A fresh group of new faces joined together in September to embark on their journey as members of the 11^th class of Leadership Whitley County.      Participants had the opportunity to introduce each other through a learning partner activity and learn more about the Leadership Whitley County program at an evening orientation held at CC Deli in mid-September, followed by a day and a half retreat held at the Peabody Public Library.   The retreat focused on aspects of servant leadership, personality styles, visioning, timelines and community action project selection.

 Activities and discussion for the retreat included discovering personal learning styles, developing talent boards for class members, identifying the assets and needs of Whitley County, the purpose of leadership, and visioning a preferred future for Whitley County.  Class participants were challenged to identify servant leaders in their own lives and share significant life experiences through a totem truths activity. The retreat concluded with a reflection on what was learned and a deeper appreciation for the members of the class.  During the retreat, class members chose a topic of interest to them and formed class product teams.  These teams will take steps to connect a vision with a goal that will ultimately increase awareness and/or make a contribution to the community.   One team has chosen to focus on the development of a community theater facility, another team is investigating opportunities to educate and excite elementary students about servant leadership, and the third team has chosen a goal of enhancing community marketing for Whitley County.

 LWC is a unique, eight-month “personal journey” designed to educate and inform local citizens interested in assuming leadership roles about the functions, challenges, and opportunities of WhitleyCounty.  The program also works with participants to identify key personal and professional goals, skills and missions.  Program goals include:  educating individuals on skills necessary for leadership in the 21^st century, creating a diverse pool of servant leaders (class members will have the chance to serve as non-voting interns on a local not-for-profit board during their class time or attend local government meetings) and increasing citizen and business/industry involvement throughout the county. 

 The 2010-11 year of Leadership Whitley County will include programs on collaboration, diversity, conflict management and facilitation, public speaking, personal mission, and a county tour.  Each year, the program is designed to address current issues and topics facing the local community and its residents.  Monthly sessions rotate in locations in Churubusco,ColumbiaCityandSouth Whitley.  Upon conclusion of the program, LWC participants become a part of a strong alumni group that continues to provide servant leadership activity toWhitleyCounty.

 The support of local business, industry and organizations is key to the success of Leadership Whitley County.  Supporters of  the 2011-2012 year include:  Micropulse, Inc., J & J Insurance, The Benton and Thelma Bloom Fund,  Old Settler’s Day Association, the Dekko Foundation and over 60 LWC alumni.  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. 

Participants and their local employers and organizations who are supporting staff participation in the program this year include: Peter Allen, PNC Bank; Katie Barnett, Whitko High School; Chelsey Barrell, Whitley County Community Foundation; Ryan Crowder, Allstar Communications; Megan Devito, Swim Coach and Avon Representative; Brandi Herron, Churubusco High School; Luke Hollmann, Undersea Sensor Systems, Inc.; Heather Holzinger, Star Financial Bank; Joseph Kieffer, Advanced Assembly; Shawn Lickey, Columbia City Electrical Department; Kristi Maloney, Parkview Oaks; Mark Mathias, Micropulse; Aaron Mathieu, Whitley County Historical Museum; Carrie Meyer, Taylor University; Dennis Norris, Norris Insurance Agency; Lindsay Pease, Whitley County Humane Shelter; Samara Qureshi, Columbia City High School; Laura Richcreek, Habitat for Humanity of Whitley County; Kristine Straub, Whitley County Literacy Council; Zach Ziliak, Star Insurance; Julie Zollinger, Parkview Whitley Hospital. 

 Employers may find the value of skill building opportunities Leadership Whitley County has to offer individuals.   Local business and industry is strongly encouraged to consider supporting an employee’s participation in the program for the benefit of the individual and the workplace.   LWC provides the opportunity for employees to garner enhanced leadership skills, further develop people skills, and provide the potential for increased visibility and community outreach.

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.

Time:  6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Location: Eagles Nest Event Center

Time:  8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Eagle Tech Academy

Trainer: Diane Winn and Tom Searcy, Through Eagle’s Eyes Consulting

Location: South Whitley Library

Trainer: Melissa Jaegle

Location: Parkview Whitley Hospital

Trainer: LWC alumni

Time:  8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Whitko High School Media Room

Trainer: Rich Hochstetler, ULEAD

Time:  8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: C & A Tool, Churubusco

Trainer: Merrily Hamp, Leadership and Organizational Development

Time:  8 a.m. to 10 a.m. (county tour follows until 1:30 p.m.)

Location: Indoor Pavilion,  Morsches Park, Columbia City

Trainer: Tour Team

Time:  Thursday (noon to 5 p.m.); Friday (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Location: Peabody Public Library, Columbia City

Trainer: Thursday – Kelley Sheiss;  Friday – Ellen Cavacini