Leadership Batesville Visits Capitol

April 8, 2022 (Batesville, AR) — The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Batesville class, presented by Citizens Bank, visited the Arkansas State Capitol Monday to learn more about state government.

"Introducing the Leadership Batesville class to our elected officials is a valuable experience for the leaders of our community. The goal for this session is to provide exposure to our emerging and current leaders to state government, so they feel more comfortable attending meetings or participating in issues at the state level that affects us at home." said Crystal Johnson, CEO of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. "

Participants started their day in Little Rock with a Capitol tour led by State Representative Stu Smith. Smith is serving his second term in the Arkansas House. He represents District 63 which includes a portion of Independence County and serves on the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs, the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, the House Education Committee, and the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative & Military Affairs Committee.

"Being able to tour the Capitol with Rep. Smith was an awesome experience," said Carson Grant, Regional Economic Disaster Recovery Coordinator with the White River Planning and Development District. "Listening to his stories from his time in office, and seeing his passion for serving our communities, showed what local and state government is all about."

Leadership Batesville prepares emerging leaders to serve the community. Through shared experiences and frequent interactions, participants engage in a nine-month curriculum inspired by IMPACT Independence County — a strategic plan developed by hundreds of Independence County residents.