http://leadershipobioncounty.com/

Adult Leadership Obion County, 214 E Church Street, Union City, TN (2026)

05/12/2026

ALOC 2025-2026 | Graduation

The Obion County Adult Leadership Class of 2025–2026 celebrated graduation with a beautiful evening at White Squirrel Winery & Vineyard. Thank you to owner Bill Sanderson for the kind hospitality and for preparing a delicious meal.

A special thank you to Dr. Selena Parnell Dozier for sharing encouragement and a heartfelt message with the class on “Go Be Great.”

Another special thank you goes to all of the sponsors who supported each participant and allowed them to dedicate their time to this amazing program offered here in Obion County.

To the graduating class — it has been an incredible year where new friendships and bonds were formed, and paths crossed that otherwise may never have through this program. I hope each and every one of you has gained a greater appreciation for what makes Obion County great and why we all call it home.

Now, it’s time to “Go Be Great.”

05/09/2026

Some Members of Obion County Adult Leadership paused for a photo with Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee as they made a stop in Obion County this week. Governor Lee is visiting all 95 counties across Tennessee as part of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

05/08/2026

ALOC 2025–2026 | Arts & Tourism Day

We began our day in South Fulton at Southern State, where breakfast was sponsored by Discover Reelfoot and provided by Twin Cups. Sarah Taylor, Manager of Southern State, spoke about the menu offerings, weekly bingo and live bands, the event room available for rent, and several exciting events planned for later this year. Southern State is truly a hidden gem in South Fulton that many people may not realize exists.

Our next stop was Joann’s, where we met owner Paige Burcham Dennis. Paige shared her inspiring story of knowing she wanted to own a business at just 10 years old. She talked about how her business began in a garage and steadily grew over the years. After relocating her shop from Union City back to her hometown of South Fulton, she built a two-million-dollar business. Joann’s now serves clients from all over the world who travel to South Fulton for designer dresses.

Because of the travel associated with her business, Paige partnered with The Meadows Hotel to help provide lodging for clients. We also heard from Jeff Campbell, owner of The Meadows Hotel in Fulton, who spoke about preserving the history of the hotel and the partnership he and Paige have formed to help bring more business into the area. Both Paige and Jeff encouraged everyone to follow their dreams and pursue their vision.

We then traveled to Main Street in Union City, where we met with Main Street Executive Director Katie Graves. She guided us through downtown and shared before-and-after photos of the impressive renovations throughout the area.

During the tour, we met Abi Hellmich, owner of The Art Room, who shared her journey of opening her dream business and her passion for art. She also discussed several exciting new projects coming soon. We were also given a tour of Discover Reality by owner Kendrick Hardin. He explained how they preserved much of the building’s original structure and walls while creating a modern atmosphere. Located on the top floor, Discover Reality will also feature a heated yoga room, while downstairs will include a wine cellar and library. The building renovation has been beautifully done.

We finished our Main Street tour at the Capitol Theatre, where we toured the newly remodeled building. The theatre hopes to open in November and plans to offer plays, comedy shows, and movies. It will be a tremendous asset to downtown Union City.

Next, we traveled to Discovery Park, where lunch was sponsored by Discovery Park and provided by Snappy Tomato. We heard from President and CEO Scott Williams, who spoke about the history of Discovery Park and the large number of visitors the park brings to the area each year. He also highlighted the many events hosted throughout the year. Clare Saum also spoke about promoting Discovery Park through social media and influencers to help attract even more visitors to the region.

Our next stop was Reelfoot Lake, where we visited Samburg Gun Club and The Gilded Lily. Owner Ben Parker gave us a tour of the property and spoke about hosting weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and upcoming activities, including dirt bike trails. His property is truly beautiful and offers many unique experiences.

We then toured Reelfoot Lake State Park, where we enjoyed a walking tour and learned about the birds and reptiles housed onsite. We also learned about the many events hosted there and the tourism the park brings to the Reelfoot Lake area.

We ended the day at Blue Bank, where owner Drew Hayes shared the history of Blue Bank and explained how he is the fifth-generation owner. He spoke about the guide services, resort amenities, and restaurant offerings available at Blue Bank. Guests also enjoyed multiple appetizers prepared and served by Blue Bank, sponsored by Gordon Fox and Kendrick Hardin.

