The fourth class of Leadership New River Valley graduated 14 members of its 2007-2008 class in June 2008.  Many of the graduates are already making a difference in their communities and have pledged themselves to greater service as a result of the program. 

The fourth class of Leadership New River Valley graduated 14 members of its 2007-2008 class in June 2008.  Many of the graduates are already making a difference in their communities and have pledged themselves to greater service as a result of the program. 

The New Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski Counties and the City of Radford developed and instituted the program, which was lead by facilitator Ken Bonk, Radford University and coordinated by Kathy Mantz of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. 

Seven area businesses including:  Appalachian Power Company,Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, First Bank & Trust Company,Montgomery Regional Hospital, Pulaski County, Sands, Anderson, Marks & Miller and SunTrust Bank sponsored the class through a generous financial commitment to the program.

2008 Graduates include:

Lanny Belcher - Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce

Caroline Brizendine - Virginia Tech

Mike Hill - Montgomery Regional Hospital

David Hodges - Blue Ridge Copier

Kimberly ''Kim'' Kitts - Draper Aden Associates, Inc.

Jonathan Kruckow - BB&T

Susan Mayorga - Brain Injury Services of SWVA

Angela Parrish - Anderson & Associates

Shaun Rai - BB&T

Keli Ratcliffe - Anderson & Associates

Marie Rorrer - First Bank & Trust Company

David Shuster - Virginia Tech Recreational Sports

Sherry Smith - SunTrust Bank

Marjorie Young - Montgomery Regional Hospital

Leadership New River Valley develops leadership through a program that explores the dynamics of the community and analyzes major areas of community concern, group processes, and leadership skills.  Leaders are prepared and encouraged to assume greater responsibility as community trustees.

Graduates contribute to improving quality of life for themselves, their family, and their community.

Leadership NRV consists of seven sessions of one-day duration located throughout the New River Valley, an opening and closing retreats of two days duration.  The programs are scheduled every month beginning in September and ending in May.  Attendance at all sessions is important.  Participation at the opening and closing retreats is mandatory.  In addition, graduates also attended Town/City Council meetings, School Board sessions and performed "ride-alongs" with police and emergency service personnel.

Sessions

. Opening Retreat - What's it all About?
. Health Care/Social Concerns
. Government/Infrastructure
. Arts & Culture
. Economic Development/Tourism
. Education
. Public Safety
. Environment/Recreation
. Closing Retreat - Community Commitments

In order to be considered for the program Leadership NRV candidates must

demonstrate:

. A desire to develop or learn new leadership principles
. Interest in and motivation to serve the New River Valley region
. Have decision-making responsibility in your business/organization and/or high potential for leadership roles in your business/organization
. Existing volunteer leadership and community involvement or a desire to become involved in community leadership
. Potential for and willingness to commit to ongoing leadership in community activities
. Willingness and ability to facilitate change through personal leadership
. Availability of time and full employer support to participate in the nine-month Leadership New River Valley Program

What the program does for the participants:
. Strengthens their sense of personal vision and influence
. Develops an awareness of issues and challenges facing the New River Valley
. Discovers their individual leadership strengths and find areas in which their unique contributions can be given
. Increases their ability to articulate a vision for the community and translate that into action
. Provides the opportunity to network with a diverse group of community leaders
. Helps them make a commitment on behalf of the community as a
COMMUNITY TRUSTEE

Some of the comments shared by former graduates reinforce the value of the program.  "Not only do you meet wonderful people and make great friends, it helps influence decisions in your personal and professional life." - Jamie
Radford, SunTrust Bank; "LNRV offers so many learning opportunities...the Who, What, When, How and Whys." - Amy Woods, Montgomery Regional Hospital; "This program helped me to feel connected, to get involved in the NRV.  It is much more than a "business" program."

Dr. Ken Hicks, Peak Performance Chiropractic; "Invaluable networking connections, real friendships, truly usable information and a very real introduction to how our community works!"

Aradia Zenobia, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce; "LNRV is a life changing experience...I have lived here all my life and didn't realize some of the things and places that were here." - Tammy Costigan, VT Foundation;

"Being new to the NRV when I started the program, it has helped me to get a sense of what the NRV is about and what it has to offer.  It is a wonderful way to meet a great group of new friends." - Dawn Adams, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.

Involvement in Leadership NRV does not end upon completion of the program. Graduates of Leadership NRV are expected to assume active roles in local organizations and contribute to future Leadership NRV programs.

Interested individuals or businesses should contact Dawn Adams, Leadership New River Valley Coordinator at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 552-2636 for more information on the program.

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