Leadership program seeks nominees

Chamber of Commerce information

Managers, business owners and executives understand the importance of encouraging and developing leadership skills not only in themselves, but in those they lead. Leadership Van Wert County is a program that provides leadership development to area residents and employees to strengthen their ability to become effective leaders — both at work and within their communities.

Participants will develop an awareness and sensitivity to issues facing their organizations, challenging them to enhance their own leadership skills to best serve their companies and the Van Wert community. The program, sponsored the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, is now accepting nominations for the class of 2012-2013.

“The goal of the Leadership class is to provide training on advanced leadership principles while improving the understanding of our community and all it has to offer,” said Leadership Van Wert Committee Chair Kim Keeling. “It provides the opportunity to exchange ideas with other local leaders in a diverse environment and make important connections with others in the Van Wert business community.”

Participants in the program meet one day a month for total of nine monthly sessions, beginning with a “Meet the Class” breakfast on Friday, September 28, and ending on May 24, 2013, with a graduation breakfast.  Each monthly class focuses keenly on enhancing a particular leadership skill and honing community-based knowledge. The class also participates in the United Way’s Day of Caring as a way of giving back to the community.

A variety of leading edge leadership topics, including personality styles, conflict resolution, project management, change management, team building, volunteerism, time management, social services, Van Wert County resources and tours, and the FISH! Philosophy, are covered during the program to ensure a diverse curriculum for participants.

“The Leadership program is a great way to identify what kind of person you are, in terms of your leadership style,” said Michael Hyman of Federal-Mogul Corporation, a 2011-12 Leadership graduate. “I’ve learned a lot about myself from this class and have a better vision as to where I want to be as a leader.

“I can definitely apply many of the concepts that I learned, and use them every day at work,” he added. “I recommend this class to individuals of any age. There are many skills you can take away from the course, and implement them in your professional and personal life.”

“The leadership class was a great experience,” said Jordan Miller of Citizens National Bank, also a 2011-12 Leadership graduate. “I was able to learn about the many things that Van Wert County has to offer, as well as develop my own personal leadership skills. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to become an effective leader.”

Leadership Van Wert County was founded in 1994 as a communitywide leadership development program for a diverse group of citizens to enable them to effectively serve their community.  The goal of the Leadership Van Wert Program is to identify, develop and motive potential community leaders.

Those who would like to nominate someone to participate in the program can call the Chamber office at 419.238.4390 or send their name, address and email to chamber@vanwertchamber.com. Each person nominated will receive an application by mail after their nomination is received.  The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, September 12.