The 2023 Leadership EXCEL class met for a Two Day retreat held at the First United Methodist Church of Crowley on Tuesday & Wednesday, February 14th &15th. Nineteen participants from the parishes of Acadia and Jeff Davis were previously chosen to participate in the year-long program.
Advisory Board Chairman, Chuck LeJeune, welcomed the class. “The participants of the Leadership Excel Class of 2023 represent the 28th anniversary of this enduring community enterprise and leadership program. This rich legacy has created over 500 Leadership Excel graduates from Acadia and Jeff Davis Parishes. These past, present and future leaders will continue their careers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of our region’s economic development, business climate, government structure and social challenges. Each year and each class helps Leadership Excel build a community of Leaders!”
Leadership On The Move’s (LOTM), Lura & Dick Hammond, started off day one with many team building exercises. Because what is a leader without their team? The group learned about themselves, their peers and might even have a new name’s! 😉
The EXCEL advisory board opened up day two with a brief welcome, and quickly handed over the excitement to Lura & Dick to kick off the day! The LOTM team briefly explained what the day would bring to the 19 participants. The group was broken up into Regions, and SIMSOC began. “SIMSOC” (Simulated Society) is a simulation of real life society. LOTM believes people learn more by participating and interacting. Participants are given the opportunity to create their own community, along with the issues and challenges it takes to create and sustain one. Dick and Lura have facilitated over 500 groups–mostly community leadership programs, through this socioeconomic activity.
Leadership EXCEL stands for Experience in Community Enterprise and Leadership. The program is designed to prepare emerging leaders to meet the future leadership needs of our community. Through the exchange of viewpoints and experiences, participants are exposed to the challenges, opportunities, and vital issues affecting Acadia and Jeff Davis parishes. The EXCEL program is hosted by the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Jeff Davis Chamber of Commerce. This program would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors: First National Bank, Home Bank, Acadia Parish Farm Bureau, Acadia Parish Police Jury, Acadia St. Landry Hospital, Bank of Commerce, First Guaranty Bank, Ochsner Acadia General Health Center – Crowley, Bryan Comeaux, South Central Insurance Brokers, Elder outreach, Platinum realty- Michael doughty and Rayne Building + Loan.
