Press release

The organizers of the Leadership Eastern Sierra (LES) program are pleased to announce that nineteen people have successfully completed the program.

2018 LES Group

Photo courtesy of Gayla Wolf/The Honey Bee

Leadership Eastern Sierra (LES) is not a typical leadership class. The program was established three years ago and is a biennial program designed to increase awareness of issues and challenges specific to the Eastern Sierra, while broadening program participants’ personal and professional network. A variety of topics were covered, including community service, criminal justice, business and tourism, the education system, local government, local media, and the arts. The curriculum was organized and led by professionals who have expertise specific to each topic.

LES participants met for a full day one Saturday each month since January. They were personally introduced to local government officials, business owners, civic club leaders, law enforcement officers, judicial representatives, non-profit organization administrators, members of the local media and others to learn first-hand how the many sectors work for the benefit of our community. Each full day class was a mixture of panel discussions, tours and interactive activities The final class was July 14th and was dedicated to visioning – thinking about how to put their new connections and knowledge to practical use. Following the visioning session, the group met at Astorga’s Restaurant to celebrate and each received a certificate of completion.

Leadership Eastern Sierra is sponsored by Bishop Chamber of Commerce, Bishop Sunrise Rotary, Bishop Lions Club, Mule Days, AltaOne and Owens Valley Solutions with the generous assistance of many volunteer presenters for each topic.

We’re thrilled that nineteen individuals care so much about our community they were willing to pay the $200 tuition and give a full day of their free time each month,” stated Tawni Thomson of the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.

2018 Leadership Eastern Sierra graduating class members are Rose Banks, Deena Davenport-Conway, Jennifer Ellis, Alondra Figueroa, Jane Gabriel, Jose Garcia, Lynne Greer, Kelli Huntsinger, Stephen Muchovej, Krystal Phillips, Dianne Picken, Matthew Picken, Brian Poncho, Greg Rickets, Linda Riddle, Robert Sharp, Mary Jane Spinar, Leslie Stoner and Scott Stoner.

We continue to receive really positive feedback from program participants. It’s wonderful to hear that they’ll put the knowledge to work in so many diverse ways,” added Kammi Foote.

The next session for Leadership Eastern Sierra is slated for winter 2020.

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