Those who attended Leadership Texarkana's annual luncheon on Tuesday not only got to enjoy some food and fellowship, but no doubt took some inspiration home with them.
The ballroom at Texarkana Country Club was full of people from both sides of the state line who care about the Twin Cities and give their time, talent and treasure to make this a better place to live. The event spotlighted some of our fellow citizens who are going above and beyond with the annual Wilbur Awards. There were awards for an adult, a young person and an organization, with outstanding nominees narrowed to one final winner in each category-Dr. Matt Young, Arkansas High student Ali Milligan and Opportunities, Inc., respectively. The 2018 Idalee Hawkins Leader of the Year Award recognized a single individual-LeeAnne Purifoy Wright-for her contribution to our city.
People making a difference. Pretty much what Leadership Texarkana is all about.
A highlight of the luncheon was a presentation by Texarkana, Texas, City Planner David Orr on a philosophy known as Strategic Doing, which emphasizes collaboration in measurable increments toward a common goal. Leadership Texarkana is using Strategic Doing as they prepare for their 40th anniversary in two years. It's something that works for those who want to walk the walk rather than just talk the talk.
And again, that's what Leadership Texarkana is all about. We all know people who constantly complain about Texarkana. Lots of negative posts on Facebook and other social media. Even when they have ideas on how to make things better, they expect someone else to do the heavy lifting. All talk, no action.
Maybe you've been guilty of that as well. It's not too late to change. If you care about the Twin Cities, there are opportunities open to do more and plenty of space to create and implement your own vision-if you are willing.
A good place to start is Leadership Texarkana itself. Visit their site at leadershiptexarkana.com or email them at [email protected] for more information.
A better Texarkana is up to us-all of us.