Mar 24, 2017
(Warsaw, NY) – This year marks Leadership Wyoming’s eleventh class and a new journey for twelve individuals who spent two days at the opening retreat, March 21-22, 2017, at Asbury Retreat and Conference Center, Silver Lake. The class participants, who will take part in the ten month long program, are from across Wyoming County and represent diverse personal and employment backgrounds.
“These are always interesting people that come together to take part in the Leadership Wyoming program. They will certainly rise to the challenges ahead as we begin this process. It is always exciting to listen to their discussion right from the beginning, and to see how they develop and change as the program moves ahead,” stated Chamber Leadership Wyoming Program Coordinator, Kelly Ashcraft.
The program begins in March with the two-day retreat focusing on team building and personal discovery. Each person is given the Meyers-Brigg profile assessment and then the group is expertly led by Dr. Joel Hoomans, Director of Graduate Business Programs at Roberts Wesleyan College, through a personality discovery process where they begin to understand themselves as individuals and how they work within a group dynamic. Then on day two, Sandy Pirdy, from Living Your Unlimited Potential, based in Arcade, NY, facilitated a discovery session and SWOT analysis of Wyoming County and how the group perceives the areas where they live and work. They also hear from past graduates who recount their experiences and offer advice on what to expect.
The next nine months will include exploring the offerings of Main Streets and downtown centers in Wyoming County; taking tours of local manufacturers; talking to the County’s economic developers; an up close and personal tour of one of Wyoming County’s most famous landmarks, Attica Correctional Facility; checking out the latest technology being employed on local farms; and taking time to be tourists - exploring all that Wyoming County has to offer.
The class will also be required to sit-in on a local government meeting and attend a Wyoming County Board of Supervisors meeting. The class will learn about the Courts system during Government and Criminal Justice Day, and will see our legislative body in action. “I think it is important to see our County government at work. We all know that these are our elected officials, but many have never seen them in action,” Ashcraft said.
Attendees this year are: Lynnell Schreiber, Wy Co Mental Health Dept; Bridget Givens, Wy Co 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; Daryl DeGroff, Morton Salt; and Ella Boxler, Hidden Valley Animal Adventure.
“We again have a group of talented individuals in the class this year and that is always good for Wyoming County,” said Scott Gardner, President of the Chamber. “We are fortunate that the chamber membership and community strongly support this program. We hope to provide the participants with some new and exciting ways to explore and learn about Wyoming County, while developing important leadership skills.”
This year’s class will be exploring different businesses from previous years and taking part in exciting new leadership development activities. Applications are no longer being accepted; however, interested parties can call the Chamber office at 585-786-0307 or email kelly@wycochamber.org to request more information for next year’s class.
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.
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