Leadership class marks program midpoint with teamwork session
Leadership Whitley County class members John Black of the United Way, Carrie Hoffman of Huntington University and Mike Cook of Columbia City's water pollution control facility try to figure out the best use of teamwork while blindfolded at the December session of LWC.
The December session of Leadership Whitley County convened at Whitko Café in South Whitley with WHS Student Council members welcoming class participants to their school. The morning kicked off with an informative awareness session featuring a panel of local non-profit organizations. Panel members included: Shawn Ellis of Beds and Britches, Etc., Tania Keirn of Interfaith Mission, Mark Green of the Columbia City Parks Department, John Slavich of Count Me In! and Jacie Worrick, board member for the United Way of Whitley County. Each panel member had the opportunity to provide an overview of their organization, detail its benefits to the community, and highlight areas for possible volunteer involvement. LWC class members then had the opportunity to ask questions of the panel members.
The main topic for the day was “Team Building,” presented by Dr. Rick Upchurch of Huntington University. The session began with a lively and enlightening activity on teambuilding in the school’s gymnasium. Principal Parrish Kruger joined the group on this activity, which used blindfolds and focused on communication as a critical tool of teamwork. Upchurch then worked with the group to overview the principles of effective teams and touched briefly on handling conflict as a part of effective teamwork. More emphasis on conflict management and facilitation will be addressed during the group’s February session.
As the LWC program heads into the 2010, class members will experience programs focusing on public speaking, conflict management and personal mission. A celebration graduation will be held, recognizing all class members on Thursday, April 15 at the Eagles Nest Event Center. For more information on applying for the 2010/11Leadership Whitley County class, supporting the program, or having an informational presentation made to your business or organization, contact Kelley Sheiss at 799-4045 or 3dsheiss@gmail.com
The support of local business, industry and organizations is key to the success of Leadership Whitley County. Sponsors for the 2009-10 year include: CenturyLink, NIPSCO, Old Settler’s Day Association, J & J Insurance, Northeastern REMC Operation Round-Up, Star Financial Bank & Star Insurance, ABCM Enterprises Inc., Pro Fed Credit Union and LWC Alumni June Keiser, Ava Lillmars, Tam Parker, Tom Rethlake, Janet Scank, R.D. Schrader, John Slavich, Esther Smith, Jeff Walker, Melinda Woll. This support, financial and/or in-kind, serves as a key to success for offering quality programs that compose the core of Leadership Whitley County.
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2009 Food and Wine Event a Spectacular Success
Current LWC class member Betty Mishler listens intently as one of the wine vendors details the offerings to sample
LWC alums Tom Rethlake and Dennis Warnick
It’s a night anticipated by many, known for its fine wines, delicious food and support of a worthy cause. This year’s Food and Wine Spectacular was no exception, offering over 80 diverse wine varieties, an array of food options and delicious chocolate. Adding to the ambience was entertainment courtesy of the Lake Effect Jazz Band and an artist gallery showcasing four local crafter’s talents. The annual event is hosted by Leadership Whitley County and proceeds help to support the county’s unique servant leadership program.
For the first time, a VIP hour was held, with special ticket holders gaining access to the event an hour early. Over 165 people attended the event, and a special wine stopper raffle was held, with Mark Espich taking home the coveted prize of a pair of diamond earrings for his wife. The earrings were donated by J & J Insurance.
“This is a signature event for our community that people have come to look forward to every year,” said LWC Program Director Kelley Sheiss. “We greatly appreciate those who attend as well as The Dock, who is instrumental in securing the wine vendors for the evening.” Sheiss also said the generous support of sponsors is key to the event. This year’s sponsors included J & J Insurance, Star Financial Bank and Star Insurance, J & K Communications, The Dock, Espich Printing, R & R Signs and Talk of the Town.
Plans are already underway for next year’s wine tasting, tentatively planned for the first Thursday in November.
LWC Alumni David Smith of Star Financial Bank samples one of the many wines available at the eventLWC alums Tom Rethlake and Dennis WarnickCurrent LWC class member Betty Mishler listens intently as one of the wine vendors details the offerings to sample
Food and Wine Spectacular – November 5, 2009
Tickets are on sale now for a fine evening of food and wine. This year’s Food and Wine Spectacular is slated for Thursday, November 5, 2009 from 7-9 p.m. at the Eagles Nest Event Center in Columbia City. Proceeds from the event will support Leadership Whitley County, the community’s unique servant leadership program. In addition to sampling over 100 wines, chocolate samples from The Chocolate Thimble will be featured along with an array of food prepared by Eagles Nest Chef Stan Horne and his wife Doris. Three local art vendors will offer their creations for sale and a wine stopper raffle will showcase a pair of diamond earrings as the grand prize. Presale tickets are $25 and available at The Dock, J & J Insurance, Star Financial Bank downtown, or from LWC alumni. All ticket holders will receive a customized wine glass celebrating the event. Join LWC in an evening to spoil the senses!
