LKY 2017 Opening Retreat in Berea
The Leadership Kentucky Class of 2017 met for the first time in Berea in early June. The Historic Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant accommodated our every need and was the perfect place to kick off our seven-month core program. The Leadership Kentucky Class of 2017 is made up of 52 participants from across the state.
On Wednesday, June 7th, the class united and participated in a walking tour of Berea College and a crafting experience, where class members made copper jewelry and keychains. Each of these opportunities were led by current Berea College students. The class enjoyed dinner at Boone Tavern and Daniel Boone portrayed by Kevin Hardesty, Kentucky Chautauqua and the Kentucky Humanities Council. Day one concluded with evening activities, game, happy hour and music by Jeff Watson.
The group had an early start on day two with Dr. Paul Coomes, Emeritus Professor of Economics at Louisville, presenting “Nine Regions of Kentucky: Provocative Facts, Policy Changes for the Future?” with a discussion following.
Next up, Simulated Society with Dick Hammond (I’m sure you remember this, alums!). From here, the participants were split into different social classes with different jobs, titles, resources and locations and learned how to function in society. There were groups and people fighting for more power and money, unity and resources and more! Just like real life, the “bank” was involved and “laws” were in place. The class quickly gained perspective of how other economic classes function and how a good and functioning society is reliant on everyone.
After a hectic day, President of EKU, Mike Benson, LKY 2015 Alum, hosted us for dinner at Arlington with speaker and Kentucky State Historian Dr. James Klotter.
On the third and final day of our opening retreat, the class benefitted from hearing a presentation about their Predictive Index results. Prior to this meeting, participants were asked to take on online “personality-like” test. The Oliver Group joined us in Berea to break down their results and provide further information. The session concluded with lunch at Boone Tavern.
The Leadership Kentucky Class of 2017 is full of bright, energetic and passionate people and we are so excited about their potential to improve our great Commonwealth.
The class will meet again in Louisville on July 19-21st.