Obion County has so much to offer — from the beauty of Reelfoot Lake and Discovery Park to the hidden gems found throughout South Fulton and Union City. Our area attracts visitors from all over the world. Always speak kindly about our community, because the things we may take for granted here bring joy and unforgettable experiences to others.

04/30/2026

Adult Leadership Obion County Executive Director, Rachael McKinney, recently attended the West Tennessee Regional Education Session for the TACL - Tennessee Association of Community Leadership.

The day was filled with meaningful networking, valuable discussions on building strong leadership pipelines, succession planning, and program excellence, while also participating in interactive breakout sessions focused on communication, outreach, and brand awareness.

We are committed to strengthening our local leadership program and building connections with fellow leaders across West Tennessee!

04/23/2026

Big news for our Adult Leadership Program! We are excited to announce that our community has been selected to host the 2026 TACL - Tennessee Association of Community Leadership Conference this October. We look forward to welcoming directors, board members, and alumni from local leadership programs across Tennessee to experience everything Obion County has to offer.

This is a great opportunity to showcase our businesses, attractions, hospitality, and the strong leadership spirit that helps move our communities forward.

✨ Sponsorship opportunities are now available for businesses and organizations wanting to be part of this exciting statewide event.

📌 Registration will be opening soon, so stay tuned for more details.

For sponsorship information, scan the QR code or contact Rachael McKinney at [email protected].

Stay up to date by visiting our website: https://www.leadershipobioncounty.com/2026tacl/

04/18/2026

ALOC 2025–2026 | County Government Day

Today, we began County Government Day with breakfast provided by the elected Courthouse Officials. Judge Jimmy Smith spoke to the group about Recovery Court and the support it provides to individuals in the program. He introduced the WestState staff and the District Attorney, explaining how each plays a role in helping participants succeed and complete the program.

We then sat in on Recovery Court, where we heard updates on each participant’s progress. Several individuals shared their personal stories of recovery, describing the long, difficult, but ultimately rewarding journey they have experienced. We heard how addiction had torn families apart, but through the program and their commitment to recovery, many have been able to rebuild those relationships. The program not only supports recovery but also assists participants in finding employment and staying on the right track toward a successful future.

Next, we toured the courthouse offices and listened to each official explain the services their office provides:
• Denise Taylor – General Sessions, Circuit, and Juvenile Courts
Handles speeding tickets, civil suits, lawsuits, child support, and grand jury matters.
• Emily Hall – Chancery Court
Oversees divorces, probate, wills, and adoptions.
• Cheryl Reddin – Register of Deeds
Records deeds and wills and indexes documents into the computer system.
• Tracy Westbrooks – Trustee
Serves as county treasurer, collects taxes, and assists with tax relief programs.
• Judy Smith – Assessor of Property
Evaluates real and personal property for taxation, manages Greenbelt and mapping, handles building permits, and assists with FEMA guidelines.
• Crystal Crain – County Clerk
Manages car titles and registrations, business licenses, wheel tax, notaries, fingerprinting, driver’s license renewals, fish and game permits, beer permits, and serves as secretary for the County Commission.
• Leigh Schlager – Election Administrator
Maintains voter registrations, promotes the electoral process, informs the public and candidates, and ensures all polling sites are properly staffed.
• Steve Carr – Mayor
Oversees daily county government operations, manages the county budget, and supervises county property.

Lunch was provided by Obion County.

We finished the day at the Obion County Jail, where Sheriff Karl Jackson, Captain Mitchell Maynard, and Lieutenant Jamie Spruill spoke about daily jail operations. They discussed the housing of both federal and state inmates and showed examples of confiscated contraband. We toured the facility and saw behind-the-scenes operations, including a new learning center that will offer educational opportunities for inmates. We also learned about the jail’s goal of becoming a Tier 2 facility, which would increase funding and make it the first of its kind in West Tennessee.

Today, ALOC participants witnessed people from all walks of life—some at their lowest points, others in the process of healing, and some who have successfully recovered. It was a powerful reminder that we never truly know what others are going through, and that kindness and understanding are essential.

