impact the library has on our community. After the library, the group toured Willow Ridge Rehabilitation Center, Cherokee Health and the Union County EMS station. August brought excitement for Agriculture, Environment, and Tourism Day, hosted by Ava Padgett and Colleen Beeler. Environment Day invited Union Farmers Co-op, Union County Heritage Festival, and Union County’s Litter Officer to speak in the morning session, travelling to Seven Springs Farm to Table and Big Ridge State Park for the latter part of the day.

For the final class meeting, members were hosted by Becca Hughes for Education Day, visiting Douglas Cherokee Head Start, Union County High School, Union County Board of Education, and the Alternative School. For the evening of the September meeting, graduation for the four members was held at Union County Museum where they were awarded plaques and invited to join in the East Tennessee Regional Leadership Program.

The goal and overall focus of the program, is for the students to complete the class with more knowledge of their Union County community and organizations within, learning ways to become involved in, volunteer, or donate. Traits of leaders are taught within the businesses and organizations visited, as the speakers themselves portray the qualities of leadership in their own areas of concentration.

Aside from attending the monthly class meetings and tours, the students were required to attend three outside community meetings as well as complete eight community service hours, in order to graduate. This class did a phenomenal job and Union County should be proud to have them as leaders in the community. If you are interested in being a part of the 2020 Leadership Union County Class, please contact LUC President, Colleen Beeler, at leadershipunioncountytn@gmail.com.

In conjunction with LUC, there is a Youth Leadership Union County Program (YLUC). This is a dignified opportunity for Union County Juniors. The program will be held in a similar path comparable to the adult program, but the youth will graduate with a college scholarship. The board is currently taking applications for the limited spots available, email the president for more information on this program as well.

The Leadership Board would like to thank all individuals and organizations that gave their time and facilities to accommodate and educate the class. Leadership Union County meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Board Members include Colleen Beeler, President; Pearl Coffey, Secretary; Becca Hughes, Treasurer; Joyce Meltabarger; Kay Jones; Richard Phillips; Ava Padgett; and Wayne Toppins.