Dec 16, 2016
On December 14, 2016 the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce hosted the graduation ceremony for the 10th class of the Leadership Wyoming program at the Wyoming Inn in the Village of Wyoming. 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, 168 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. “Through ten years of the Leadership Wyoming Program, the Chamber has promoted the importance of growing citizens who are community minded and equipping them 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 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. The next nine months 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 government and criminal justice day, and witnessed the county’s legislative body in action.
“After ten years, we couldn’t be more proud of the very diverse individuals that have taken part in the Leadership program. 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.
This year’s class included: Jessie Nickerson, Wyoming County Cornell Cooperative Extension; Peter Romance and Kelly Tracy, Pioneer Credit Recovery-Navient; Diana Carney, Tompkins Bank of Castile; Sheryl Montgomery and Lindsey Rutherford, Five Star Bank; Neal Cox and Dave Rafferty, DeLaval Dairy Service Inc.; Cheryl Copeland, Steuben Trust; Missy Kehl, ShutterBug Studio; Kim May, Envision Salon; Kim Heeb, WCCHS Midwife Services; and Robin Marschilok, Wyoming County IDA.
Applications are being accepted for the 2017 Leadership Wyoming Class now through January 27, 2017. Interested parties can call the Chamber office at (585) 786-0307 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) 786-0307 or visit the website at www.wycochamber.org.