Here's the press release from Leadership Asheville:

Asheville, NC – Leaders from local government, businesses, and the nonprofit communities gathered on Wednesday, September 19th for Leadership Asheville’s fourth Annual Luncheon at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel. Over 250 attendees, many of them Leadership Asheville Program graduates, were on hand to listen to the keynote address given by Coach Doug Blevins, who shared inspiring stories from his early life as a child dealing with cerebral palsy and his career as a kicking coach for the NFL, even though he never walked. Guests also had the opportunity to interact with Asheville’s own Olympic Silver medalist, Lauren Tamayo, before the event in an informal meet and greet session.

The luncheon also featured the presentation of the 2012 Leadership Asheville Community Trustee Award to LaVoy Spooner (LA20), for his outstanding contribution to the community over the years.

“This is one of the biggest and most valuable networking events of the year. It’s truly amazing to see all the LA graduates who have leadership roles in our community and are committed to making Asheville the best it can be.” said Barbara Brill, Executive Director of Leadership Asheville.

Leadership Asheville is dedicated to enhancing community leadership by developing, connecting, and mobilizing citizens throughout the region. Leadership Asheville is made possible through the generous support of its Contributing Partners: The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, The University of North Carolina at Asheville, Volvo Construction Equipment North America, The Van Winkle Law Firm, Mission Health System, Nantahala Outdoor Center, the Asheville Radio Group, Wells Fargo, Morosani & Associates, Blueprints for Business, TD Bank and WCQS Radio.

For more information on the organization, visit our website at http://www.leadershipasheville.org.