Leadership Jackson 2016

I was pleased to host the 2016 Leadership Jackson class during February. Leadership Jackson is an annual class sponsored and organized by the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. Leadership Jackson began in 2008 and has graduated over 250 participants.

The classes are held the third Wednesday of each month from February to September. This year's class has 21 participants representing a wide variety of business types from the Jackson area.

The purpose of Leadership Jackson is to offer leaders and future leaders the opportunity to learn about the Jackson area community. It also enhances their leadership skills through presentations by speakers and networking with participants. The program is an interactive experience that emphasizes tours and onsite visits. The program is a great way to promote your business while learning ways to become more involved in the community.

One of the keys to growing a vibrant community is having a constant influx of new leaders becoming involved, and fostering an attitude of giving back. Leadership Jackson is an excellent program to help Jackson grow our leaders for a prosperous future.

This year's program covers the following topics:

• Government in Jackson, which includes visits with the mayor and county commissioners, and tours of the Jackson police and fire departments and the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department and jail. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of local government and the governing process.
• Future Leaders details the world of education from elementary to higher education. Included are tours of local schools and Southeast Missouri State University and discussions with educators about the educational needs of our future generation.
• Welcoming Others to Jackson covers the tourism industry in the region and its economic importance. Tours of our unique tourist attractions will provide an understanding the area promotional opportunities.
• Economic Climate explores the economic development efforts and gives ideas for expanding industry and commerce in our area. It includes tours of local manufacturing companies and dialogues with the management.
• The Health of Jackson provides education about the trends and factors that influence health care by visiting with leaders in the health care industry and their facilities.
• Changes in Rural Missouri investigates the important role of agriculture in our region. Participants gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in agricultural industry and an appreciation for Missouri's natural resources.
• Informing Southeast Missouri includes tours with local newspapers, television and radio stations to gain a behind the scenes understanding of the media business and its role in building businesses.
• Finally, the class reviews what they have learned about community leadership. Individual participants will discuss how they will put into action their learning and experience from the program. Past graduates of the program are invited to attend the ceremonial luncheon on graduation day.

I would like to personally thank the past and present participants and their companies for the dedication and commitment to the Leadership Jackson program.

Our lives are busy. The time and financial investment in this effective program will pay off for our Jackson community long into the future.

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce also sponsors Leadership Cape to promote future leadership in the Cape Girardeau area.

Dwain Hahs is the mayor of Jackson.