Leadership Big Spring 2020 - Building leaders

COVID-19 put a stop to monthly gatherings, but not the lessons learned

Each year, a select group is given an opportunity to see what takes place behind the scenes regarding key components of community in Big Spring and Howard County. While the Big Spring Leadership Class #38 started out strong, a pandemic came in like a wrecking ball and put a halt to routine daily activities and the Leadership Class community visits.

“This year came in with a bang and literally stopped us in our tracks,” Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbye Valverde said. “The Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class #38 was going to graduate with a bang.”

Before the pandemic swept through Howard County, the Leadership Class was able to tour the areas of Educational, Ag, Medical, Giving Back to the Community, and City and County. As the 10 Leadership participants were stepping into their community’s background, the pandemic came and shifted the focus.

“Being a part of Leadership Big Spring gives those who are ambitious and enthused an ability to connect with a very broad cross section of individuals for a better understanding of the dynamics from within the social, cultural, governmental and business environments of Big Spring while identifying new ways they may thrive in them,” Greg Henry, Leadership Big Spring Class #38 participant, said.

The Leadership Big Spring class is focused on teaching participants – new residents and long-standing residents

– about the community they live in. According to Valverde there have been many life-long residents who have come through the program who have said they never knew Big Spring contained so much history and was so expansive.

“I am a lifelong resident of Big Spring and I am ashamed of how little I knew about many of the businesses we toured and learned about,” Kim Parrish, Leadership Class #38 participant, said. “It’s hard to pick a favorite from our many tours, but I learned the most from the Give Back to Your Community Day. I was most impressed with Keep Big Spring Beautiful and the Howard County Resource Center as I did not realize these two agencies did so much for the community.”

According to Valverde, this is a program that was started many years ago as a way to highlight the many different industries located in Howard County and the partnerships that have been formed between them that have helped to grow our

community. The different tours offer an insight into areas of Big Spring and surrounding communities that many may not ever realize exist.

“Partnerships, businesses who have chosen to invest into their community, and a desire to do more are common characteristics between those who have helped push Big Spring forward,” Valverde said. “Together we make our community great and together we can get through any hard ship, any downturn, and at the same time, together we celebrate the progress.”

Those who have taken the Leadership Big Spring class come from different industries, from healthcare, to religion, manufacturing, City workers, and even retirees. The common thread is that each participant wants to know more about the community they live in and the desire to do more.

“Leadership Big Spring gave me a chance to expand my knowledge base surrounding our community. There

was so much I didn’t know and know I have a better sense of community because of it,” Angela Grimsley, Leadership Class #38 participant, said.

Pastor Richard Schenberger, another Leadership Big Spring Class #38 participant added, “Whether you are new to Big Spring or you have lived here your whole life, the Leadership Class will help you discover some of the amazing hidden treasures in our community. You will come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this storied city. We are blessed to be a part of Big Spring.”

As many area high schools have done, the Leadership Big Spring class wrapped up their season with a Driveby Graduation. Each of the 10 students were presented with their certificates at their place of employment.

To find out more about the upcoming Leadership Big Spring Class, contact the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce at 432-263-7641.

Courtesy photo/bruce Schooler The Leadership Big Spring Class #38 participants were able to gather for their group photo before the pandemic swept across the nation and cancelled further tours of Big Spring. The class participants include (not in order): Brandi Ditto, Rafel Gallego, Angela Grimsley, Kim Parrish, Kelli Settles, Pastor Richard Schneberger, Kristina Henderson, Greg Henry, Tara Lisle, and Frank Burgard.