Leadership Rowan celebrates 25 years
Published 12:00 am Sunday, September 3, 2017
- Participating in the 25th anniversary bash for Leadership Rowan include, left to right, Ray Paradowski, Ken Mowery, Ollie Mae Carroll, Henry Diggs and Dianne Scott. Photo by Amanda Eller for the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce
SALISBURY — More than 100 people gathered at Firewater Restaurant recently to celebrate Leadership Rowan’s 25 years.
A project of the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, the leadership program began in 1992 under the direction of Dianne Scott. The chair of the chamber board at the time was Ray Paradowski.
The Aug. 22 celebration included special recognition for Scott, Paradowski and charter class members.
More than 550 people have completed the nine-month program, getting an overview of the community by focusing on a different topic each month. Each class begins the journey with a two-day retreat of team-building exercises and SIMSOC — simulated society — activities.
The class of 2013-14 had the highest percentage of attendees at the anniversary celebration.
Sponsors were Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Trinity Oaks/Lutheran Services Carolinas & Duke Energy