Leadership is defined as the action of leading a group or an organization, and the Bell County Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Bell County want to spotlight the local leaders in the community.

The Young Leaders Series will introduce the community to the young leaders who are making an impact in their community through various opportunities and meeting the needs of their community.

Boone Bowling, 24, is, according to Mayor Rick Nelson, the youngest councilman to be elected to the Middlesboro City Council.

“I just turned 24 on March 17,” Bowling explained. “I registered to run for council when I was 22 and was elected at 23.”

Bowling is a local young leader and is a graduate of Middlesboro High School. He attended Eastern Kentucky University, where he studied Construction Management.

His parents are Jeff and Johanna Bowling of Middlesboro.

“My father started Mountain Tarp but sold it 11 years ago,” Bowling explained. “I have branched away from the family field of business and do not necessarily want to be known for my father’s accomplishments with all due respect.”

Bowling is active in several community events that include coaching youth basketball, participating as a leader with the Boy Scouts, and as an active member and children’s assistant at Covenant United Methodist Church.

He is still active with Middlesboro High School as a community partner for the schools FAST program.

“I would love to see my home town as a place that the younger generation not only feel like they may be able to return to but are excited and proud to come back to,” he explained when asked what his vision for his home town is. “To see Middlesboro and Bell County as a place they can establish themselves permanently.”

On the Middlesboro City Council, Bowling is the chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee and is an active participant and attendee of the Middlesboro Fall Festival, Middlesboro Main Street, Crater of Hope, and Saving Bell.

“I hope to see a place people are moving to rather than moving away from,” he said. “Like many others, I would love to see our area thriving not only with downtowns that have small businesses but also commercial and industrial opportunities where people can have careers rather than just a job. The potential is here for our area, and it’s up to us to capitalize upon it and show what our great people and beautiful area have to offer.”

Applications for this year’s Leadership Bell County are due to the Bell County Chamber of Commerce by June 15. If you would like to apply, you can visit their website at www.bellcountychamber.net.