03/13/2026

ALOC 2025-2026 | Medical Day

The ALOC group began the day at Kizer Pharmacy. Jason Kizer spoke to the group about the importance and benefits of supporting locally owned pharmacies. He shared his personal journey of becoming a pharmacist and the path that led him to where he is today. Jason also discussed the many services Kizer Pharmacy offers to the community, along with potential upcoming changes in the pharmacy industry.

The next stop was Priority Health, where ALOC classmate Baylee Leggett spoke about the many services offered by Dr. Hanks. These services include weight loss programs, anxiety and depression treatment, and addiction treatment, all aimed at helping patients improve their overall health and well-being.

Magnolia Place was the third stop of the day. Cindy Cox gave the group a tour of the facility and explained the daily routines of the residents. We had the opportunity to meet several residents and enjoyed visiting with them. We were also introduced to Ace, the facility’s cat, as well as their daily visitor, Nestle. Residents are provided with three meals a day, weekly beauty shop services, wellness programs, laundry services, and a cozy reading nook filled with books and games. Most importantly, residents are able to spend their days enjoying the company and friendship of one another. Fun Fact, Magnolia Place currently has 5 married couples living in the facility.

Lori Hendon welcomed the group to Carey Counseling, where she discussed the wide range of services they provide for both children and adults. She explained the steps their team takes to ensure individuals receive the support and care they need in order to achieve a full recovery.

Next, the group traveled to Baptist Memorial Hospital in Union City, where they graciously provided lunch. We heard from Skipper Boudurant, Administrator and CEO, who spoke about the hospital’s growth over the years and its impact on the community. Baptist Memorial Hospital–Union City employs more than 400 people in Obion County and has 137 beds. The hospital currently has 9 active physicians, 9 courtesy physicians, 16 consulting physicians, 37 allied providers, 148 telemedicine providers, and 92 hospital-based providers.

Some fun facts shared during the visit included that Baptist Memorial Hospital–Union City welcomed 795 babies in 2025 and served more than 177,000 meals throughout the year. The group also toured the Radiology and Laboratory departments and learned about the testing processes used to diagnose and treat patients.

In addition, we toured the Baptist Cancer Center, where we learned about how radiation therapy works in treating cancer and how many patients experience little to no side effects.

The final stop of the day was STAR Physical Therapy. Russ Yates spoke about the many services they offer and the benefits of physical therapy in helping patients recover from injuries and improve mobility. He also demonstrated dry needling and explained how it can help relieve pain and improve muscle function.

We are truly blessed in our community to have so many local medical resources and healthcare professionals dedicated to caring for others. We thank each of them for the work they do every day to help heal and serve patients in our community.

03/06/2026

ALOC 2025-2026 | Legislative Day

ALOC spent the day in Nashville observing the legislative process as new bills were presented and discussed. We had the privilege of listening, speaking, and asking questions with several leaders and officials, including attorney Mandy Young with Butler Snow, lobbyist Jennie Verner Marshall, Representative Tandy Darby (District 76), Cameron Snow with Economic and Community Development, Jay Klein with TDOT, Paige Foster with DHS, Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt, Senator John Stevens, Representative Rusty Grills (District 77), and Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett.

Throughout the day, we gained valuable insight into the legislative process and had meaningful conversations about issues impacting our communities, including Obion County. Representative Darby shared important thoughts on leadership and the importance of not letting coincidences go unchecked.

We wrapped up the day with a tour and history of the Capitol, making it an eye-opening experience for everyone involved. We are grateful to each of these leaders for taking the time to speak with us, answer our questions, and help bring awareness to issues affecting Obion County.

02/12/2026

ALOC 2025–2026 | Education Day

Today, ALOC had the opportunity to tour Obion County Central High School, South Fulton Middle and High School, Union City High School, and Union City Elementary School. As we walked the halls of each campus, we learned about the many career-based opportunities available to students—many of which allow them to earn certifications upon graduation and enter directly into the workforce.

We also explored the wide variety of clubs offered at each school and gained insight into how student involvement enhances leadership skills, personal growth, and future career readiness. In addition, we heard about several new and exciting opportunities that will be coming to both school systems within the next one to two years.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Obion County Board of Education and George Leake for providing breakfast.

