Jan 12, 2018
On January 10, 2018 the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce hosted the graduation ceremony for the 11th class of the Leadership Wyoming program at the Byrncliff Golf Resort and Banquets in Varysburg. Following remarks and a presentation by the graduates based of all the positive experiences and leadership qualities learned during the year, graduation certificates were presented in a brief ceremony. Since its inception in 2006, 180 individuals have graduated from the Leadership Wyoming Program.
“Everyone has the potential for leadership development and this program continues to provide a great opportunity for individuals to learn through a variety of experiences,” said Scott Gardner, President of the Chamber. “For eleven years, the Chamber has promoted the importance of growing citizens who are community minded and has equipped them to take on new leadership challenges in their personal and professional lives. The benefit to the county is tremendous, as these individuals set out to take on fulfilling projects and beneficial new ways to serve our community.”
The participants’ journey began in March with a two-day retreat where each person was put through a Meyers-Brigg profile; talked about the strengths and challenges of Wyoming County; and began to learn about themselves and their personality styles. This leadership component continues throughout the year as the class participates in discussions and group activities. The program also included exploring small businesses; touring local manufacturers; learning from the County’s economic development team; an up close and personal tour of one of Wyoming County’s most famous locations, Attica Correctional Facility; checking out the unique technologies found on local farms; and taking time to be tourists by exploring all of Wyoming County’s tourism destinations. The class also attended a monthly committee meeting of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors. Classes were given the opportunity to speak to various town supervisors during county government and criminal justice day, and witnessed the county’s legislative body in action.
“We are very proud of the very diverse individuals that have taken part in the Leadership program over the years and this class is no exception. It is always exciting to listen in on their conversations and participate with them throughout the process. They have gone on a yearlong journey of personal and professional discovery, and we look forward to seeing how they use their new skills,” said Kelly Ashcraft, Program Coordinator and Chamber Director of Member Services.
This year’s class included: Lynnell Schreiber, Wyoming County Mental Health Department; Bridget Givens, Wyoming County Community Health Systems; Barbara Ferris, Tompkins Bank of Castile; Aimee Rader, RTS Wyoming; Hillary Crane, Five Star Bank; Erin Pataye, Partners for Prevention; Pilar McKay, Arts Council for Wyoming County; Jen Monteleone, Pioneer Credit Recovery; Ashley Schumaker, Pioneer Credit Recovery; Megan Burley, Burley Berries and Blooms; Daryl DeGroff, Morton Salt; Ella Boxler, Hidden Valley Animal Adventure.
Applications are being accepted for the 2018 Leadership Wyoming Class now through February 16, 2018. Interested businesses or individuals should call the Chamber office at (585) 786-0307 or email kelly@wycochamber.org to request more information. Applications are also available on-line here