Community Action Team Reports: Parent Connect
Parent Connect team members include (from left): Jeff Hicks, Micropulse; Shannon Rouse, Warner Electric; Sharon Miley, Cornerstone Vision Counseling; Greg Kaminski, JuneStar
Parent Connect is a place for parents to come together and get better equipped to manage the challenges and needs of children through education, empowerment, and encouragement. The project’s stakeholders include: Whitley County Consolidated Schools, school counselors, teachers, parents, students and community professionals. Parent Connect will provide education and empowerment through parent and student workshops. Workshops will consist of a specific topic of interest with presentations by teachers, school counselors, marriage and family therapists, and neuropsychologists. Simultaneous developmentally appropriate workshops for kids will be offered that will focus on educational and social challenges that children face.
Community Action Team Reports: Reception Hall/Community Center
Team members included: Front Row - Cami Herron, The Bowen Center; Melinda Wheeler, Columbia City Parks; Tonya Warner, Star Insurance; Back Row - Mike Dear, Columbia City Water Department; Tina Houser, LT Foundations Real Estate; Tom LaRue, Columbia City Fire Department; Dani Tippmann, Whitley County Historical Museum
The vision of this team was to start/develop a reception facility in Whitley County that could also host community events. A dedicated group of team members initially targeted the McGregor Building. However, when they learned that building had been sold the team was challenged to look elsewhere for a facility that would meet their goal. During the course of their search, team members talked with a variety of community representatives. They met every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and discussed other potential locations, including the old jail, the Scott’s building, the Presbyterian Church and the Blue Bell building. For varying factors, none of these facilities would be suitable. It was at this point the team received information on a proposed community center and revisited the concept. The team took the entertainment concept one stop further and discussed the possibility of including a water park adjacent to the community center. The team consulted with MSKTD Associates to receive an estimate on a community center facility along with a water park. The total amount exceeded $4 million. While the team realized there were not sufficient funds to make the idea a reality, they were proactive in revisiting a previous concept and offered a new possibility for Whitley County in the form of a water park.
Celebrating Servant Leadership – 10th Anniversary LWC Golf Outing – 5.22.11
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Links at Eagle Glen
Shotgun start at 1 p.m.
The tournament will consist of:
Four-Man Scramble
Longest Drive Contest
Closest-to-the-Pin Contest
Putting Competition
Par Three Competition
$50.00 PER GOLFER or $200.00 PER TEAM
Price includes: Green Fees, Cart Fees, Buffet Lunch and Soft Drinks
Prizes will be awarded for First and Second place teams, Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive and Putting contests
Raffle Prizes, too!
To register or sponsor please call:
Mark Green – Tournament Coordinator
260-248-5180
Event proceeds will support trainers and community engagement initiatives for future Leadership Whitley County programs
Leaders Learn About Eagle Tech
Leadership Whitley County alumni and guests gathered at Big G's in Columbia City for the March edition of First Friday Networking. Eagle Tech Director Brady Mullett provided an update on the project-based learning facility slated to open at the start of the 2011-2012 school year. In addition to fielding questions from those in attendance, Mullett shared his enthusiasm for the cutting-edge educational initiative offered to students in the Whitley County Consolidated School System. FFN is a monthly gathering of Leadership Whitley County alumni, providing an opportunity for networking and information sharing.
Tags: Eagle Tech, FFN, First Friday Networking, Leadership Whitley County, LWC
LWC Spotlight: John Black – A servant leader across diverse job sectors
Once recognized as the United Way Volunteer of the Year, John Black now serves as the organization’s Executive Director, applying daily skills he learned as a participant in Leadership Whitley County.
When John Black sat through the Leadership Whitley County orientation two years ago, he remembered the class was told over the course of the program participants would experience many life events together. Little did Black realize some of these events would affect him personally and professionally, thus allowing his participation in the LWC program and the connection he made with fellow class members to have a deep, lasting impact.
Several years ago, as the Plant Manager for Dana Corporation in Churubusco, Black became aware of the community’s unique servant leadership program. He immediately saw the value of supporting employees through the program and serving as a corporate sponsor.
“From a business industry perspective, I saw employees who participated in LWC gain self-confidence and witness their personal growth,” said Black. He added while he had the opportunity to go through a variety of training programs through Dana, his participation in LWC offered engagement and the opportunity to sharpen his personal skills for the business setting.
