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About Us
County Impact Statements - Polk County
LeadAR...Making A Difference in Polk County
Polk County boasts of a long relationship with the U of A LeadAR program. We
have seven residents that are alumni of the program. LeadAR is a two-year
leadership development program designed to improve the leadership abilities of
rural citizens of Arkansas. Participants pay tuition and commit to attending
twelve training programs, a National Study Tour, and an International Study
Tour.
Local graduates include Rudy Furr, Sylvia Duff, Diann Gathright, Regina
Walker, and Tammy Young of Mena; Stan Speight and Faith Lynch Riley of Wickes.
Stan Speight says that participation in the LeadAR program is a life changing
experience. "I used to just be a busy member of the community. After LeadAR,
helping my community is a priority. Doors have been opened – I now know where to
go for resources." Although Diann Gathright was involved with LeadAR while she
was in another County, her training is still part of her everyday life. "I
learned the value of networking with people throughout the state in a variety of
roles to get a job done. These friendships and contacts are still vital today."
Regina Walker was a member of class 8 and credits LeadAR with providing her with
a comprehensive understanding of all levels of government and its functions.
Regina says, "My personal interactions with contacts opened many doors for the
betterment of my community. I now realize how fortunate I am to be an American."
Tammy Young is a member of the current class. She says "LeadAR has allowed me to
boldly go where I felt I couldn’t go before! I am gaining a better understanding
of how resources and services in Arkansas impact the global world."
LeadAR alumni Diann Gathright, charter President and the first
Paul Harris Fellow recipient for Rotary Club of Polk
County/Mena.
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Impacts
- 31 acres purchased for a recreational area & city park in Wickes
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- A building and two lots have been donated to the city of Wickes for
possible use as a branch for the County Library.
- A Rotary Club was chartered and begun in Polk County. A LeadAR graduate was
instrumental in this effort and served as the first Paul Harris Fellow and
President.
- Grant money has been secured to renovate and restore Mena’s historic Old
Armory as a community center and classroom space.
- 74 acres have been purchased and/or leased to develop a recreational complex
for Polk County
- Grants have been written to develop the complex area
- City of Mena has developed a web page for Economic Development
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