In 1983 Ken Yager created the Roane Technology Task Force.  Its 12 members were charged to make recommendations for progressive change in Roane County.  The Task Force report was completed in 1984 and endorsed, in total, by the Roane County Chamber of Commerce.

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The basic premise of Leadership Roane County was to be that the future of our

County is not a vast unknown over which we have no control, but rather it is a product of how community leaders manage circumstances and choices.  It was understood that responsible, well-informed leaders, armed with a broadened perspective, could influence the course of events.  With these thoughts in mind, the first Leadership Class was started and completed in 1985.