Virginia Council of Farmer Cooperatives

Youth Leadership Conference

2009

Students from our Cooperative territory attending the Youth Leadership Conference are
(from left) Taylor Cisco, Quiarnte Ramsey, Stephanie Price, Jimmy Carlton, and Graham Bryant.

MEC Sponsors Local Students at VCFC Conference

Each spring the Virginia Council of Farmer Cooperatives (VCFC) hosts its Youth Leadership Conference at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria, Virginia.  Between 45 and 60 youth from across Virginia are sponsored by local cooperatives to attend the fun and educational conference.

This year Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative (MEC) sponsored Graham Bryant of South Boston, Jimmy Carlton of Scottsburg, Taylor Cisco of Saxe, Stephanie Price of Chase City, and Quiarnte Ramsey of Emporia.

The primary objective of this conference is to educate young people about the unique cooperative form of business.  Through an interactive, educational, and entertaining meeting, students learn about the history and importance of cooperatives and how cooperatives differ from other forms of businesses.  They have the opportunity to enhance their skills of teamwork, leadership, and communication.

 On the final day of the three-day conference, students take their second quiz, and adult team leaders provide assessment on their participation. All attendees receive a certificate of appreciation at the awards luncheon. 

Eight participating individuals are selected to receive an all-expense-paid trip to the National Institute on Cooperative Education (NICE) to be held in July in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee.  Two of Mecklenburg Electric's representatives were selected for this honor:  Graham Bryant and Taylor Cisco.  We congratulate them, and thank all the students for representing Mecklenburg Electric so capably. 

Brian Morris, MEC member and public relations representative, served as a group leader and chaperone during the trip.  He comments, “We had a good group of young people this year, and it was a pleasure to be a part of this worthwhile event.  Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative is committed to educating young people about cooperatives and helping them develop leadership skills.”

Participant Graham Bryant says, “It was an amazing learning experience. I met lots of new people and contacts and made friends for life.”