Tags: Eagles Nest, LWC, tickets, Wine
A New Season of Leaders
From all areas of Whitley County and beyond, a unique group of individuals with diverse occupations and interests have started the fall season with the unique distinction of “the next class of Leadership Whitley County.” The participants make up the largest class in over five years of the program, and in September they embarked on their servant leadership journey.
Participants and their local employers and organizations who are supporting staff participation in the program this year include: Zach Beard, Micropulse; John Black, United Way of Whitley County; Karen Friend-Bowman, Humane Shelter of Whitley County; Megan Burr, C & A Tool; Mike Cook, City of Columbia City; Kyle Egolf, The Center for Whitley County Youth; Robin Elsner, Passages; Carrie Garrison, Warner Electric; Angela Green, Great Batch Medical; Belinda Hawn, Habitat for Humanity of Whitley County; Carrie Hoffman, Huntington University EXCEL; Jim Landrum, Star Financial Bank; Michelle Linn, Americorps; Angela Maley, Whitley County Historical Museum; Betty Mishler, Whitley County Economic Development Corporation; Michael Peterson, City of Columbia City; Sherry Sausaman, Parkview Whitley Hospital; Diana Smith, Micropulse; Robert Sollazzo, MAHLE Clevite, Inc.; Patty Weybright, South Whitley Library/Whitko High School.
Tags: 2009, Class, Leadership, participants
Food and Wine Spectacular
The date is set! On Thursday, November 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. enjoy a showcase of over 100 wines and delicious food at the Eagles Nest Event Center. A special VIP hour will be offered this year form 6 – 7 p.m. More details to come your way later this summer.
Tags: event, Leadership Whitley County
Alumni enjoy picnic
Leadership season in Whitley County kicked off this week when approximately 30 Leadership Whitley County alumni, new class members and their families enjoyed a fun and relaxing evening on Sunday. Hosted by the LWC Alumni Committee, a picnic was held at the new pavilion adjacent to Morsches Park. Everyone enjoyed great food, fellowship, corn hole, and 
hillbilly golf. Despite the cool evening, a few brave young souls took advantage of the splash pad as well. Thanks to everyone who attended. A variety of opportunities are conducted throughout the year to keep LWC alumni connected, including First Friday Networking, special programs and regular email blasts. To share news or updates with LWC alums, send your information to info@leadershipwc.org
Tags: alumni, Leadership, Whitley
Local organizations support LWC with scholarships
Tags: grants, Leadership, Old Settlers, Operation Round-Up, Whitley County
Alumin Picnic to kick-off next LWC season
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 23 from 5-7 p.m. (rain date August 30). A LWC Alumni picnic will be held at the new pavilion in Morsches Park! The Splash Pad will be open for your enjoyment, baseball and flag football equipment and fields will be open as well as cornhole and hillbilly golf. LWC will provide roast pork, drinks, chips and dessert. Bring your family and enjoy a nice, relaxing evening. We are seeking a few sponsors for this event, so if you are interested please contact Kelley. Let’s make this a great event for alumni and their families!
Tags: event, Leadership Whitley County
Leadership Whitley County Seeks Applicants
The opportunity to participate in the next class of Leadership Whitley County is now! As the eighth year of the successful program draws to a close, recruitment is in full swing for the next group of servant leaders.
Tuition to the program is $600, which includes all meals and materials. There is no travel or lodging expenses. Interested in learning more about Leadership Whitley County or desire to participate? Click on the “About” link to learn more and submit an application today. For questions, contact LWC Program Director Kelley Sheiss at 213-4045 or via e-mail at director@leadershipwc.org. All applicants must be submitted by the end of June and tuition is due in full by September 1. A limited number of participants will be accepted, so plan to apply today!
Tags: applicants, Leadership Whitley County, news
Are you ready to become leader?
From left below, Tara Cormany, Jeff Walker and Jenny Trier listen as facilitator Dr. Bill Utesch leads a session on practical public speaking during a 2008-2009 Leadership Whitley County session.
As the eighth year of the successful program draws to a close, recruitment is in full swing for the next group of servant leaders.
Leadership Whitley County is a unique, eight-month, highly informational program designed to increase community awareness, establish effective networking pools among participants, and enhance leadership skills, both personally and professionally.
The program begins with an evening orientation and one and one-half day retreat in September. Monthly half-day sessions are scheduled through March, and the program concludes with a celebration event in April.
Employers who are seeking leadership or management training for their employees should take advantage of this quality program and consider supporting targeted individuals for participation. Participants will miss one half plus one full day of work for the September retreat, with remaining sessions occurring on the third Thursday of each month and concluding at 1:30 p.m. These monthly half-day sessions allow for employees to plan accordingly and return to work in the afternoon.
Tuition to the program is $600, which includes all meals and materials. There are no travel or lodging expenses.
