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Leadership Polk
Vision
Before 2030 , Polk County will have leadership that drives the partnership with government and citizens to ensure that Polk County is a premiere place to live , learn , work and play
As the only countywide leadership development program in Polk County , Leadership Polk is comprised of individuals who have demonstrated a high level of civic engagement in their local community . Started in 2007 , the program brings together accomplished leaders from across the county with the goal of developing a diverse network of resourceful , informed and proactive visionaries committed to building a more vibrant future for our county .
Over the course of ten months , the program immerses participants in an inspiring and enlightening curriculum that examines critical issues that impact our region . Leadership Polk is timely , topically relevant , dynamic , and exposes participants to a broad range of perspectives through site visits , facilitated conversations and experiential learning . Most importantly , lasting relationships are forged with engaged leaders from across Polk County .
HIGHLIGHTS
293 participants have graduated from the program
13 of the 17 municipalities have been represented
30 business categories have been represented
11 % of participants represent a diverse group of minority population
44 % of program participants have been female
TOP : History , Agriculture and Tourism Day , found the Class visiting Double B Bar Cattle Ranch .
ABOVE : The final Class Day included a Poverty Simulation produced cooperatively by the Polk Vision Quality of Life Team and Polk County Public Schools Hearth Program . The event was opened to include participation from Leadership Polk Alumni together with community and business leaders . This profoundly moving , interactive simulation challenged participants to “ walk a month ” in the shoes of a person living in poverty .
MIDDLE : Class members sporting Duke Energy hard hats as they tour the Osprey Energy Plant in Auburndale .
BOTTOM : When exploring Northeast Polk , Class XI enjoyed an in-depth tour of Maxi Jet in Dundee .