FOX 50's John George (center, left) & 99.9 The Fan's Mike Morgan (center, right) became Goodmon Fellows on May 14th. Both are pictured at their graduation ceremony with Credit Suisse's Jim Captain (left) & CBC President & CEO Jim Goodmon (right).

FOX 50 Senior Broadcast Engineer John George and 99.9 The Fan General Manager Mike Morgan earned their Leadership Triangle pin on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, joining a growing list of CBC’ers and Triangle business citizens.   George and Morgan graduated with their classmates from LT’s Regional Class spring program at a reception and ceremony at American Tobacco’s Bay 7 in downtown Durham.

The two CBC’ers spent 5 months visiting different areas of the Triangle and learning about different issues facing our region.

 “Everyday I see how the leadership of a man and his company is changing the face of the town I grew up in,” said George.  “Some completely wrote this city off.  It has inspired me to become more active in my community and find ways to give back to the people in those communities.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed the program,” said Morgan.  “It was a GREAT way for a new resident to develop an understanding of the diverse area I’ve moved to…and to start to understand what drives the people and economy in the area!” 

The Leadership Triangle graduates wait to make their procession from the balcony of Bay 7.

99.9 The Fan's Mike Morgan (right) chats with his boss, CS VP George Habel (center).

Both George & Morgan learned about the personalities of different communities in the Triangle.  The class heard from a variety of local business leaders in the bi-weekly class panels.  Topics from art to human services to the carbon footprint were covered.

“I learned how diverse the areas all touching each other truly are…from the quaint historic and close-knit feel sense of community and pride in Hillsborough to the unbelievable growth occurring in downtown Raleigh, to the sense of new pride Cary and all of it’s residents feel in their creation of a very worldly community!” said Morgan.  “I also learned a good deal about the importance of JUST GETTING INVOLVED if you want to make any difference!  It’s up to each individual to take the leadership challenge and not accept the idea that ‘others’ will get it done!“

CBC President & CEO Jim Goodmon, who is also the Board Chair for Leadership Triangle, helped with the presentation of diplomas to the newest group of Goodmon Fellows.  Credit Suisse Director of Operations Jim Captain assisted Goodmon.  Credit Suisse served as sponsor for the evening’s events.

FOX 50 Senior Broadcast Engineer John George proudly shows off the new Leadership Triangle pin on his lapel.

Leadership Triangle graduates get ready to turn their tassels as LT Executive Director Winkie La Force emcees from the podium.

La Force charges the graduates to go out and lead in the Triangle.

ATC GM & CBC VP of Community Relations Paul Pope (center) chats with new graduate Debra Tyler-Hroton (left) & LT alum Steve Pearson.

99.9 The Fan's Mike Morgan (center) chats pre-ceremony.

“Leadership Triangle has a passionate Chairman, in Jim Goodmon,” said LT Executive Director Winkie La Force as she welcomed him to the podium.  “In his daily life he works constantly to bring together the many communities of the Triangle.  His vision is not one of a 4-5 city centered communities, but rather a vibrant, exciting region where all people are able to live, work and enjoy a high standard of living. “

As a final project, each class member took a picture of some place in the Triangle that held special meaning for them, and developed a tagline for that picture.  Here are the photos & comments from George & Morgan:	"Rebirth of a city and one of it's citizens" - John George, photo of the Durham Bulls, Diamond View I & II & their parking deck
“Our future leaders depend on our ability to lead NOW.  We have to teach them by setting the example.  If we fail in our responsibility to teach them to lead…we’ve let down our future generations.” – Mike Morgan, photo of his three daughters.

The annual spring event included a reception before the graduation ceremony.  And the event conclude with the traditional Triangle Trivia Tournament.

FOX 50 Operations Supervisor Chris Downey is also a member of the LT board.  CBC is a long time sponsor of the organization.

Thanks to ATC's Valerie Ward for these capcom photos.