A significant event occurred as Black and one of his employees, Bob Sollazzo, embarked on their LWC experience. It was announced the Dana plant in Churubusco would close. While Black said he was primed to get immersed in the LWC program, he also realized he would now have to seek new employment.
“LWC became a safety net for me. My most valuable piece from the program suddenly became personal enrichment,” said Black. His career path took a diverse detour, leading him to apply for and be hired as the Executive Director of the United Way of Whitley County. Black said he has seen Leadership Whitley County in action in his new position. Many LWC alumni serve as United Way volunteers and board members. “The United Way is other people doing stuff that they are passionate about; they are involved and self-motivated,” said Black, adding these are key characteristics of servant leaders.
Coming out of the program, Black said he was posed with the question “What are you going to do to help others in life?” On his desk in the United Way office in clear view is his LWC handbook. Black said the list of graduates is a huge asset and helps him to remain connected in the community. Other components of the program that have stayed fresh in Black’s mind include the assignment to contact a servant leader who made an impact on his life. This simple directive from the retreat re-connected Black with a former pastor and Cub Scout leader who helped Black achieve his “God and Country” award when Black was a teenager. “Harry and I were able to re-establish a meaningful relationship and a sincere emotional connection before his death late last year,” said Black. He added the program helped him develop his own set of life rules and guiding principles as well as core values. He was inspired by a speaker during the program to focus on relationships and the attitude of “it’s not what happens to you, but how you handle it that makes the difference.”
The final session on personal mission motivated Black to seek purpose and focus on leaving a meaningful legacy. Black realizes many LWC participants voluntarily apply for the program, while others may be mandated to go through it by their employers. Regardless of the way participants find their way to the class, he said there is always value in it and each individual comes away with their own positive experience. His final words as he encourages community members to participate in future LWC classes:
“LWC offers an abundance of top-drawer motivational and inspirational materials, speakers, and thought enhancing discussions. You can take advantage of the take-aways and personal development changes according to how much time you are able to immerse yourself into the program.”
Leadership Class works on resolving conflict and focusing on facilitation
“Conflict Management and Effective Facilitation,” was the main topic of discussion during the February session of Leadership Whitley County, held at the South Whitley Library. The day’s session was sponsored by AgPlus and ProFed Credit Union.
Prior to the main program, school board members representing the county’s three school corporations engaged with the class in a town-hall style format regarding the many challenges as well as opportunities facing each of their respective corporations. One LWC class participant stated “I learned a great deal from the school board panel. It was helpful to gain a better insight into how processes are handled. The panel has given me a greater knowledge base to make more informed decisions and have a more informed opinion!” while another class member offered the following; “I was so amazed at what I learned. Very eye opening. I really want to go to a school board meeting and be more involved now.” Each Leadership Whitley County session incorporates an awareness segment featuring local information pertinent to our community or the class. Representatives on the panel were Jorell Tucker, LWC alumni and board member of Whitko School Corporation; Don Armstrong, Whitley County Consolidated School Board of Trustees; Mike Sturgis, Smith-Green Community School Corporation.
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. Ray, HR Director at Tuthill Corporation in Fort Wayne, overviewed the Trickster’s Triangle and Radical Responsibility, skills the class 10 members found to be quite useful. One LWC participant stated “I found the practical application materials to be valuable! The trickster’s triangle can be a great tool to utilize with employees.”
The support of local business, industry and organizations is key to the success of Leadership Whitley County. Sponsors for the tenth year of Leadership Whitley County include: Micropulse, Inc., Century Link, NIPSCO, Old Settler’s Day Association, Ag Plus, Esther Smith Personal Finance, J & J Insurance, Steel Dynamics, Inc., Pro Fed Credit Union, Schrader Real Estate and Auction, Crossroads Bank, J & K Communications, www.talkofthetownwc.com and LWC Alumni: Scott Darley, Betty Graves, Mark Green, June Keiser, September McConnell, John Slavich, Esther Smith, Jeff Walker, Melinda Woll, Jacie Worrick. 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.
The final session for Class 10 of Leadership Whitley County will be on March 17 at Five Star Distributing and focus on personal mission. A celebration graduation is planned in April at the Eagles Nest Event Center. Planning and recruiting for the next class of Leadership Whitley County is currently underway. For more information on participating in the 2011/12 class, supporting the program, or having an informational presentation made to your business or organization regarding Leadership Whitley County, click on the email address on the “contact us” section of this website.
