October 17, 2008
Session 1 – History & Education:
Leadership North Las Vegas participants gathered at the Chamber for their first regular session--- History & Education. Co-chaired by Curtis Cummings (Alan Jeskey Builders) and Sharon Powers (North LV Chamber), the class after a light breakfast was transported via CCSD vans to their first stop of the day, Lowman Elementary School.

Greeting the group was Principal Kathy Konowolow and student escorts. While at Lowman, a designated at-risk school, the class learned about innovative teaching methods being utilized at the school, as well as the challenges and successes of teaching where most students are below the federal poverty standard. Soon after, everyone was escorted to individual classrooms for an opportunity to read to students. One of the highlights of the morning was a visit by Jim Rogers, Chancellor of the Nevada Higher Education System. Chancellor Rogers talked about the challenges in our education system especially in light of the state’s budget cuts.

Back on the buses, the class proceeded to Nellis Air Force Base for lunch which was sponsored by Alan Jeskey Builders, and an afternoon of history. During lunch at the officer’s club, Colonel Belote, commander of the 99th Air Base Wing spoke on the history of Nellis as well as its current day mission. Belote also spoke of the encroachment issues that could impact Nellis operations. Following Colonel Belote, the group heard from Geoff Schumacher, reporter and author of Sun, Sin, and Suburbia. Schumacher talked about the colorful past of the city and the individuals that led it. Session co-chair Curtis Cummings followed with a presentation on the geography as well as the indigenous plant life in the area. The final speaker was long time North Las Vegan resident and former city councilman Brent Hardy who talked about what it was like living in North Las Vegas and his experiences with its politics.

Wrapping up the day, it was now time for the leadership development component lead by Randy McCrillis, president of Elements. Finally, twenty-two tired, but energized Leadership North Las Vegas classmates boarded the bus for their trip back to the Chamber-----until next month.

Special thanks to:

Speakers:
Kathy Konowolow, principal, Lowman Elementary School
Jim Rogers, chancellor, Nevada Higher Education System
Colonel Dave Belote, commander, 99th Air Base Wing
Geoff Schumacher, Las Vegas Review Journal
Brent Hardy, former North LV City Councilman

Transportation & Facilities:
Clark County School District Community Partnership Office
Nellis Air Force Base Officer’s Club

Session Day Co-Chairs:
Curtis Cummings, president, Alan Jeskey Builders
Sharon Powers, president, North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce

Luncheon Sponsor:
Alan Jeskey Builders

September 19 – 20, 2008
Advance Session:
On September 19th, twenty-two dynamic business professionals converged on The Hotel on Mt. Charleston for two days of fairly intensive exercises and work groups that challenged their conventional thinking, made them look introspectively, and began their leadership skill development that would continue throughout the eight month program.

The weekend also was the start of the bonding process that would turn twenty-two casual acquaintances into a cohesive group that would eventually be known throughout the valley as the inaugural class of Leadership North Las Vegas.