The third class of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Academy is more than half over, and class members say it has been an invaluable experience.

The academy was developed by the chamber to provide aspiring leaders an opportunity to learn more about the issues facing the area. The class is designed to develop leadership skills in both the public and private sectors.

Class three has a wide array of local professionals from the hospital, college, government entities and businesses.

Leadership Academy class three member Kat Sticklin talks with Representative Jack Brown after the class had dinner with area leaders during its recent trip to the Arizona State Legislature. Photo by Jon Johnson

Class members meet for one day a month for 10 months. During the meetings, members hear presentations on issues involving education, health care, agriculture, mining, state and local government and more.

The day also consists of a field trip in relation to the topic. This year’s class has visited Freeport McMoRan’s Morenci copper mine, the San Jose State Prison, wastewater treatment facilities for Safford and Thatcher, and, most recently, the Arizona State Legislature.

The state legislature trip was a two-day event that included dinner with Graham County’s local representatives, Bill Konop-nicki and Jack Brown, and Senator Jake Flake.

During the dinner, the men spoke on what they felt were the most important issues for this area of the state.

A highlight from the following day included a tour of the House of Representatives and Senate guided by Konopnicki.

Members of the group spoke with Speaker of the House James P. Weiers and posed for a picture with him on the floor of the House’s chambers. They also spoke with Senate President Tim Bee and posed for a picture with him on the floor of the Senate’s chambers.

Class member John Leatherwood said the trip was the best part of the class yet.

“I was very impressed with our District 5 representatives,” he said. “Bill Konopnicki was especially graceful in devoting his time to give us an excellent tour.”

Leatherwood said he learned what a difficult task our legislators have in protecting the interests of the citizens of rural Arizona.

“I came away with a greater understanding and sense of gratitude for our political system,” he said.

Class three continues until summer, but you can download an application from the chamber’s Web site for class four at www.graham-chamber.com. Classes run from September to June, and tuition is $300. All meals, supplies and travel expenses are covered by the tuition.