Blowing Rock Leadership Challenge Conducts Retreat At Local Conference Center To Kick Off Eight Week Program

Twelve participants of the 2007 Blowing Rock Leadership Challenge (BRLC) met Friday, March 16, for a retreat at the Blowing Rock Conference Center. Their mission was to kick off an eight-week long program to help them to become even more active as leaders in Blowing Rock.
The Blowing Rock Leadership Challenge is sponsored by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. The program is designed to meet the town’s need for the active participation of informed and educated leaders. The goal of the program is to identify potential leaders and provide them with the community information and encouragement needed to spur local action and involvement.
The program is directed by Brian Crutchfield of Blue Ridge Electric. He has directed a number of leadership programs in Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany counties and is excited about the opportunity to be involved in a program especially prepared and designed for Blowing Rock.
Crutchfield partnered with several local people to facilitate the retreat in Blowing Rock. They include Judi Beck of the Upstairs Gallery and Bill Barr of Handel Barr Learning.
“Judi and Bill are both experienced facilitators and they led the group through various exercises in team building, individual leadership reflection and other activities during the retreat,” said Crutchfield at a social and special presentation following the day long retreat on Friday.
Participants of the 2007 Leadership Challenge include David Barker - owner of Blowing Rock Rentals/Blue Ridge Land, Jason Berry - General Manager of Footsloggers of Blowing Rock, Jennifer Bretz - Community Liaison Officer for Blowing Rock Hospital, Linda Gilleland - Principal and Agent for Greystone Insurance, Susan Graham - Loan Officer Assistant with United Community Bank of Blowing Rock, Margaret Holder - General Manager of Chetola Resort, Virginia Jones - Realtor, Civil Engineer and owner of Tucker’s on Main, Deborah McDowell - Owner/operator of the Mountainaire Inn, Joann Mitchell - Executive Director of the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, Randall Potter - Manager of the Bob Timberlake Gallery, Robbie Sharrett Owner/Broker of Lyons Construction and Realty, and Jon Woodard - Financial Center Manager for Wachovia Bank in Blowing Rock..
The Blowing Rock Leadership Challenge is working to help the 12 participants gain a realistic understanding of how the community works and help create an awareness of local current interests. Graduates are challenged to apply their talents throughout the community by becoming a part of community organizations, including public boards, nonprofit groups, and civic clubs.
“The mission of the program is the continued improvement of the local community. The profile of Blowing Rock and the county is changing and today’s leaders need to have access to more timely information,” says Charles Hardin Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. “Visits with community and government leaders during the upcoming sessions offer opportunities to interact with those affecting change.”
“I was particularly thrilled with the participants and the desire to learn that they brought with them. They each seemed to want to grow and be challenged,” program director Crutchfield explained following his first session with the twelve participants. “The comments I heard were very positive and a strong indication that they really want to serve their community as volunteers and board members as they work to make Blowing Rock a better place in which to live.
“That’s what it is all about and I think we are well underway in doing that.”
A series of seven half-day sessions provides information about local businesses and include tours of area businesses, organizations and facilities. The sessions are planned by experts and leaders in the topic area and will offer information and thoughtful analysis. The activities and courses are designed to stimulate interest and awareness and will include an opportunity to interact with the speakers and discussion leaders.
“It went great and I was very pleased. The group really gelled well and fit together nicely. We had very positive feedback at the close and I am extremely excited about what we are doing,” said Judi Beck, who is a member of th e program’s management team. “The leadership classes that Brian Crutchfield has conducted in other communities have set some high standards and we have made a few improvements. It also reminded us as a management team how much work is involved in putting this on, but we are excited about the next upcoming sessions.”
The Blowing Rock Leadership Challenge is a partnership effort of several High Country organizations. Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce is the lead local sponsor and is responsible for overall coordination of the program and the selection of participants.