Talk of the Town - Whitley County

(Talk of the Town photos provided) The 2009-2010 class of Leadership Whitley County, above, with the largest number of participants in five years, has begun their learning sessions.

By Kelley Sheiss

From all areas of Whitley County and beyond, a unique group of individuals with diverse occupations and interests have started the fall season with the unique distinction of "the next class of Leadership Whitley County."

The participants make up the largest class in over five years of the program, and in September they embarked on their servant leadership journey.
Participants in the ninth year of LWC had the opportunity to introduce each other through a learning partner activity and learn more about the Leadership Whitley County program at and evening orientation held at CC Deli. The month wrapped up with a 2-day retreat held at the Columbia City United Methodist Church.
The retreat, facilitated by LWC Program Director Kelley Sheiss and Leadership Fort Wayne Program Director Ellen Cavacini, focused on servant leadership, understanding its meaning and the role LWC participants play in becoming servant leaders.  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 community action 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 supporting the development of a local domestic task force, while two other teams are discussing methods to promote local recreation, entertainment and other events.
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 Whitley County.  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 21st 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 for one year) and increasing citizen and business/industry involvement throughout the county.
The 2009-10 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, Columbia City and South Whitley. 

Upon conclusion of the program, LWC participants become a part of a strong alumni group that continues to provide servant leadership activity to Whitley County.
The support of local business, industry and organizations is key to the success of Leadership Whitley County.  Sponsors for the 2009-10 year include:  Embarq, 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 and 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. 
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, Greatbatch 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.
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.
For more information on the Leadership Whitley County program, check out their website at www.leadershipwc.org or please contact Kelley Sheiss at 213-4045 or 3dsheiss@gmail.com