Leadership Van Wert County

Mission

Leadership Van Wert County provides leadership development for a diverse group of citizens to enable them to effectively serve their community.

Past Program Supporters:

• Van Wert County Hospital
• Eaton Corporation
• Century Trading
• Tecumseh Packaging Solutions
• Cowan & Son Funeral Home
• First Bank of Berne
• Purmort Brothers Insurance
• Citizen’s National Bank
• Main Street Van Wert
• Central Insurance
• Wells Fargo
• Shultz, Huber& Associates
• City of Van Wert
• Solid Source
• Arend, Laukhuf & Stoller
• Braun Industries
• First Federal Savings & Loan
• Vancrest Healthcare Center
• Federal Mogul
• Community Health Professionals
• Thrivent Financial
• Van Wert Manor
• Advanced Biological Marketing

Goals

• To identify, develop and motivate potential community leaders.
• To expand the leadership potential of participants through:
• Educational programs designed to broaden their knowledge of Van Wert
• Exposure to existing leadership and civic organizations
• In depth exchanges on current relevant issues.
• To improve communication amongst leaders.
• To provide a channel for participants to gain access to leadership opportunities and become involved.
• To foster a life-long commitment to community service.
• To match potential candidates with community organizations where they can serve.

Program at-a Glance

Van Wert County Leadership Program is a nine-month leadership development program that began in 1994 for a diverse group of citizens who have:

• A demonstrated ability to achieve personal goals
• Availability of time and resources for effective community service
• A demonstrated personal commitment to the community and society as a whole

Program Topics

• Team Initiatives & Team Building
• Personality Styles – DiSC Training
• Change Management
• Volunteerism/Social Services/VW County History
• Conflict Resolution
• FISH! Philosophy
• Project Management
• 5S Methodology
• Ethics & Leadership
• Local Government, Industry & Facility Tours

Tuition

Individuals are sponsored by their business or organization, or may nominate themselves.  Tuition for the program is $400 per participant and traditionally is paid by the participant's employer, business or sponsoring organization. Scholarships are available to qualifying participants.

Committment

Participants are expected to make a commitment to the Van Wert County   Leadership Program.  Participants who miss more than two of the class days may be excused from the program.  Participants are also expected to work on a community project. Absences or lack of participation in any part of the program may result in a participant leaving the program or making up absences the following year. 

Board Participation

Participants will be matched up with a local community non-profit Board of Directors.  During the class year they will attend 2 board meetings with their selected board and will give a brief report on their experience to the class.  This is a mandatory part of the program. 

What's being said about leadership Van Wert...

Suzie Grimes, First Federal Savings & Loan
“The Leadership class was a wonderful experience!  Not only did I learn many valuable leadership skills, but I was able to put them to the test in various projects.  I also got an inside look at how several local businesses work and what services they provide.  I took away many lessons that I use on a daily basis while forming great friendships in the process.  I highly recommend to all who are interested!” -Class of 2009