In an effort to raise up and train new leaders within the community before 2020, Angelina County will demonstrate private sector leadership across a representative range of demographics which makes it possible to continuously advance economic prosperity, business environment and desirability, education and quality of life for Angelina County.

Sherri Ziegenhals, chairwoman for Private Sector Leadership's strategy number five, has accomplished numerous benchmarks and is looking forward to setting the ground work in 2008 for the remainder of those benchmarks.

Here is an overview of Private Sector Leadership and the benchmarks that have been achieved within Strategy Five.

Benchmarks:

Benchmark 1 – Incorporate Vision 2020 goals and volunteer opportunities into Leadership Lufkin in the Quality of Life session beginning May 2007. This benchmark was been met and will continue to be accomplished with each year's Leadership Lufkin class.

Accomplished — May 2007 (for Leadership Lufkin Class 2006 - 2007)

Accomplished — December 2007 (for Leadership Lufkin Class 2007 – 2008)

Benchmark 2 – Fifty people per year to complete two Leadership Seminar Series classes. Strategy 5 committee members invited Dr. Frank Kanke and Brian McClain from the SBDC of Angelina College to attend meetings. Through cooperative efforts, Angelina College has been able to offer The Leadership Development Series through the SBDC and has offered one Board Development Series. This will be a continual effort between Private Sector Leadership and Angelina College.

Leadership Development Series:

Accomplished — February to March 2007 – 66 people attended

Accomplished — June to July 2007 – approximately 75 people attended

Accomplished — September to October 2007 – approximately 65 people attended

Board Development Series:

Accomplished — June to July 2007 – approximately 20 people attended

Registration is under way for the February 2008 classes for the Leadership Development Series, something Ziegenhals says will assist future leaders.

"These training sessions will help develop and mentor future leaders, board members and community volunteers," Ziegenhals said. "We want to encourage volunteer opportunities and effectiveness."

One benchmark that has yet to be reached is having 100 people per year to attend Quarterly Luncheons for Leadership development, but Ziegenhals is confident that this will be accomplished during 2008.

"Our goal is to work with Chamber to develop the Leadership Lufkin Alumni Association and incorporate their assistance with the Quarterly Luncheons," Ziegenhals said.

With these goals in mind, and support from the community, our county will produce its own new leaders, along with training current leadership to perform with optimal efficiency in the future.