A two-day retreat Sept. 18-19 marked the beginning of Leadership Perryton XIX. The nine-month program for 22 class members will teach leadership skills that can be used personally, in business, and in the community.
In addition, tours of the community will help participants understand the economic base of the community and facilities and services available to the area.
A two day retreat was held at Frank Phillips College Allen Campus instead of the usual Ceta Canyon retreat due to COVID-19. A large number of local businesses contributed to surprise retreat bags and sponsorship of the nine-month program.
Leadership Perryton is sponsored by the Perryton Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce and the Community Development Corporation of Perryton.
Matt Rush of Levelland conducted leadership building activities during the retreat. He led an activity to determine their leadership personality. When you understand the personality of others, there is better understanding in relationships and you can work with them more effectively with easier exchange of ideas.
His team building exercise called “Vision Web” showed the importance of everyone knowing what was going on and what happens when work is not equal on a team. “Connectivity Code” helped the class explore types of leadership, building yourself as a leader, and how to build relationships.
He also conducted a session on a “Stress Free You” to help members realize they do have some control in their lives and how changing little things can be a beginning. The Leadership Perryton committee also created a maze, that is a “low ropes” activity, teaching it is okay to ask for help sometimes.
The members of Leadership Perryton XIX class include: Matt Brasher, Courson Gas Consultants; Emily Carbajal, Ludi Pena Martin Accelerated Education Center; Joey Cavender, Twin Oaks Manor; Darren Chisum and Judy Hernandez, First-Bank Southwest; Heath Davis and Angela Petersen, North Plains Electric; Maria Gomez-Rocque, Perryton ISD; Rafael Gonzalez, City of Perryton; Nick Hale, Apocalyptic Fabrications; Jennifer Hernandez, Ochiltree County Attorney office; Jorge Macias; Perryton Office Supply, Britney Meraz, Ochiltree County Treasurer; JeriAnn McGarraugh, Ochiltree County Clerk’s office; Anissa McMurry, Seaboard Foods; Lauren Motloch, USDA Farm Service Agency; Curtis Parker, Ochiltree General Hospital; Laurie Shrimplin, Interstate Bank; Whitney Stone, Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of Commerce; Jesse Trejo, Trejo Contracting; Jessica Vasquez, United Supermarket; and Mary Vela, Frank Phillips College.
The planning committee for Leadership Perryton this year includes Brandan Knapp, Kelsey Daugherty, Frances Aston, Lynsey McAnally, Nicole Tobar, Kim Fowler, Shawn Campbell, Sonia Burgos-Colon, Susie Najera, Whitney Stone, Amanda Cowan, Eva Mier, Gabi Patzkowsky, Laura West, Randi Hill, Sandra Burton, Tanisha Anderson, and Cynthia Shattles.
The class meets monthly with a class room leadership topic such as setting goals, conflict resolution, working with difficult people, and communication. Afternoon sessions will be community site tours for local economic development and community services.
Leadership Perryton will again be offering a Thursday night free program each month featuring the national speaker beginning in October. The class will graduate on May 7, 2021.