The crisp autumn evening added to the excitement as the emerging leaders participating in the 2011 Class of Leadership Bedford met for the first time! The program’s Kickoff Reception, held on October 20^th, was hosted by Bank of the James- Bedford and began with festive food and beverages courtesy of Bank of the James.  Students, course facilitators, and alumni networked while enjoying their meal and then gathered for their first teambuilding exercise coordinated by Mary Jo Boone, Executive Director of the Bedford Area Family YMCA.  Following the entertaining and jovial teambuilding session, students were provided a brief orientation and given their program materials.

The class will hold its first session on Wednesday November 3rd at the Bedford Area Family YMCA where they will continue their teambuilding with an “Extreme Team” session and focus on the current issues affecting local Non-Profit organizations.  The final session of November will challenge the students as they create a personal mission/vision and focus on education and workforce development needs in the community.