Leadership Whitley County class members seek personal mission as class year comes to an end

The successful development of a local domestic violence task force was one of the community action project teams in this year's LWC class. Pictured are (left to right): John Black, Megan Burr, Sherry Sausaman, Michelle Linn and Angela Green

The 2009-10 Class of Leadership Whitley County convened at Northeastern REMC this month to conclude their seven month servant leadership experience with a meaningful session that would start them on a journey to discover their passions and personal missions.  The final session of LWC for this year was sponsored by CenturyLink.

 The morning began with presentations made by class members who served on three Community Action Teams.  During the program’s retreat in September, individuals “voted with their feet” to determine what was needed and important to our community.  Based on this process, three project teams were developed.   The first team was composed of Sherry Sausaman, John Black, Angela Green, Michelle Linn and Megan Burr.  This team provided an update on the development and progress of a local domestic violence task force.  The task force meets monthly and has been instrumental in increasing the awareness and prevention of domestic violence in our community.  The second team focused on promoting community events and has communicated with the Chamber of Commerce regarding placemats with current event information.  Team members were Carrie Hoffman, Bob Sollazzo, Robin Elsner, Diana Smith, Angela Maley and Betty Graves.   The third team announced they were working with the Columbia City Parks Department to investigate the possibility of an electronic sign that could provide local information and promote local events.   Team members were Mike Petersen, Zach Beard, Belinda Hawn, Jim Landrum, Kyle Egolf, Patty Weybright, Mike Cook and Carrie Garrison.

 The primary topic for the day was “Mapquest for Life.  A Personal Mission Statement as Your Roadmap” presented by David Neidert.  Neidert is a very well known and highly respected writer, presenter, faith leader, and mentor for leadership programs throughout the country.   This is the ninth year David Neidert has served as a facilitator for LWC, and he continues to be a class favorite, making a meaningful impact on individuals and the program as a whole. 

 Participants spent the morning focusing on the elements for creating a personal mission statement, values, goal-setting and accountability.  Group activities and individual work sessions provided lively and thought-provoking discussion. 

 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.