Delta County Area Chamber of Commerce

Minding our own business for January, 2005

DELTA COUNTY ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE

As we accept applications for the 2005 Delta Force community leadership in action program, many people have asked for an update on what kinds of involvements we see from those who completed our first class (2003) now that they’ve been out a year.

Of the 20 individuals chosen to participate in Delta Force some are sent by their work, some by a club or organization that they currently serve, and some apply on their own. We then spend ten months building networks, meeting leaders who exhibit ethical and consistent leadership qualities, and exploring behind-the-scenes the elements and people who drive our community. Participants are then asked to select and become active in the areas of the community that most interest them.

Some of the new activities in which our members have chosen to become involved include:
• Election to the Bay de Noc Community College Board of Trustee
• Coach Rapid River High School 7th Grade Boys' basketball
• Serving on CUP Red Cross Board and Fund Development Committee
• Being a “big” for Big Brothers & Big Sisters
• Joining Jaycees, Greater Federated Women’s Club,
• Becoming a board meeting at Upper Peninsula Partnership for Safety
• Becoming a Delta County Ambassador
• Joining and serving on the board of Escanaba Noon Kiwanis
• Running for and serving Chamber of Commerce board
•Serving as a facilitator for 2004 Delta Force (2)

“I thought I was busy before,” said Geri Nelson, of DTE Energy, “but it is amazing how you can always fit one more thing into your life. I currently have a 9 year old little sister that I see every Sunday. It is surprising what a difference I made in someone's life... She was very quiet and shy at first and now a year later is very talkative, sings how happy she is and learning and going to all sorts of new places she has never been before. After experiencing this, I know that it is all worth it.”

Sometimes, it’s not so much an organization or individual that benefits from participation but the general community. For instance, Laura Kluka, full-time homemaker, reported that she participated in Escanaba’s Community Visioning in October. “Had I not been a Delta Force participant, I doubt that I would have felt confident enough to attend something like that. When I say confident, I mean that I felt educated enough to know how things work within the city government, the different city commissions, and even the private business owner, to know that my perspective is indeed a contribution. “

By nature of being people selected for Delta Force, many participants are already involved to some degree in community service. The following represents just a smattering of areas of continuing involvements:

• M-TEC Advisory Council
• fund raising for YMCA Strong Kids Campaign
• United Way
• Altrusa
• Greater Federated Women’s Club (2)
• Community Action Governing Board
• Walk for Warmth Committee

Taking on increasingly responsible roles within those continuing activities is part of the hope we have for participants. For instance, Eric Lundin has since been promoted to Vice President of Consulting Services with Delcomp/SOFTEK. Stacy Welling became Governor Granholm’s UP representative not long after completing Delta Force. Jessica Gonzales replaced Stacy at OSF St. Francis Hospital.

Laura Kluka, who was sent by the GFWC, comments that she recently took the board position of Publicity Chair. “This position requires my attendance at just about every GFWC event and meeting to photograph the proceedings/ guest speakers/ guests/ etc. To that end, it was very helpful to have visited the Daily Press with Delta Force. Meeting some of the people who work there and gaining a thorough understanding of the time and preparation that goes into each release of the paper, helped me to hit the ground the running upon taking over this position.”

This is just a partial listing of activities and represents less than half of the eighteen members of the Class of 2003. Imagine the list if all of them were included!

As Eric Lundin said, “Delta Force was a huge eye-opener for opportunities that are available in our community. We were provided with a priceless opportunity to meet and experience so many different facets of our community and the people who make them work on a daily basis… Not only did my leadership ability grow, more than anything, my knowledge of how our community functions and the networking opportunities that Delta Force affords its class is invaluable.”

Relationships and commitment to service are so important in a small community. Consider finally what Stacy Welling of the Governor’s office had to say: “And as for the question, am I a different person after Delta Force than before…Yes. I am probably the most changed by the enrichment I gained from leaders and classmates that I got to share the experience with, for I now consider them friends. “

-by Linda Hirvonen, Delta County EDA DIrector

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