VW Chamber program builds local leaders

“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” –Ronald Reagan

VW Chamber of Commerce information

Members of the Leadership Van Wert County Class of 2015 are already on their way to achieving greatness in their individual careers, their communities and as a class. Representing diverse businesses in the greater Van Wert, this year’s leadership program will spend time refining and developing skills designed to enable them to effectively serve their community and companies. This is the heart of the Leadership Van Wert County program.

Members of the 2015 Leadership Class include the following:

Andrew Bashore (Arend Laukhuf & Stoller), Lori Comer (Van Wert County Veterans Service Office), Kevin Dickman (Federal-Mogul Corporation), Andrew Drerup (Kenn-Feld Group), Michelle Finkhousen (Braun Industries), Gregg Ford (Braun Industries), Melissa Hilvers (Central Insurance Company), Kristie Jones (Vantage Career Center), Chad Pugh (Thrivent Financial), Tonya Schumm (Community Health Professionals), Rhonda Seibert (CHP), Rebecca Spieles (Citizens National Bank), Tyler Stump (Eaton Corporation), Breanne Sudduth (Shultz Huber & Associates Inc.), Hope Wallace, Wassenberg Art Center), and Pete Weir (Vantage Career Center).

Goals of the program, which is sponsored by the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, are to:

• Identify, develop and motivate potential community leaders.
• Expand the leadership potential of participants through:
• Educational programs designed to broaden their knowledge of Van Wert.
• Exposure to existing leadership and civic organizations.
• In-depth exchanges on current relevant issues.
• Improve communication amongst leaders.
• Provide a channel for participants to gain access to leadership opportunities and become involved.
• Foster a life-long commitment to community service.
• Match potential candidates with community organizations where they can serve.

The Chamber appreciates the support of area companies and organizations that support the Leadership Van Wert County program.

As employers who invest in the leadership skills of their employees, they demonstrate not only a clear commitment to their company’s bottom-line, but the Van Wert community as well. Special appreciation goes to the YWCA, YMCA, Central Mutual Insurance Company, Eaton, Braun, Federal-Mogul, Cooper’s, Van Wert City and Van Wert County, which all assist in hosting or providing outstanding leadership facilitation to the leadership classes.

For additional information about the Leadership program, contact the chamber at 419.238.4390 or chamber@vanwertchamber.com.