Young professionals from across Appalachian Kentucky spent last week in Columbia as part of BRIGHT Kentucky, a leadership development program focused on economic development, ethical leadership and collaboration.
The group of 36 emerging leaders met with community and state leaders, visited Lindsey Wilson University and explored local businesses and attractions during their time in Columbia.
BRIGHT Kentucky is a Leadership Kentucky program for professionals ages 21 to 40 who live in one of the 54 Appalachian Regional Commission counties in Kentucky. The program consists of five multi-day sessions held throughout the region, with an emphasis on developing leaders and encouraging collaboration among communities.
The Columbia visit began at Lindsey Wilson University, where participants met with state Sen. Max Wise, state Rep. Amy Neighbors and Duane Bonifer of Lindsey Wilson’s communications and marketing department.
Neighbors participated in a Leadership Kentucky program in 2022 and said it was one of the most valuable leadership programs she has attended. She said the lessons she learned continue to benefit her in her role as a state representative.
Neighbors said one of the most important parts of her job is remaining accessible to the people in her district and beyond. She described her role as serving as a bridge between her district and state government.
“I bring local concerns to Frankfort, and I bring state resources and opportunity information back home,” said Neighbors.
She also emphasized the importance of collaboration among leaders at all levels of government.
“Collaboration is not optional; it is essential. Very little gets accomplished by one elected official acting alone. The best solutions happen when local, state and federal partners work together for a common purpose,” she said.
Wise agreed with Neighbors that building relationships is one of the most important things people can do in every aspect of life.
He encouraged the participants to become involved in their communities and consider running for local or state office.
“We need good people. We are desperately needing good people to step up and run for office and serve their communities,” said Wise.
Wise also discussed Kentucky’s workforce challenges and encouraged the next generation of leaders to play a role in addressing them.
“We have a labor participation problem in Kentucky. We don’t have enough people actually wanting to work and go to work. We are struggling,” he said. “I hope this next generation is going to change so much of that.”
Wise encouraged participants to communicate with their legislators regardless of their occupation, noting that there may come a time when everyone needs to contact a state senator or representative.
“One of the most valuable skills anyone can have is listening skills, less talking, more listening,” he said.
Listening to constituents and understanding their needs are among the most important parts of being a legislator, Wise said.
Bonifer concluded the first portion of the visit with a presentation on the history of Lindsey Wilson University, branding and the importance of marketing.
The university has undergone several name changes throughout its history, including Lindsey Wilson Training School, Lindsey Wilson Junior College and Lindsey Wilson College. In 2025, the institution became Lindsey Wilson University.
The participants’ visit moved into downtown Columbia for the evening, where Mayor Pamela Hoots arranged for several local businesses to remain open later than usual so the group could shop and explore the community.
Participants walked around the square, asking questions about the historic Adair County courthouse, local businesses and area attractions.
The evening concluded with a meal catered at 313 Maple, where Hoots welcomed the group to Columbia, shared a brief history of the city and answered questions about her time as mayor.
“It was a great opportunity for our community to host these amazing current and future leaders,” said Hoots. “The City of Columbia was incredibly pleased to have hosted these 36 BRIGHT participants.”
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
