WestStar tour fosters new leadership qualities in members

CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. — Today, April 25, a group of individuals toured different industries and attractions in Crockett County to learn how energy and technology impact change in the community.

Energy, environment and technology: that was the focus of the WestStar tour that took place today in Crockett County.

The tour featured many stops, including a tour of Pictsweet Farms, Moore Pumps, Tennessee Tractor and the Safari Park.

“With energy, environment and technology; outside of the environment, energy and technology is changing every year. As the Pictsweet presentation earlier we saw how they used to treat weeds. Now they have lasers that treat the weeds. It’s super interesting to see all the technology and innovation that’s going into that process,” said Jamie Mantooth, Executive Director of Enrollment Services at UT Martin.

Jamie Mantooth (pictured left) and Kyle East speak to WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News about the WestStar progam, April 25, 2024.

WestStar started over 30 years ago at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Every year 30 community leaders travel all over West Tennessee and Nashville to get a better understanding of the regional and global community through outreach and public service efforts.

This program is among a variety of others available for those who want to learn more about their community.

“There’s WestTeach, there’s several youth leadership programs, and there’s an African American leadership conference. West Star is a program that’s been around for a long time. It’s focus is to prepare tomorrow’s leaders in West Tennessee,” said County Coordinator for WestStar, Kyle East.

Participants learn new leadership skills and develop strategies for assisting communities in solving problems and maximizing potential.

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