We are taking applications for our 2012 LJC class. If you know someone who is interested, is 21 - 54 years old, lives and/or works in Jones County and is passionate about the growth of Jones County, please contact Larkin Simpson at (601) 649-3031 or larkins@edajones.com. Deadline for applications is July 27.

Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without strategy. 

~ Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf 

Sportsmanship http://www.values.com/inspirational-stories-tv-spots/106-Basketball

 Just a random thought, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Have you noticed more and more "feel good" commercials on TV these days? I have and I like it. I am not one for today's reality TV and slap-stick, off color comedy. I miss the shows that had good heroes that conquered over bad villains. I well remember lying on the floor when I was a kid and watching in awe shows like Andy Griffith, The A Team, Knight Rider, Magnum P.I. and a host of others. Okay, I'll admit most of those were reruns, but you get my point. I like the resurgence (if you can call it that) of values and morals in our TV programming and commercials. I hope it continues and we see more of it.

As some of you know, last week I was in Athens, GA for Institute for Organization Management (Institute), an intensive week-long nonprofit leadership training program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. We were on campus at the University of Georgia which is covered in beautiful oak trees which was great because it was HOT! (Interesting fact about UGA, it is home to a tree that owns itself.)

While I would love to recap the whole experience for you, I don't have the time or space in this newsletter (and you probably wouldn't want to listen anyway). I got to have one of the most memorable experiences in my career during Institute (probably one of those moments I will look back on in my life and be glad I got to share it). During the week I got to talk with a fellow classmate who was a retired Army vet. He was well in to his late 60's but I was amazed at his tenacity and passion for his community. Working for the chamber of commerce was his second career (Army being the first) and through his testimonial I could tell that he showed as much focus and determination at creating a better community for his constituents as he did when he was leading his company on a mission.

Another person I was able to spend a lot of time with was one of my instructors. He too was retired Army. Very well decorated and well respected by his peers. He was 30+ years younger than my classmate. I got to spend some time with both of them at dinner one night. It was an amazing experience listening to them recap their stories and watching them bond. Although they did not serve at the same time or in the same area of the country or in any of the same campaigns, it was amazing that because of past experiences and similar backgrounds, they instantly had a bond that helped them relate to one another. Watching the two of them interact and listening to their stories I felt like a little kid again watching the great heroes of our country.

The bonding and friendship building process is one reason why I love what I do. Each year we get to gather 25 to 30 people together from all walks of our community, each with different backgrounds, educational training, and talents. Over an eight month period we get to watch them bond and grow into engaged and motivated community leaders, passionate about the progress of Jones County.  Leadership Jones County (LJC) is more than just a program where you get a certificate. It is a process in which you give back to your community and build bonds that will last a lifetime so that you can continuously give back and make Jones County better for our next generation who are looking to us to be the heroes of our community.  

We are currently taking applications for our 2012 LJC class. If you know someone who is interested, is 21 - 54 years old, lives and/or works in Jones County and is passionate about the growth of Jones County, please contact Larkin Simpson at (601) 649-3031or larkins@edajones.com. Deadline for applications is July 27.

I hope each of you had a wonderful 4^th of July. I know I did. Let's take a little time each day, week or throughout the year and remember those who have given so much so that we can feely celebrate our independence and let's remember to say thank you to those who continue to defend our freedom.

Our Thanks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo9y37zc-_I

 

That`s right - two of our flights each day will be on 50passenger regional jets provided by Delta Airlines. Our other two flights will still be on the SAAB 340.

JCJC's Small Business Development Center offers Financial Workshops

Money Management International, Julie McAdory, will be presenting two workshops focusing on financial affairs 

Tuesday, July 26, at 9 and 10:30 am

Whitehead Advanced Technology Center, Ellisville

  Register by calling Crystal Nail at 601-477-4235 or online at www.mssbdc.org/events.aspx 

9:00 a.m.  Keeping Debt Under Control: Avoid detours

    When your debt is out of control, the road to your financial security may take a detour.  Learn how to identify the warning signs of a credit card crisis to avoid overwhelming debt.  If you have already been derailed by debt, find out about options available to repay creditors and bypass the debt detour.

10:30 a.m. Building Savings: Ready for the road ahead

      Every financial journey has some unexpected bumps along the way. Learn how to prepare for these bumps, and be ready with savings in an emergency cash reserve account.  In addition, learn how savings are needed for specific goals and how, with a saving state of mind, most people can find ways to reach their goals.