Cultivating leaders vital for community growth

By Staff
February 7, 2004
By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
LIVINGSTON, Ala. A Harvard lecturer didn't let the weather postpone his trip here to speak with local officials about bettering their leadership skills.
When Dr. Ron Ferguson, keynote speaker at the 2nd annual summit, found out Thursday his flight from Atlanta would be delayed, he drove through a driving rainstorm and near-tornadic conditions to get here.
Ferguson talked to more than 700 educators, businessmen, elected officials and others about his approach to cultivating leaders to advance a community or region. He used a power-point presentation to outline his goals during the hour-long speech.
Ferguson said he was impressed with the vision of both Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, both of whom spoke to the group, on their ideas to improve the region.
Jimmie Smith, a longtime Lauderdale County supervisor and vice president of The Commission on the future of East Mississippi and West Alabama, the sponsor of the event, agreed with the guest speaker about the two governors.
Ferguson said the leadership skills of both governors and leaders like Smith will be tested.