Dec 17, 2015
On December 15th, the Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism hosted the graduation ceremony of the 9th class of the Leadership Wyoming program at Byrncliff Resort and Conference Center in Varysburg. Following remarks and a presentation by the graduates based on a “Family Feud” style game show of Wyoming County knowledge, certificates were presented by Doug Berwanger, Chairman, of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors. This year’s fourteen participants brings the total leadership graduates put through this 10-month program to 162.
“Each participant has the potential for leadership development and this program provides a great opportunity for them to learn through a variety of experiences,” said Scott Gardner, President of the Chamber. “We are so fortunate to have a Board and staff at the Chamber dedicated 100% to making this program a resounding success. The Chamber recognizes the importance of growing citizens who are community minded and equipped to take on new leadership challenges in their personal and professional lives. The benefit to the county is tremendous as these individuals begin to take on new projects and find ways to serve the greater community. We are looking forward to 2016 as the program celebrates in 10th anniversary.”
The participants’ journey began in March with a two-day retreat where each person was put through a Meyers-Brigg profile; talked about the assets and weaknesses of Wyoming County; and began to learn about themselves and their personality styles. The next nine months included exploring small businesses on the County’s Main Streets; touring local manufacturing facilities; 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 and exploring what residents take for granted. The class also attended a regular Wyoming County Board of Supervisors meeting and were required to attend a local government meeting. Classes were given the opportunity to speak to various town supervisors during government and criminal justice day, and witnessed the county’s legislative body in action.
“This was another very diverse groups of individuals that have taken part in the Leadership program. It was exciting to listen in on their conversations and participate with them through the process. They have gone on a yearlong journey of personal and professional discovery, and I look forward to seeing how they use their new skills,” stated Kelly Ashcraft, Program Coordinator.
This year’s class included: Don Gasiewicz, Wyoming County Cornell Cooperative Extension; Teresa Gibson, Paul Weber, Jamie Satchell, Pioneer Credit Recovery-Navient; Laurie Gilbert, Tompkins Bank of Castile-Arcade; Tara Gardner, Five Star Bank-Warsaw; and Steve Hull, Morton Salt, Inc.; Paul J. McCormick, McCormick Farms; David Riddell, Asbury Camp and Retreat Center; Robert Jines, Wyoming County Environmental Health; Julia Ferrini, Wyoming County Free Press; Brian Becker, William G. Becker & Sons; Kelly Schubert, Hoffman Mattress Company; Kathy Conway, Frontier Food Service.
Applications are being accepted for the 2016 Leadership Wyoming Class now through January 25, 2015. Interested parties can call the Chamber office at 585-237-0230 or email kelly@wycochamber.org to request more information.
The Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism is the leading membership organization for local and regional growth, advocacy, and connection for Wyoming County’s business community. The Chamber & Tourism’s mission is to serve the members and community; promote and grow the area’s economic and tourism assets; and work collaboratively to create an environment that leads to the success and economic prosperity of Wyoming County. The key programs and services of the organization are educational seminars; leadership development; business assistance and guidance; cost-saving opportunities; advocacy; recognition, networking, exposure and promotional opportunities. For more information or to become a member please call 585-237-0230 or visit the website at www.wycochamber.org.