Leadership Whitley County seeks applicants for tenth session

The opportunity to participate in the tenth class of Leadership Whitley County is now! In 2001, Whitley County’s unique servant leadership program embarked with its inaugural class. Fast forward to 2010, where the program recently graduated its ninth class and now boasts 168 alumni actively practicing key servant leadership skills in their work, personal and community lives. If you’ve been wondering what the LWC program is all about or have had a desire to participate, this is a great time to apply and be a part of the ten year celebration. 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. Timely and valuable areas of study include: county awareness, collaboration, diversity, trust, compassion, public speaking, working with others, and personal mission. Trainers, both locally and from around the state, facilitate monthly sessions at various locations within Whitley County. In addition to increasing citizen participation for the good of their community, participants also garner tools and information that prove extremely valuable in the home, church and workplace.

Following are several comments from Class 9 LWC graduates:

“I feel very thankful and blessed to have been a participant in Leadership Whitley County. At the outset I was skeptical and wary, but I quickly learned how unfounded my fears had been. I think this is a great program and I would highly recommend it to anyone.”

“I think the projects are a great thing and a good avenue for making a difference and putting this program into practice. The domestic violence task force was born and is accomplishing a purpose.”

“These sessions were really satisfying, motivating and left me feeling like I could make differences in the community and at work. Thanks!”

“The program was well structured and professionally done. Great line-up of speakers!”

“I believe LWC has helped me have the courage to change and the courage to grow. I want to make a difference!”

Leadership Whitley County provides the ideal opportunity to make a positive difference at work, home and in the community. 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. The combination of community awareness and vital soft skill topics offers an affordable and beneficial continuing education opportunity that provides a return on investment in the form of personal and professional growth. 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 is no travel or lodging expenses. Interested in learning more about Leadership Whitley County or desire to participate? Check out LWC’s website at www.leadershipwc.org or contact Kelley Sheiss at 213-4045 or via e-mail at 3dsheiss@gmail.com. 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! ###

LWC Class “hops” into servant leadership

On Wednesday, April 28, 2010, nineteen outstanding individuals celebrated their achievements as the ninth class of Leadership Whitley County graduated from the county’s unique, eight month servant leadership program.

Participants and their local employers and organizations who supported staff participation in the program this year included: Zach Beard, Micropulse; John Black, United Way 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.