Leadership Kentucky Class of 2023 visits Berea and Richmond
Written by: Jeremy Whitmore, LKY Class of 2023, Executive Director, Calloway County Tourism Commission
The 52 members of the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2023 started their seven-month journey gathering in Berea at the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel June 21-23, 2023.
Gathering in the hotel's Event Center early afternoon on day one with a sense of excitement, yet anxiousness, the class was welcomed by Perry Allen, 2023 Chair of the LKY Board of Directors, and Teresa Hail, LKY Board of Directors. Following an overview of the program year and expectations of class members by the LKY staff, it was time to play "Get to Know Your Classmates!" Class members were paired off and had a few minutes to interview each other. Each pair was then called up to introduce the class member they just interviewed. Not only were interesting facts learned about each individual, but friendships were quickly being formed.
Next up was a "Berea Treasure Hunt" organized by Berea Tourism. Randomly breaking into groups of about eight, this was a fun activity where class members were able to casually get to know each other while discovering what a cool and quirky town Berea is. Following a brief break after the Treasure Hunt, the class energy and engagement kicked into the next gear as members socialized in the hotel lobby ahead of dinner. A fine meal was followed by having a little fun learning about Kentucky history led by Scott Alvey, Executive Director, Kentucky Historical Society, and LKY Class of 2022 alum.
Dr. Allison Davis, Executive Director of the Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky, opened Day Two with an enlightening presentation titled, "Kentucky's Economy: Challenges and Opportunities". That presentation was the perfect segway into SimSoc. In a nutshell, I believe everyone walked away from SimSoc with a better appreciation of the impact an individual can make in the communities we live in and the impact our communities can have on an individual. For the evening, we boarded a bus...I mean various cars...for a road trip up to the University Club at Arlington, home of Eastern Kentucky University's golf teams. Socialization and dinner were followed by an engaging presentation by Dr. David McFaddin, an EKU alumnus, EKU President, and LKY Class of 2009 alum. Dr. McFaddin shared highlights of current initiatives and plans for EKU and that he prioritizes innovation, creativity, and excellence.
The morning of Day Three we heard a special message from self-proclaimed introvert, Chuck Session, United Way Executive-in-Residence for Northern Kentucky and LKY Class of 2016 member & Lisa Murrell Award Winner. The class was captivated by his stories and experiences and we all felt fortunate we had the chance to hear from Mr. Session. Next up, the traditional class photo on the steps of the hotel was taken with class member Timothy Johnson bringing out his drone to capture the moment as well. The review and discussion of the "Predictive Index" completed by all class members prior to arriving in Berea, led by Tom Cox, Principal at Wipfi LLP, was the final session of our first three-day gathering. No one will look at a "house of cards" the same way again!
Following a few brief thoughts and acknowledgments, class members were on their way home by 1 pm. Next up: Lu'ville...Looeyville...The 'Ville, July 26 - 28, 2023.
