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MINDING OUR OWN BUSINESS November 22, 2003 by Linda Hirvonen Delta County Economic Development Alliance Delta Force In just the first year, Delta Force Leadership Mission has become a widely recognized both as a brand and as a concept. Twenty current and emerging community leaders participated in this intense, year-long training mission with outstanding results. It is now time for new recruits to join the Force. Application deadline is December 15, 2003. The purpose of Delta Force is to introduce and orient new leaders to our community, identify individuals who have displayed strong tendency toward civic involvement and assist them in increasing their potential to become effective community leaders. This program is a series of nine full-day sessions and two evening sessions, so those finishing automatically display the commitment and time management skills needed to become effective and sustainable leaders. The dollar cost is $350, less than half of what such programs cost in other communities. Delta Force organizers are trying very hard to keep this program affordable, since time out of work is already an outstanding commitment on the part of the employers who send their upcoming business leaders or who allow their upcoming community leaders time off work to participate. Objectives include: • Identifying participants in or with the potential to be in leadership positions • Acquainting these leaders with community issues, resources and opportunities • Increasing personal and interpersonal leadership skills • Providing opportunities to network and exchange ideas with each other and community leaders. • Assisting participants in finding volunteer leadership roles • Encouraging graduates to continue their involvement by participating in community service programs. Delta Force 2004 kicks off January 30-31 with opening interpersonal and leadership activities, and then continues through a series of monthly focused sessions in: leadership and community service; economic development; government; justice and law enforcement; environmental awareness; health and human services; and media and communications. Five themes, run throughout the sessions. These “essential elements of leadership” include character, accountability, culture, ethics, and the leadership process. Delta Force requires a commitment of time and energy. Participants are expected to attend every session and there is “homework” between sessions. Participants are also required to establish and follow a personal leadership plan and engage in community service upon completion. This commitment of personal time and energy is what makes candidates such effective leaders. Delta Force enlists only 20 members for each class. For an application package, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 786-2192 or look online at www.deltami.org. Scholarships can be arranged for those with special circumstances. Delta Force was founded by the Chamber of Commerce, the Delta County EDA, Michigan Works!, Daily Press, and Bay College. Facilitators include: Tari Calouette, Deb Doyle, Roger Good, Linda Hirvonen, Kathy Jacobi, Mary Leisner, Vickie Micheau, Holly Peoples, Tom Smithson, Marc Tall and Loren Woerpel. Come Grow with Us in Delta County! Linda A Hirvonen, Executive Director Delta County Economic Development Alliance 230 Ludington Street Escanaba MI 49829 (906) 786-2192 or fax (906) 786-8830 |
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