Loudoun Business Leaders Applaud “Lead Like a General”
“I started to take a couple notes at the beginning, and ended up typing the entire time,” said Vice President of Easterns Automotive Group Ahmad Samha. He was one of dozens of Loudoun County, Virginia business leaders who attended the invitation-only event “Lead Like a General,” hosted by the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne. Speakers included:
• Retired General Ron Keys, former commander of the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command;
• Jim Morgan, author of “A Little Short of Boats: the Fights at Ball’s Bluff and Edwards Ferry, October 21-22, 1861;”
• Paul Gilbert, author of “Lead Like a General.”
“General Keys’ keynote was filled with actionable checklists of things effective business managers and planners should do,” said Loudoun Business Development Manager Jim Herbert. “The value of his comments could be measured by the extensive notes that participants wrote during his presentation.”
The event included a walking tour of the Balls Bluff battle site near Leesburg. Analogies were drawn to modern business decisions based on intelligence, situational awareness, strategy and tactics. The afternoon workshop with Gilbert revealed innovative tactics used by Civil War strategists from Commander John Mosby to President Lincoln. Event attendees undertook an analysis of their own businesses using lessons learned from the historical case studies. The event concluded with a reception hosted by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
Comments from participants include: “Incredibly valuable;” “A very productive networking experience;” “As entrepreneurs we treasure opportunities like this one, which enable us to meet various business owners, share ideas, network, focus on many ways to carry on with the business development for our business, and enjoy time doing dynamic enrichment on business.”
“Economic development includes retaining companies that are already succeeding in Loudoun, and we offered this event as a way to recognize and appreciate Loudoun executives,” Herbert stated. “The partnership with the Mosby Heritage Area Association, the National Conference Center and the Virginia Economic Partnership delivered a unique opportunity, and we look forward to working together again on behalf of Loudoun businesses.”
For information about growing or locating a business in Loudoun, call 1-(800)-LOUDOUN or visit www.biz.loudoun.gov.