By David Rogers. March 5, 2011. BLOWING ROCK -- Blowing Rock Leadership Challenge got off to an alternately raucous, informative, and fun-filled start in Friday's all-day session at the Blowing Rock Conference Center and Assembly Grounds, with 12 participants from area businesses and civic organizations. Photos by David Rogers

 

This year's Leadership Challenge is led by Bill Barr of Blowing Rock's Handel Barr Learning, Inc., a performance consulting firm serving a nationwide clientele. The Challenge, sponsored by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, is an eight-week progam that enables its participants to gain a realistic understanding of how the Blowing Rock community works, and help create an awareness of current community interests. After completing the series of workshops, the participants are encouraged to explore community involvement in the issues that might affect them.

 

Participating in the 2011 Leadership Challenge are individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, including:

Jessica Clearwater -- Weddings and Special Events Manager, Chetola Mountain Resort; Owner, Moondance Catering; Agent, Jenkins Realtors. Moved to the High Country in 1995 to pursue B.A. in Hospitality Management at Appalachian State University. "I knew this is where I wanted to plant my roots."

Susan Freshcorn -- Real Estate Sales, Blowing Rock Investment Properties. Previously has worked for Eastern Airlines, Charlotte Convention and Visitors Bureau. Relocated to Blowing Rock in 2005 to serve as first Executive Director of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority.

Dena Maria Antone Lutz -- Private Event and Party Planner. Volunteers with American Legion of Boone, the North Carolina Baptist Men's Auxiliary, chairs Family Life Committee at First Baptist, chairs Mile of Flowers events for the Blowing Rock Garden Club. Previously enlisted in U.S. Air Force ad was stationed in Aviano, Italy. With USAF, was Communications Specialists, CNA, sky diving instructor, and a bail bondsman.  Also has lived in Memphis, Chicago, and Balboa, Panama. Attended Canal Zone College (University of Maryland extension), and Caldwell Ccommunity College. Settled in Blowing Rock in 1975.

Greg Jung -- Sr. V.P., Employee Channels, Bank of America.  Oversees the bank's internal communication channels (intranet and email). Also owns NCMB Enterprises, LLC, an event management and marketing company in Boone, planning events for Inn at Crestwood. Serves on the Board of Visitors at Butler University and as alumni advisor for the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity at Appalachian State. Holds a B.S. in Management from Purdue University and an MBA from Butler University.

Justin Lawrence -- Residential Real Estate Appraiser, Sweeting Appraisal Service, Blowing Rock. A native of Blowing Rock, son of J.B. and Lynn Lawrence, attended Blowing Rock School and Watauga High School. Graduated from Appalachian State University with B.S. in Communications/Public Relations and a Minor in Business Administration. Wife is Wendy, with two daughters, Garrison and Hayden.

Crystal Ann Owens -- Wachovia-Wells Fargo Bank, Blowing Rock. For nine years, worked with Jerry Burns at the Blowing Rocket and Mountain Times.  Lives in Mountain City, TN, and volunteers for numerous events of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. An avid photographer.

Blake Pace -- Owner of Blake C. Pace/Renaissance II Productions. Musical Director for Tweetsie Railroad's 2011 season. Forty years in providing entertainment and theatrical services.  Motto: "Have Fun, Will Travel."  Has worked as musical director or performed for Blowing Rock Stage Company, Ensemble Stage Company, Blowing Rock Country Club, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. B.A. in orchestral conducting and theatre, University of Maryland.  Masters-level coursework in radio and television news production. "I discovered the glories of the High Country as a 1975 cast member of Horn in the West, and adopted Blowing Rock as my home in 1986."  Wife is Lynn, with two-year old son, Robert Patrick.

Melissa Pickett -- Manager, Blowing Rock Inn.  "I was a Navy brat, but consider my hometown Beckley, West Virginia, where I lived for 21 years."  Active volunteer for the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, named 2011 Volunteer of the Year.  "My first job was in a record store, which started a life career in customer service." Moved to Blowing Rock in 2001, with husband Ray.

Billie Smith Rogers -- Events Director, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. 'I am happily married to my perfect match, Charles Rogers, for 20 years.  No children, but 23 nieces and nephews for whom I am the Favorite Aunt! I love to entertain, an look at each Chamber event as an entertaining opportunity for friends I have yet to meet."

David Rogers -- Editor/Publisher, Blowing Rock News. Before launching Blowing Rock News in August 2010, had a 33-year career in the financial services and investment industry as institutional equity research and sales, registered investment advisor, trading, and retail brokerage in New York, Chicago, San Diego, Newport Beach, San Francisco, Charlotte, and Bakersfield (Calif.). Member of The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock since 2001, where he serves as Public Relations Director, and member of the Board of Directors, webmaster, newsletter editor, and has served on various committees, including Charity Horse Show, The Jerry Burns Memorial Charity Golf Tournament, Treasure Hunt, fundraising, others. Wife, Kim, and four grandchildren. Outside interests include golf, rugby, computer-based business simulations, photography. Wife is Kim, with five grandchildren.

Jessica Smith -- General Manager, Village Inns of Blowing Rock. Native of Waxhaw, NC, graduating from Appalachian State University in 2008 with a BSBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management and MBA from Appalachian State in 2009. Director of Wilkes Vision 20/20 through Chamber of Commerce. Has served on various Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce committees, including Wine Festival and Winterfest. "My passion is raising my six-year-old daughter and riding horses."

Kevin Troyer -- Owner and Manager, 4 Forty Four, a residential and light commercial construction company with seven employees, Blowing Rock. As a hobby, he enjoys songwriting and participating in songwriting groups and networks. With wife Lillie, moved to the High Country 10 years ago from Colorado. Has four children ages 11, 8, 5, and 3. Participates in local charities and community organizations. Member, First Baptist Church. 

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