Press release

On May 6, Crawford County residents will once again have the opportunity to hear from some of the world’s most influential leaders. Themed, “Architects of Tomorrow,” this year’s Leadercast will focus on visionary leaders who imagine and build a future that is rich in innovation, collaboration and full of hope. A future where problems are solved, questions are answered, and confusion gives way to clarity.

Broadcast live from Atlanta and simulcast to hundreds of locations around the world – including Bucyrus Nazarene– this year’s Leadercast marks its 16th year, and the 5th year that it has been available in Crawford County. Doors at the Bucyrus Nazarene on May 6 open at 8 a.m. with the program kicking off at 8:30 a.m. and wrapping up at 4:30 p.m. Lunch is included with each ticket purchase and each participant also will receive a Leadercast workbook and giveaways from local businesses and sponsors.

Hosted each year by Crawford: 20/20 Vision, and the Crawford Partnership for Education and Economic Development, Leadercast attendees speak highly of the event and look forward to it each year, said Gary Frankhouse, the Partnership’s Executive Director. In total, the Partnership has hosted nearly 1,000 local leaders from over 30 different businesses across the county. “I think it says a lot for this event that, each year, the same people come back and bring friends and coworkers with them the next year. It’s a highly anticipated day and we’re so lucky to have this opportunity!”

“It’s a great way to invest in our employees’ professional and leadership development,” said Janel Hord of Hord Family Farms. “Our company invests in leadership opportunities throughout the year, but Leadercast gives people from all over the community a chance to hear from influential leaders around the world.”

“On a personal level, it’s a great way to recharge,” added Debbi Gifford, Crawford: 20/20 Vision’s Leadership Development Team leader and Crawford Partnership board member. “I’ve always been inspired and challenged by Leadercast in my professional life, but what we learn that day each year also has a great impact on our personal leadership roles.”

This year, Crawford County leaders are especially excited, Gifford added, because the founder of Leadercast was here in person last month.

“Leadercast’s founder, Jeremie Kubicek was in Crawford County March 10 telling us to plant, fertilize and water,” said Kriste Slagle, a Crawford: 20/20 Vision Leadership Development Team member and the emcee of Crawford County’s Leadercast. “Listening to leaders around the world talk about their vision for building a better tomorrow is just one more way to do that. We are motivated and inspired by Jeremie’s message; we can’t wait to spend another day amongst our peers, learning more about how we can become even stronger leaders.”

The conference will equip attendees to create their own visionary path.  Key speakers – visionaries in their own fields – will inspire the more than 100,000 people who will attend the event live in Atlanta and hundreds of other simulcast locations in more than 20 countries.  Among the keynote speakers are:

  • Kat Cole—Group President, FOCUS Brands, Inc. (including Cinnabon®, Moe’s Southwest Grill®, Auntie Anne’s®, and more)
  • Steve Wozniak—Co-founder of Apple, Inc.,
  • Henry Cloud—Acclaimed Leadership Expert, Clinical Psychologist, and Best-Selling Author
  • Nick Saban—Head Football Coach, The University of Alabama
  • Andy Stanley—Leadership Author and Communicator
  • James Brown—Network Broadcaster, CBS Sports and News
  • Rorke Denver—Navy SEAL Commander and Author
  • Chris Barez-Brown—Author and Creativity Guru
  • Tripp Crosby—Host of Leadercast, Comedian and Director

Tickets are $99 per person and include lunch and snacks throughout the day. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.crawford2020.com. Or, contact Michelle Failor, Communications Director at the Crawford Partnership, michellef@crawford-co.org, 419-563-1809.