Estill Development Alliance

At the kickoff of Leadership LEAP on Thursday, February 10th, the graduates of the 2010 class of Leadership Estill County were honored by being commissioned to the Honorable Order of Estill County Captains. The commissions were issued to honor the group of 12 graduates for their achievements and conduct becoming a model Estill Countian. For more information about the Order, please click here.

Shown here, L-R, Joe Crawford, EDA Executive Director, Laura Dennis, Justin Dixon, Nivra Lainhart, Megan Mainous, Darlene Reed, Shelia Wise, and Jimmy Wise. Not pictured are Charlotte Brown, Gary Dawes, Brad Fletcher, & Brent Mainous.

The Beattyville Lee County Chamber of Commerce, Estill County Chamber of Commerce and Powell County Kiwanis Club is pleased to announce an upcoming program to benefit our communities.  Leadership LEAP (Lee, Estill and Powell) is a eight month class, made up of people from our three communities, which aims to expand the network of potential future leaders of our counties; enhance participants’ knowledge of the structure and operation of local businesses, schools, healthcare providers, government, civic and charitable organizations; introduce the participants to local business owners, educators and school administrators, healthcare providers and staff, government officials and the leaders of civic and charitable organizations; foster a better understanding of local issues and needs; and develop leadership and team building skills.

The program includes two overnight trips and eight day-long sessions between January and October. All meals and accommodations will be included.  Tuition is $200.00, which may be paid by participants or a sponsor/employer.  A limited number of scholarships are available, so all interested people are encouraged to apply.

Leadership LEAP is meant for those who want to be more involved in improving our community.  Class size is limited and applications are due December 31, 2010. Interested parties should contact the Chamber office at 723-2450 or crawford@irvineonline.net with questions or to receive an application.  Leadership LEAP is brought to you through a partnership between the Beattyville Lee County Chamber of Commerce, Estill Development Alliance, Estill County Chamber of Commerce, and the Powell County Kiwanis Club.

A new program has been launched by the Estill Development Alliance to help our community show its appreciation to those who deserve “a pat on the back.”  The mission of the Honorable Order of Estill County Captains is to recognize those who uphold the honor and traditions of Irvine, Ravenna, and Estill County.  Invitation to the ranks of the Order will be made to individuals who have gone to great lengths to serve Estill County or its people and to individuals who are Estill Countians by birth, residence, or occupation who have accomplished some great individual feat worthy of recognition.  Inductees will receive a Captain’s Patch, lapel pin and certificate and be featured on the Captain’s website.

The Honorable Order of Estill County Captains was born from a need identified during the 2009 community development project called EC2 – Planning 2day for Estill County’s 2morrow. Several of the EC2 participants realized that Estill County does not have enough opportunities to recognize those who give back to the community. With this in mind, the Captains were born.  Nominations may be made by anyone via the website www.EstillCaptains.org or by contacting the office of the EDA (606-723-2450), a nonprofit community and economic development organization that oversees the Honorable Order.