Thank you to the Union City High School cafeteria staff for preparing and serving lunch.

We would like to thank the following individuals for speaking with us and providing tours of their schools:
• Tim Watkins – Obion County Director of Schools
• Mr. Chris Lownsdale – OC Principal
• Cody Austin – OC Vice Principal
• Heather Kendall – OC Guidance Counselor
• Lauren Kendall – OC Communications Director
• Mrs. Carmen Barclay – South Fulton Middle/High School
• Mr. John Cross – Union City High School Principal
• Mr. John Graham – Union City High School Vice Principal
• Allison Palmer – Union City Elementary School Principal
• Maggie Miller – Union City Elementary School Assistant Principal

A special thank you to the teachers who took time out of their classes to speak with us, and to Judge Parham for allowing us to listen as he addressed the Criminal Justice class at OCCHS.

We also had the privilege of visiting the Boys & Girls Club, where Tracy Williams shared information about the many programs and opportunities they provide for local youth. Lauren Kendall spoke about her new role within the organization and how she is helping prepare students for the workforce.

We also visited the Promethean Foundation, where Tina Jarman shared details about the program. She explained that the foundation operates on a points-based system and is not government funded. The program is open to any Obion County resident and is not income-based. Multiple factors are considered by the board when making decisions.

To wrap up the day, the class hosted a surprise baby shower for two of our classmates who will be welcoming a baby boy very soon. We can’t wait to meet Baby Walker!

01/14/2026

ALOC 2025 - 2026| Economic and Community Development Day

ALOC began the morning at the Obion County Chamber of Commerce, where breakfast was provided by John Burpo with Texas Gas. We enjoyed learning the history of Union City, which was almost named Junction City but became Union City due to the coming together of two railroads. We also watched a video, available on the Obion County Chamber’s website, highlighting the many opportunities Obion County has to offer. Lindsay Theobald spoke about what goes into bringing businesses to the county and the requirements some companies consider before viewing Obion County as a viable opportunity.

Our next stop was Jiffy Steamer, where we were given a tour of the facility by Don Tucker. We saw the full production process from start to finish and learned about the company’s history, which began in 1940 steaming hats and grew into a successful clothing steamer business. Jiffy Steamer also produces pink steamers and handheld steamers featuring the breast cancer symbol, with 10 percent of each purchase donated to the Hometown Walk of Hope. A fun fact we learned was that sales skyrocketed during the television show Yellowstone due to increased demand for cowboy hat steamers. Another interesting detail is that Jiffy Steamer also produces horse nebulizers. They ship products to more than 50 countries worldwide and operate as a small factory with very little employee turnover, producing big results right here in Obion County.

We then traveled to Everett-Stewart Airport, where we met Justin Wright with Full Stop Aviation. They offer flight training and opportunities to log hours toward becoming a pilot, as well as aircraft repair and service for planes from across the region. Full Stop Aviation also produces fuel gauges under their Red Avionics LLC line, along with interior cleaning products for aircraft. We were introduced to new agricultural technology, including drones used for spraying fields. Additionally, their hangar offers upholstery services for chairs and seats. Special thanks to Bob and Kurt for assisting with the tour and teaching us about RED.

Next, we gathered in the main terminal of the airport, where we enjoyed a delicious meal sponsored by Darling Ingredients and prepared by Don Sol.

Airport Manager Don Cody shared the history of the airport, explaining its role as a World War II station and how it later became Obion County’s airport. While located in Obion County, the airport is jointly shared with Weakley County.

Chuck Doss then presented on his career path as an entrepreneur. He emphasized the importance of kindness, reminding us that we never know what someone else may be going through. He also encouraged us to “find your tree in the forest,” highlighting the importance of purpose and direction.

Our final stop was Thompson Cat, where we met Christian, who discussed what brought the company to the area and their plans for future expansion and additional hiring. We greatly appreciate Thompson Cat for accommodating our group on short notice.

We would like to thank each business for their continued investment in Obion County and for helping make this experience both educational and inspiring.

Adult Leadership Obion County

05/12/2026

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05/08/2026

04/30/2026

04/23/2026

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