A community thrives on leaders taking initiative and pushing themselves and others to full potential. Leadership Union County (LUC) is a local organization that 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. LUC’s charter class began in 2000. On September 20th, Leadership Union County is honored to have added six graduates to the leadership program. A wonderful team of classmates included Melissa Graves, Union County Public Schools; Debra Keck, Union County Commissioner; Jake McCollough, State Farm; Ashley Mike, UT Extension Union County; Ava Padgett, Union County Farm Bureau; and Randy Turner, Union County Property Assessor. Congratulations to Ashley and Ava for being the first ever mother-daughter duo to partake in the class as a team. Together the group succeeded one class per month, April thru September. The goal and overall focus 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 more, or donate to. Traits of leaders are acknowledged within the places visited as the speakers are saturated in knowledge in their own areas of expertise.

Monthly, the group met at the UT Extension Office with a short introduction and light refreshments. At the first meeting, in April, Orientation and Community Services Day was held. Class was geared toward familiarizing with organizations and volunteers needed. County Commission, Union County Children’s Charities, Tri-County Veterans Honor Guard, Family Resource Center, and Keep Union County Beautiful were some highlights for April’s speakers. Industry Day was held in May with visits to Clayton Homes, American Business Equipment, Thunder Road Printing, Carmeuse Lime and Stone, and Union County Chamber of Commerce. It is notable that several classmates faced their fears and went eight-hundred feet underground into the mines. In June, the class dove into Government and Criminal Justice Day touring the offices of the courthouse, County Finance office, Sheriff’s Department, and sitting in on a criminal trial. Health and Human Services Day was held in July with visits to the Health Department, Department of Human Services, Union County EMS, Cherokee Health, Senior Center, CEASE Domestic Violence, ICARE, and Willow Ridge. An exciting Environment, Agriculture, and Tourism Day was on spotlight in August. Presentations were given by Natural Resource Conservation Service, Union County Farmers Market, and Appalachian Quilt Trail, with visits to the Union County Historical Museum and Big Ridge State Park where the class got to kayak in the private lake. For several of the upcoming leaders, this was the first time kayaking which was light to a newly discovered adoration as well as a fear conquered by a non-swimmer. For the last class outing, the Union County High School Vocational Department was toured, as well as both Alternative Schools and Douglas Cherokee Head Start with a presentation by the Director of Schools. On the evening of the September class, a graduation ceremony was held at the Union County Historical Museum where the class members brought their families to witness their achievements.

Alongside attending the monthly classes, members were to attend at least three outside community meetings as well as complete eight community service hours, in order to graduate. This class is an eye-opening leadership experience with many opportunities to inspire visionaries of our admirable community and broaden their leadership potential. If you are interested in being a part of the 2019 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. Three past graduates of YLUC have also completed LUC, which is a monumental accomplishment. 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 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/Treasurer; Joyce Meltabarger; Kay Jones; Richard Phillips; and Wayne Toppins.