News

Vision grads honor longtime guide

Vision Henderson County will honor longtime director John Boyd on Tuesday, March 15, at Bo Thomas Auditorium at BRCC.

By Matt Matteson, Published: March 12, 2016

“We’re going to hit the water plant in the morning, eat lunch at Kimberly-Clark, get a briefing down at the Courthouse, and tour the apple orchards before the day is over.” That might be John Boyd giving marching orders to another Vision Henderson County class.

Launched in 1996, Vision has churned out some 650 graduates who leave the program with more knowledge about the community and more contacts for networking in their lives and careers. Co-sponsored by Blue Ridge Community College and the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, the program has been led for 20 years by Boyd.
Vision Henderson County has an active alumni group, which will celebrate 20 years of Vision and honor Boyd on Tuesday, March 15, at 5:30 p.m. at Bo Thomas Auditorium at BRCC.
Vision has a mission to promote informed and committed civic volunteerism. Its focus is to give participants full sense of critical issues effecting Henderson County. Vision is about motivation, leadership, and collaboration. Class members, who represent all ages, backgrounds and occupations, kick off the program in August with an orientation and two-day retreat. Daylong programs are held each month with graduation in May.
I caught up with a few Vision grads and asked them about their past experiences.
“Vision was the best gift my employer could have ever given to me because twenty years later I am still active in the community. I applaud John Boyd, a mentor who will challenge you to be bigger and better.” — Lee Henderson-Hill, Community Foundation, Class of 1997.
“As a fairly new resident, Vision gave me the opportunity to learn how our community works and to know the key players. Vision reminded me how we each play a role in the success of our community.” – Jimm Bunch, Park Ridge Health, Class of 2008.
“My class was full of folks who are currently movers and shakers in the community. I see them all the time, thus I’m ‘connected.’” Susan Mangrum, Penny Insurance, Class of 2003.
“I had only lived here a few years but Vision opened my eyes to so much about this County I didn’t know. The speakers and tours were amazing.” — Kimbela McMinn, First Citizens Bank, Class of 2001.
“ Learning about my community was good but the best thing about the program was the lasting friendships.” Denise Sherrill, Cooperative Extension, Class of 2003.
“Vision allowed me to learn about places unfamiliar to me such as Kimberly-Clark and Van Wingerden. I particularly enjoyed our field trip to the Saint John in the Wilderness Church to hear historian Louise Bailey speak.” — Maj. Gloria Nock (Ret.), Sheriff’s Office, Class of 2004.
“The Vision program was the spark that ignited my desire to become a more community-minded citizen. We learned. We had fun. And we never had to worry about food (thank you John Boyd).” — Mark Warwick, WTZQ Radio, Class of 2006.
“As a County native Vision was an eye opener about this place that I call home. Each session brought a wealth of knowledge and a challenge to the class to think outside the proverbial box.” — TC Thompson, Boyd Automotive, Class of 2013.
“I think the best thing about Vision was seeing firsthand the diversity of Henderson County’s economy. We learned how our towns and county operate and that it takes many different sectors working together to keep Henderson County’s economy resilient.” — Jaime Laughter, Transylvania County manager (former Mills River town manager), Class of 2012.
“I particularly enjoyed our field trip to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. I was impressed with how clean the water looked once it reached the final step in the process. It looked good enough to drink!” — Mark Bieberdorf, Town of Fletcher, Class of 2010.
Reading these testimonials, it is obvious that Vision Henderson County is an invaluable cram course focused on the dynamics of this great community but more importantly, it’s a fast track for those who seek to make a difference here. Vision is marking its 20th year with many more to come. Bravo.

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The 20th anniversary celebration and honoring of John Boyd starts at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday with appetizers and beverages. Memories and photos from 20 years of Vision classes, speakers and a video will be presented at 6 p.m. While there is no charge for the event, Vision Alumni asks that people contribute to the John Boyd Vision Scholarship Fund at Community Foundation of Henderson County. Donations will be accepted at the event. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 692-1413 for reservations.