LEADERSHIP LINK NOW IN OUR 36th YEAR SIGNATURE OPENING RETREAT PROVIDES A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
from Stephanie Snow Werren, Leadership Stark County Director
T
his year for the first time, the group met in Stark County at the Hilton
Doubletree. Class members were impressed with the amenities as it provided a great space for the retreat. Beyond the normal team building and networking that is expected to build strong group dynamics, the class also learned of Canton’s past from John Werren, discovered their personal strengths through a certified Gallup training and how to utilize them to their fullest potential. Understanding the demographics of our community are also important when serving on a board, so time was spent understanding community needs through demographics. Additional time was devoted to the topic of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity facilitated by 35th class member Krista Allison which will continue throughout the year. A strong foundation of knowledge, friendships and trust began during this retreat for these individuals which they will use as they work together in this next year and beyond. Here are a few thoughts from our class members about the opening retreat ...
“I am excited to be part of the 36th Class of the Leadership Stark County Signature Program. The retreat served as a great overview of the learning opportunities I will experience throughout the coming year. I appreciated the time devoted to better understanding my own strengths and their impact on me as a leader. I also enjoyed collaborating with my classmates and getting to know them professionally and personally. I am already eager to meet back with the group next month to learn more about our wonderful community and the many resources available to the residents of Stark County.” – Dan Lowmiller
FALL 2022
“As a newer leader in Stark County, I was excited to be selected to be a part of the Signature program, but unsure of what to expect, as throughout my career, I have been involved in many different leadership training opportunities. From entering the retreat and over the two days, it is already obvious this is going to be something very special. I found myself thinking differently as I learned about my strengths and the strengths of my peers, all while also discovering things about Stark County that I never knew. I also connected with others in my class far faster than I would have imagined and found myself being transparent and leaning on others for advice and clarity. It is clear this is going to be an experience that is going to affect me positively professionally and personally, and I can’t wait to continue to grow and learn as we proceed through this program and process! – Julie Abiecunas (continued on page 13)
JOB & OPPORTUNITIES BOARD ....................... PAGE 7
INSIDE: YLA OPENING RETREAT ...................................... PAGE 3 YOUNGPRO CONFERENCE ...................................... PAGE 5
BOOK REVIEW ......... PAGE 7 KRISTINA’S ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ......... PAGE 9 THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF A BEST FRIEND AT WORK... PAGE 9 KEY DATES TO REMEMBER .................................... PAGE 13
Leadership Stark County is a department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.