By JAN GRIFFEY / Editor

On Wednesday, Leadership Shelby County will introduce to the community its class of 2012 with a breakfast at Jefferson State Community College.

Our company is fortunate to have two members of this new class — Daniel Holmes, who works as a layout artist (and social director!) at Shelby County Newspapers, and Amy Jones, our associate editor, who is our in-house college football (particularly Auburn) expert.

I’m so excited for both because I know what a fantastic year awaits them. In all of my years in the working world, never have I participated in such a beneficial program.

I knew coming in that Shelby County was a special place. I didn’t know the half of it, but thanks to my year with Leadership Shelby County class of 2010, I do now.

Every day in my job as a leader in our company, I draw upon lessons from my year in Leadership Shelby County.

What was special to me about my Leadership experience was the wonderful diversity of the members of my class. Some, like me, were seasoned in their careers. Others were just starting out. All aspects of the private sector were represented, as were churches, schools and other non-profit groups. We have great diversity in race and gender and religion. Having perspectives from all of those different groups during our discussions was enlightening.

After a get-to-know-each-other September overnight retreat at the beautiful 4-H Center, Leadership takes a full day each month for the next seven months to teach its class members about our county, exploring county government, education, the justice system, economic and industrial development, healthcare, state government and what’s wonderful and special about our county’s quality of life.

The year ends in May with a graduation event, during which Leadership classmates present the projects they have worked on independently during their year.

Each Leadership Shelby County class is limited to 30 participants. Those nominated and chosen have demonstrated leadership in their careers, as well as an interest and commitment to helping make Shelby County’s future bright.

Sponsoring your company’s leaders for membership in Leadership Shelby County will only strengthen your organization.

For more information, see Leadershipshelbycounty.com.

Jan Griffey is the editor for the Shelby County Reporter. She can be reached at 669-3131 ext. 36 or by email at jan.griffey@shelbycountyreporter.com.