Progress

Leadership Clinton County continues to grow with the community

Clinton County has seen so much growth over the past year. With this growth comes a need where skilled leaders and volunteers are needed the most… and that's where the Leadership Clinton County program (LCC) continues to shine.

The Leadership Clinton County (LCC) initiative was born out of the need to strengthen Clinton County's civic capacity and make our community a better place to live and work.

Hosted by the Clinton County Economic Partnership, Leadership Clinton County is designed to educate its participants on the value of being a leader, as well as a community volunteer. In addition to helping participants grow, the program benefits local employers as they gain employees with increased organization, leadership and problem-solving skills along with gaining new insights into the community.

LCC participants learn and practice public speaking, meeting management, networking, boardsmanship, conflict resolution, teambuilding, and other practical tools for community involvement.

Using the community as its classroom, Leadership sessions focus on many different aspects of local life such as economic development, health and human services, education and youth and local government, to name a few. The sessions feature diverse activities, including professional presenters, panel discussions and hands-on learning.

LCC participants also visit institutions, organizations, businesses and sites of interest throughout Clinton County as part of the nine-month program, which runs annually from September through May. Each of the nine sessions focus not only on community enrichment but on honing leadership skills.

Community support for Leadership Clinton County is essential. Speakers help educate participants on local issues, needs and opportunities. Other key players are the hosts of each monthly session, sponsors and donors for the program, an Advisory Committee and an active Leadership Alumni group.

"Each year we are excited to meet the newest applicants for Leadership Clinton County and we are never disappointed in their excitement to make a difference in our community." said LCC Coordinator April Bittner. "I'm so grateful to be able to work with each of them."

Area businesses are invited to help sponsor Leadership Clinton County and to encourage key employees -- potential future leaders in their companies -- to participate in the program. Becoming a sponsor shows a company's dedication to strengthening the future leaders of Clinton County. It's an investment in leadership training that will be multiplied, returning benefits for many years, as graduates become better leaders to more effectively serve their communities.

"At the foundation of a good leader is knowledge and self-awareness," says Megan Dayhoff, a 2022 Leadership Clinton County graduate. "LCC provides participants the framework and tools to expand their knowledge of the community, of service, and of self. It was through the LCC program that I learned more about our small town and have a deeper understand and appreciation for our community and the place I call home. LCC equipped me with the knowledge, tools and resources to become more involved within our community. It introduced me to community leaders and opened my eyes to the vast services that are being provided for everyone within the community.

"At times, LCC required me to step out of my comfort zone and it was during these times that I experienced personal growth that I had not anticipated when I first joined the program," adds Dayhoff. "Each session challenged me to be a better version of myself and helped me understand better my areas of strength and opportunity. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to participate in such a wonderful and unique program as the connections I made during my time in the program have extended well beyond the walls of our sessions."

"Leadership Clinton County provides many diverse opportunities for individuals to grow within the community. Participants in the program are given the opportunity to meet Community Leaders, participate in community development and fundraising activities and learn about the unique programs in Clinton County," says LCC graduate Andrew Kremser. "Through Leadership Clinton County I made many new friends, extended my professional network and worked alongside some amazing people."

Since its inception in 2001, 298 individuals have graduated from the Leadership Clinton County program. These graduates are getting more involved in the community and are using the skills they learned in all aspects of their lives. Graduates serve as elected officials, board members and volunteers or staff in many organizations that serve the people of Clinton County.

People interested in making a difference in their own community and developing their personal leadership potential are encouraged to apply to participate in Leadership Clinton County. The deadline for applications for the next LCC class is July 1, 2023.

To learn more about Leadership Clinton County, contact LCC Coordinator April Bittner at 570-748-5782 or coordinator@clintoncountyinfo.com, or visit the Partnership's website www.ClintonCountyInfo.com or the Leadership Clinton County Facebook page.