GARFIELD -- Brad Fortner of Garfield is one of 22 men and women representing 15 Arkansas counties to take part in LeadAR, a leadership development program sponsored by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service.
Fortner attended a three-day seminar in Little Rock on Feb. 5-7, 2015, focusing on major issues facing the state, including agriculture, education, the environment, the criminal justice system and legislative issues.
The seminar was the first of 11 seminars that Fortner will take part in during the next two years, according to Bobby Hall, LeadAR director. The LeadAR program also includes a national and an international study tour and a community service project.
"The purpose of the seminars and tours is to enhance leadership skills and give participants a better understanding of key economic and social issues facing Arkansas and the nation," Hall said.
"I'd like to cultivate my leadership skills to apply in my home community and thought the LeadAR program would be a good way to do that," Fortner said, adding that he believes LeadAR will help him become a more effective, efficient leader and provide him the opportunity for hands-on leadership cultivation by providing real world experience, exchange and application of ideas from like-minded people.
LeadAR was begun in 1984 with a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The program is now funded by the Extension Service, private foundations, companies, individuals and organizations in Arkansas. Fortner and the other members of his LeadAR class were selected from a field of qualified candidates based on their applications and personal interviews. Selection criteria included proven leadership potential and work in the community.
This class is the 17th to participate in LeadAR since the program was begun in 1984 by the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas. The program has graduated more than 461 adults since its inception.
Fortner is an insurance executive, business owner and farmer. He is the chief operating officer of Farmers Protective Mutual Insurance Company and also owns a farm supply business located in Garfield that he started in 2004. On his own farm he raises beef cattle, hay, and likes the fact he, his wife Tammy, and their five children get to enjoy the farm lifestyle.
To learn more about LeadAR, visit, http//:www.uaex.edu/leadar.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas- Division of Agriculture.
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The LeadAR program is open to all of those eligible without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital status or any other legally protected status. those with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (large print, audiotapes, etc.) should notify the LeadAR office as soon as possible prior to any activity.
Business on 03/04/2015