The 2024 Leadership Franklin-Simpson Class was a collaboration between the Simpson County Extension Service and the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce.  The program involved seven different monthly sessions with each taking an entire day.   It is an intensive program that is designed to help participants strengthen their leadership abilities by learning more about themselves, the local community and working with others in their class.  At the conclusion of Leadership Franklin-Simpson the class is responsible for developing and implementing a community project.    

The opening session helped everyone get to know one another and focused on participants discovering their own personality types and leadership traits.   In the following sessions, the class traveled around Franklin to learn about business and industry, agriculture, local government, health systems, education, and non-profit organizations.  The program closed with a meal and graduation ceremony.   Several former leadership graduates served as facilitators of the various educational days.

16 individuals participated in and completed 2024 Leadership Franklin-Simpson.  Based on surveys at the conclusion of the program 100% of respondents indicated that they have an increased understanding of their leadership style.  100% gained confidence in their overall leadership abilities and ways in which they interact with others.  100% also indicated that they plan to pursue some type of additional leadership role in the future.  One participant stated, “The connections made will allow me to become integrated into a community that I fell in love with during my time with the program.”  Another participant wrote, “It was incredibly helpful to learn not only how our community works but also what it needs as it grows.”  The class recently made a presentation to the Franklin City Commission and with their blessing is currently researching and developing plans to implement a community splash pad and pavilion in the downtown area.  

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