Preparing Tennessee’s future leaders

Twenty-three people from across Tennessee who are interested in running for public office participated in the Tennessee Agriculture and Commerce Candidate School on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 16 and 17, in Columbia. The event was hosted at the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s headquarters in collaboration with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

“Electric cooperatives have always existed to empower rural communities — not just through delivering power, but through leadership, opportunity and connection,” said Ryan King, TECA’s vice president of government affairs.

The two-day event is designed to educate candidates or those considering public service on the fundamentals of running a campaign. The training was hosted primarily by American Farm Bureau Advocacy staff who boast an 80%+ success rating. Attendees learned the basics of running for office, gained confidence to execute a successful campaign, participated in mock interviews and fellowshipped with like-minded individuals. Some of Tennessee’s very own political figureheads and officials also shared some insight to the group.

“Partnering in the Candidate School is one more way we invest in the future of rural Tennessee,” King said. “When local leaders are equipped to run strong campaigns and effectively lead, rural voices stay strong in every level of government.”