Tags: conflict management, facilitation, Leadership Whitley County, LWC, session, sponsors
Engaging images from LWC’s February Session – Conflict Management & Facilitation
Jeff Hicks of Micropulse (right) asks a question of trainers Mike Stone, Impact Strategies and Lee Ray, Tuthill Corporation during the program's February session. Also pictured are Tonya Warner (left) of Star Insurance and South Whitley Town Council and Jayme Dee (background)
Lee Ray, HR Director for Tuthill Corporation in Fort Wayne, overviews the Trickster's Triangle, a favorite component of the session, according to many class members. One LWC participant stated "I found the practical application materials to be valuable! The tricksters triangle can be a great tool to utilize with employees! Great presentation and take away materials!!"
LWC Class 10 members listen intently as school board members discuss challenges and opportunties facing their respective corporations.
Awareness of school board roles heightened at recent LWC session
Representatives of the three Whitley County school corporations recently met in a town-hall format with current LWC class members. The engaging dialogue focused primarily on budget issues and other challenges and opportunities facing the corporations. One LWC class participant stated "I learned a great deal from the school board panel. It was helpful to gain a better insight into how processes are handled. The panel has given me a greater knowledge base to make more informed decisions and have a more informed opinion!" while another class member offered the following; "I was so amazed at what I learned. Very eye opening. I really want to go to a school board meeting and be more involved now." Each Leadership Whiltey County session incorporates an awareness segment featuring local information pertinent to our community or the class. Pictured are, from left, Jorell Tucker, LWC alumni and board member of Whitko School Corporation; Don Armstrong, Whitley County Consolidated School Board of Trustees; Mike Sturgis, Smith-Green Community School Corporation.
Tags: awareness, Leadership Whitley County, LWC, school board, Whitley County
Soft skill topics empower LWC class to grow and serve
Teamwork and the ability to speak in front of others serve as valuable skills for personal and professional growth. In addition, these soft skills, combined with other topics, play an important role in the foundation of servant leadership. Currently celebrating its tenth year of servant leadership in the community, Leadership Whitley County strives to build better leaders for business and community, focusing on local awareness and soft skills at each monthly session. In December, LWC convened at Whitko High School with an informative awareness session featuring a panel of local non-profit organizations. Panel members included: Sherry Sausaman of the Domestic Violence Task Force, Mary Tobin of Habitat for Humanity and Cindy Barnett of Purdue Extension of Whitley County. Both Sausaman and Barnett are graduates of the LWC program.
The main topic for the day was a lively session on “Team Building,” facilitated by Ritch Hochstetler and Erin Kempf of uLEAD. The session offered a variety of teambuilding activities and discussion, including an overview of the Proxemics Relational Space Theory which involves inviting and initiating relationships through “social bubbles.” The class also learned more about the company PIXAR and how the operating principles of PIXAR’s peer culture can inform best practices in not-for-profit leadership.
Cold, snowy weather did not deter LWC participants from enjoying their January session focusing on practical public speaking. Held at Parkview Whitley Hospital and facilitated by Dr. William Utesch, this session involved Utesch 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. As an introduction to public speaking, the session began with a motivating presentation by Columbia City High School FFA members on parliamentary procedure. The students then answered questions from the class relating to their leadership experiences, future plans and perceptions of the Whitley County Community. The presentation by the FFA group was definitely a favorite of many class members.
The support of local business, industry and organizations is key to the success of Leadership Whitley County. Sponsors for the tenth year of Leadership Whitley County include: Micropulse, Inc., Century Link, NIPSCO, Old Settler’s Day Association, Ag Plus, Esther Smith Personal Finance, J & J Insurance, Steel Dynamics, Inc., Pro Fed Credit Union, Schrader Real Estate and Auction, Crossroads Bank, J & K Communications, www.talkofthetownwc.com and LWC Alumni: Scott Darley, Betty Graves, Mark Green, June Keiser, September McConnell, John Slavich, Esther Smith, Jeff Walker, Melinda Woll, Jacie Worrick. 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. The February session of Leadership Whitley County will be held at the South Whitley Library and will focus on Conflict Management and Facilitation.
