Leadership Whitley County ends final session with class on personal mission, passion
(Photos contributed by Kelley Sheiss) Above, Linda Melvin of J & J Insurance and Peter Farrar of Star Financial Bank discuss aspects involving values and personal mission at the March session of Leadership Whitley County. Below, at top, Alan Tio of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation joined LWC class members for lunch and provided an update on the local efforts of the EDC. At bottom, Michelle Ball, Lorie Asfour and Carrie Ebersole display the star attraction of the upcoming "Flocked" fundraiser designed to raise additional monies for the splash pad in Morsches Park. LWC Community action team members provided updates on their projects at the March session. Results from the highly successful Taste of Whitley County were also presented by a separate team of class members.
Submitted by Kelley Sheiss
The 2007-08 Class of Leadership Whitley County convened at Northeastern REMC this month to conclude their seven month leadership journey 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 Embarq, Northeastern REMC and ProFed. 
The morning began with an informative presentation by Whitley County prosecuting attorney Matt Rentschler.
Rentschler provided an overview of the responsibilities of his office and answered a variety of questions from interested class members.
Next, presentations were made by class members who served on two 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, two project teams were developed.
The first team was composed of Carrie Ebersole, Terry Eberly, Michelle Ball , Lorie Asfour, Holly Fry and Judy Bell. This team provided an update on their planned “flocked” fundraiser for the splash pad. The fundraiser will start mid-April and go through early June. The project will involve local residents and decorated yard flamingos in an effort to raise additional funds for the splash pad.
The second team focused on Community Involvement and developed the very successful event “The Taste of Whitley County.” Team members were Sonya Rubrake , Matt Shipman, Amy Shaw , Peter Farrar , Linda Melvin, Christina Rice , April Gerard and Mary Anne Dickinson. The event, which was held in conjunction with the Home and Garden Expo, helped raise funds for the start of a county-wide youth leadership program.
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. Neidert recently re-released a book he authored entitled “The Four Seasons of Leadership.” This is the seventh 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.
Prior to lunch, LWC class members had the opportunity to meet new Whitley County Economic Development director Alan Tio and hear an update on economic development efforts within the county, as well as Tio’s goals for the coming months.
The support of local business, industry and organizations is key to the success of Leadership Whitley County. Underwriters for the 2007-08 year include: MAHLE Clevite, Whitley County Community Foundation, Embarq, Micropulse, NIPSCO, Fort Wayne Area Association of Realtors, South Whitley Public Library, Star Financial Bank, The Post & Mail, Scott Darley, Parkview Whitley Hospital, Steel Dynamics, Inc., Ag Plus, Pro Fed Credit Union, Northeastern REMC, First Federal Savings Bank, S.W.A.T. Team Pest Control and LWC Alumni June Keiser, Mick Long, R.D. Schrader, John Slavich, Melinda Woll and 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.
Planning and recruiting for the next class of Leadership Whitley County is currently underway. For more information on participating in the 2008/09 class, supporting the program, or having an informational presentation made to your business or organization regarding Leadership Whitley County, contact Kelley Sheiss at 799-4045 or 3dsheiss@whitleynet.org. Information can also be found at the organization’s website: www.leadershipwc.org