Leadership puts
the pieces together
to build community
By Trevor Wendzonka | Chamber Staff
The results of the Greater Elkhart
Chamber’s Leadership Academy are not
surprising. These participating people,
after all, are the ones who will spend
their careers guiding businesses and
organizations.
It takes just the right mix, though,
to make sure they maximize their
capabilities.
“Each year, we’re able to show them
something that touches them, that clicks
within them and brings out something
special. No matter how good we think we
are at spotting potential, to see them tap
into it is phenomenal,” says Cien Asoera,
chair of the Leadership Council. “I liken
it to what happens with a kid in school.
With just the right situation and the right
mentors, you can make all the difference
in his or her life.”
Leadership Academy takes place in
three segments. In the community piece,
participants learn about the challenges
facing the area and identify groups
a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second Wednesday
deserving attention. Next, the group will
of each month through April, and a
develop skills in problem resolution,
communication and decision making. The community luncheon is conducted each
May to celebrate the work accomplished.
last three months, then, are dedicated to
Asoera says the Leadership Academy
putting those pieces together to accomplish
always has been embraced by the finance
goals and help the community.
and banking sectors and other companies
Participation doesn’t end with
placing focus on customer service. He
graduation, as individuals stay involved
said the Chamber and council have
with not-for-profit organizations by
serving as volunteers and board members. been working to expand the reach into
manufacturing and other segments
“That’s really critical,” Asoera says. “I
see that the generation before us … a lot of because of the strong impact it can have on
organizational management.
them are only here part-time now and are
moving toward retirement. To me, I
see that as the responsibility to help
share the load, get more involved,
and move our community forward.
“Great organizations have
succession plans. We’re building
The Leadership Academy is entering its 26th
one for our community.”
year. For more information, contact Denise
This year’s Academy starts
Polachek at the Chamber, (574) 293-1531 or
with orientation on Aug. 28 and
the overnight retreat Sept. 11-12. [email protected].
Generally, sessions are from 8
Wish list: Downtown’s potential
The SoMa vision has many levels to encourage more people to
live, work and play in downtown Elkhart. One o f the critical aspects
is greater promotion, involvement and oversight of real estate
management.
An estimated 100 different property owners have investments
downtown – an independent authority can help connect prospective
uses with buildings, ensure space is tenable, and make investments to
ensure continued growth.
We’re waiting to see how much, if any, public funds may be
necessary to lift this idea off the ground, but greater coordination is
good theory and keeps our downtown moving forward.
6 GREATER ELKHART CHAMBER