Engaged, committed individuals are more productive, more efficient and deliver high-level service, and the Early Chamber of Commerce is excited to have four Early High School juniors participating in the Leadership 2016 class.

Leadership participants are Danielle Contreras, Maggie Yantis, Courtnie Smith and Cassie Durden.

According to Shawn Russell, Executive Director of the Early Chamber of Commerce, “This program helps students and our future leader move their communities forward, thinking outside the box and then bringing those skills back to Early.”

Leadership TMCN helps participants to discover tools that will begin to move their organization from the stall, known as complacency, towards a world-class experience. They examine their current community commitment; learn the importance of creating value with others, and that there is a difference between just being present and being passionate about what you do.

The program is facilitated by Tutt & Daggs and present by Texas Midwest Community Network. These four young ladies traveled to Abilene for their first session and will return again for another class in April. They will team up, develop, and implement a project for a panel of judges in the fall with the opportunity to receive scholarships.

“We are so pleased to have a partnership with local business owners that will serve as their mentors, stated Russell.  “This year’s student business mentors are Brent Gooch, Chick-fil-A; Mike Hall with Mike Hall State Farm and Clint Patrick with MCSB-Early Branch.   It is important for our students to be connected to our local businesses and leadership and maintain relations for future goals and planning in our communities.”

Pictured are Michael Daggs, Maggie Yantis, Danielle Contreras, Cassie Durden, Courtnie Smith, Melissa Sanderson, & Kevin Tutt.