Leadership Big Spring Class of 2020-21 postponed due to coronavirus pandemic
Building leaders, investing into the community – two main focuses behind Leadership Big Spring. For the past 30 years upcoming leaders have been able to get an inside glimpse to the different industries that create Big Spring and Howard County. This year, however, due to the current pandemic, the Leadership Big Spring class has been postponed.
“As we (Howard County and the nation) learn to live in a pandemic state, we decided it was best to postpone Leadership Big Spring this year. This is an opportunity to learn first hand what makes Big Spring and Howard County what it is, and knowing we wouldn’t be able to offer the full view, it was decided to put the class of 2020 on hold. We want to make sure every upcoming leader who chooses to go through Leadership Big Spring is able to experience the course in it’s entirety and gain the full experience.”
Leadership Big Spring is an opportunity for those involved to learn about the different industry sectors that exist and contribute to the growth of Howard County. Students learn about healthcare, education, industry, volunteerism/non-profits, and take part in team building exercises. Each year, the class also undertakes a project that will leave a lasting impact on the community. Projects over the years have included new buildings, such as the greenhouse at the VA, and refurbishing projects involving different playgrounds around town and the Vietnam Memorial.
“Leadership Big Spring may be the best program offered to residents and employers in our area. The relationships I built in my class have been extremely beneficial to me. I learned a tremendous amount about local businesses and organizations that I never knew,” Mark Richardson, Leadership Big Spring graduate and Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce President, said. “The partnerships among neighboring businesses is tremendous. I was very impressed with the way that businesses, schools, charities and community organizations opened their doors to educate us about how they contribute to the economy and livelihood of our residents.”
Leadership
Big Spring typically runs simultaneously with the school semester, kicking off in August or September and concluding in May. Each month those in the program visit area businesses, including local hospitals, school districts and even have had the opportunity to tour a rig site in Howard County. In the course of