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Dinner at Bob Evans, anyone?

By Kelley on March 8th, 2010

Leadership Whitley County will host a dinner-time fundraiser with a Community Fun Night at the Columbia City Bob Evans on Thursday, March 25 from 4 – 9 p.m. LWC will have flyers available and all you have to do is eat at Bob’s that night, turn in your flyer and LWC will receive 15% of all proceeds. We are hoping to set a new record (we need to raise $300 for the record). Plan a night out of dining with the family and join other LWC supporters at Bob Evans. As soon as we have the flyers ready, we will let you know how you can get one. Spread the word about this first-time event. All monies raised will be used towards a scholarship(s) for the upcoming class. This is the same night that the spring tractor auction is in town, so we are hoping for a big crowd!

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Winter weather doesn’t deter skill building for LWC participants

By Kelley on March 8th, 2010

LWC Class 9 members (from left) Mike Cook of The City of Columbia City, Kyle Egolf of The Center and Jim Landrum of Star Financial Bank listen intently during the February session on conflict management and facilitation

Amidst the snowy, icy days of January and February, Leadership Whitley County class members braved the elements to attend monthly sessions focusing on Public Speaking and Conflict Management. The January session, which was held at Peabody Public Library, featured Dr. Bill Utesch of IPFW working with class members on practical public speaking, easing fears and understanding personalities via an entertaining and enlightening animal personality exercise. Following a review of presentation techniques, participants broke into small groups and practiced short speeches which were evaluated by fellow team members. A media panel provided the community awareness portion of the session. Ruth Stanley of The Post and Mail, Teresa Smith of The South Whitley Tribune News, Chris Tomlinson of the Busco Voice and Jennifer Zartman-Romano of Talk of the Town spoke with the class about their media outlets while providing tips on how to work effectively with local media.

The class traveled to the South Whitley Library in February to focus on conflict management and facilitation. The day’s session was sponsored by Pro Fed Credit Union.

Prior to the main program, school board members representing the two of the county’s three school corporations spoke to the class regarding their roles and responsibilities as well as opportunities and challenges facing the individual corporations. Mike Sturgis of Smith-Green Community Schools and Don Armstrong of Whitley County Consolidated Schools offered valuable and interesting insight in the role of serving as a school board member. The panel encouraged class members to consider running for the elected position. Board members discussed financial challenges, growth opportunities and legislative issues with the class, followed by a detailed question and answer period.

Mike Stone of Impact Strategies and Lee Ray of Tuthill Corporation in Fort Wayne facilitated the main session focusing on conflict management and effective facilitation. Class members participated in interactive discussion focusing on effective group behavior, facilitation roles and conflict management. Participants used real-life examples to explore the role of conflict in our lives, and how it can ultimately provide a win-win situation provided there is compromise and consensus.

The final session for this class of Leadership Whitley County will be on March 18 at the Northeastern REMC offices and feature David Neidert of Anderson University speaking on Personal Mission. The class celebration is slated for April 28 at the Eagles Nest Event Center.

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.

Applications are now being accepted for LWC Class 10 which will start in September. For more information on participating in the next class of Leadership Whitley County, supporting the program, or having an informational presentation made to your business or organization, contact Kelley Sheiss, Program Director, at 799-4045 or 3dsheiss@gmail. More information on Leadership Whitley County can be found at www.leadershipwc.org.

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Alumni enjoy picnic

By Kelley on August 24th, 2009

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 misc 040 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