Defiance Area Leadership Program
Introduction to Defiance Area Leadership Program
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Mission:
To develop future community leaders for the Defiance and surrounding areas through education, experience and involvement.
Intent and Purpose:
Defiance Area Leadership, facilitated by the Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce and Defiance College, is a nine-month program geared to providing current and potential leaders an increased awareness of community and an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills.
2011-2012 Sponsors
Arps Dairy, Inc.
CenturyLink
Chief Supermarkets
City Beverage Company
Defiance Clinic/Mercy Hospital
Defiance Regional Medical Center
First Federal Bank/First Insurance & Investments
GM Powertrain
MetaLink Technologies
The Hubbard Company
The State Bank & Trust Company
Werlor Inc.
2012-2013 Sponsors
Arps Dairy, Inc.
Baker-Shindler Contracting Co.
City Beverage Company
Defiance Regional Medical Center
Farmers & Merchants State Bank
First Federal Bank
General Motors Powertrain
Huntington Bank
Metalink Technologies, Inc.
Midwest Community Fed. Credit Union
Servicemaster of Defiance
The Sherwood State Bank
The State Bank & Trust Company
Werlor, Inc.
Program Goals:
• To identify a diverse pool of existing and emerging leaders in the community,
• To provide these individuals a historic perspective of the community and an awareness of the forces which drive the economy,
• To introduce these individuals to the challenges and opportunities facing the community,
• To establish group atmosphere dynamics and leadership training opportunities,
• To network a civic service opportunity as a requirement of graduation, and
• To establish a communications network between present and future community leaders.
How will my organization and I benefit?
Through Defiance Area Leadership, participants will develop an awareness and sensitivity to issues facing their organization. Their leadership skills will be challenged and enhanced helping to develop better employees. Participants will establish a network that cuts across social, economic, professional and demographic boundaries. The organization will also enjoy increased community visibility while the community will realize a pool of proven leaders with a greater understanding and appreciation of community issues, and the vision need to address them.
Leadership - Day Sessions
Each Day Session includes a luncheon along with several speakers pertaining to each day's activities.
Team Building Retreat - A afternoon retreat is a great place to break the ice and begin to build upon team building concepts use throughout the scheduled sessions.
Evening Reception - An evening reception held at Defiance College President's home to continue to network.
Knowledge of Place - This session explores Defiance Area and surrounding communities' history and who we are now. Our historical heritage and culture, recent and current demographic changes, and the role of physical place, and culture in creating vibrant communities will also be covered.
Leadership, Management and Mentors - This session explores the key differences between managing and leading and the importance of mentors and mentoring. Participants will learn what the results of a leadership assessment suggest about their management styles.
Community Economic Development, and Diversity - This session will address the economic value of arts and entertainment; balancing commercial/industrial/retail interests in our region; and the role that downtowns play in our communities. The concept of Northwest Ohio as a regional economy will also be explored. We will also address and focus on the importance of embracing diversity in order for a community to thrive economically from rapidly changing demographics.
Social Service Sector and Healthy Communities, Education - Participants will engage in a dialogue with non-profit leaders about the critical issues that they face in meeting human needs. Participants will learn about the important role the social service sector plays in our region. Additionally, participants will examine comparative education data and discuss case studies of the role of education in creating strong communities.
Government, Organizational Governance in Civic and Non-Profit Organizations - Participants will explore and discuss the roles and responsibilities of government - local, regionally and nationally - and why government matters. Case studies will explore topics such as innovative public-private partnerships and working with government as adversary and ally. This session will also address issues of effective organizational governance, including the responsibilities and rewards of effective civic participation on community boards, how civic organizations function within a community, and why reliable leadership is important.
Importance of Effective Board Participation - Participants will continue to discuss organizational governance in the non-profit sector by focusing on specific knowledge and skills that effective board participation requires. Participants will learn how to analyze a variety of data including financial reports and program evaluation and learn what questions to ask organization management.
Technology, Innovation, Partnerships, and Greening Economy - Green technologies have been touted as the next frontier for economic growth. Discussion will focus on the possibilities for expanding new technologies in manufacturing, innovative partnerships ideas, and what it will take for rural areas to benefit from the growth in green jobs. Participants also will consider the role of green technologies in addressing the environmental challenges that the region faces.
Graduation Dinner and Reception - Certificates will be presented to participants for completion of the course.
Leadership - Requirements and Application Information
Who is eligible to participate?
• Defiance Area Leadership seeks men and women who:
• Have demonstrated a sincere commitment, motivation or interest in the community
• Have reached or have the potential for top leadership positions within their organizations
• Have the support of their employer and the availability of time to participate in all programs of Defiance Area Leadership, and
• Represent a diverse cross-section of the community.