Twenty-nine leaders from across North Alabama will spend the next nine months getting a closer look at the opportunities and challenges facing the region through a new leadership program powered by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
The Exchange, developed through a partnership involving TVA, Launch Regional Partnership and the University of North Alabama, will bring together participants from all 13 counties in Launch’s North Alabama footprint for five sessions in communities across the region.
The inaugural class will begin Sept. 22-23 in Decatur, with its first session focused on Morgan County.
TVA is serving as the inaugural partner for the program, while UNA’s Office of Regional Engagement developed and will deliver the curriculum.
“Having TVA as an inaugural partner sets this program up for success, and we’re thrilled to work alongside them,” said Mary Marshall VanSant, Launch board member and director of UNA’s Office of Regional Engagement.
The Exchange is designed to build connections among leaders who may work in different industries and communities but face many of the same regional issues. Sessions will include site visits, peer learning and discussions centered on economic and community development.
Topics during the Morgan County session will include health care, tourism, workforce training, entrepreneurship and the Singing River Trail. Participants will also visit United Launch Alliance in Trinity and Martin Farms in Courtland.
“The strongest partnerships aren’t built quickly or easily,” former Launch Chair Dave Hargrove said. “They are forged over time through consistently shared purpose, meaningful conversations, and a genuine commitment to helping each other succeed.”
Hargrove said the collaboration among TVA, UNA and Launch can help strengthen existing relationships while creating new connections across North Alabama.
The inaugural cohort includes leaders from Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston counties.
Madison County will be represented by Carolyn Henderson, Stephen Simpson and Sam Dean, while Limestone County participants include Braxton Guinn and Pammie Jimmar.
The Exchange grew out of Launch’s Roadmap for the Region, which identified greater connectivity among leaders across county lines as a regional priority. Three focus groups held earlier this year helped shape the program.
TVA, the nation’s largest public power supplier, serves more than 10 million people across seven states and works with local power companies and communities throughout the Tennessee Valley on energy and economic development initiatives.
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