Jeff Hathaway
Everyone loves Leadership Greater Little Rock, and everyone should!
Launched in 1985, this innovative leadership program has stood the test of time, earning the praise and appreciation of its participants, its sponsors, and the community it serves so well. Each year about 50 emerging leaders are immersed in nine months of stimulating exposure to the best resources and opportunities for service our community has to offer.
I have a deep, personal appreciation for this program. I was a member of Class V, when LGLR was a mere toddler. I remember a Saturday morning with my small group at a neighborhood pub off Pike Avenue in North Little Rock, finalizing plans for our presentation on the historic Baring Cross neighborhood. I vividly recall being mesmerized by Dr. Bob Fiser’s compassion and brilliance as he explained child health initiatives at UAMS/Children’s Hospital. And I recall being amazed by the challenging questions of my classmates, and knowing that I was in a room with people destined to make a difference.
Everyone who has helped lead this program, paid tuition for it, or spent precious time participating in it has seen its value and become a cheerleader. Applicants still compete eagerly for a spot in each class. Sponsoring companies come back with additional candidates again and again. Hundreds of graduates energize a thriving alumni organization. This doesn’t happen unless participants genuinely feel that they’ve received great value in exchange for the time or money invested. And by design, our Little Rock region is the fortunate beneficiary, as a stream of talented individuals becomes more aware, more connected, and more committed to using their unique abilities to serve the community.
Leadership Greater Little Rock attracts the kind of people that want to do more than just go to work and go home — it gathers and guides men and women with attitudes of service and engagement. At the Chamber’s annual meeting, I spoke of how this could be a year of saying “Yes” whenever possible. I congratulate the outstanding members of Class XXXI. You said “Yes” by signing up. You said “Yes” on those Thursdays when you had to set other responsibilities aside. And you said “Yes” to the future of Little Rock!
Jeff Hathaway
Chairman, Board of Directors
Little Rock Regional Chamber
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