UNION COUNTY - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
A Program for Emerging Leaders

Beginning in 2004, the Union County Leadership Institute has offered countless professionals an experience of hands on education and networking

The program has five main objectives:

Exposure to key issues affecting residents and businesses in Union County
Exposure to influential leaders in business and government in Union County
Networking and building relationships with 25 professionals throughout the ten month class
Hands on education and experiences through planning a class session and completing a quality of life research project
Increase knowledge of leadership traits and identifying personal leadership styles

Leadership Students should have high standards of personal quality and integrity, respect, responsibility, reliability and a sincere interest in community issues.

Throughout the ten month program, Leadership Students are empowered to be an integral part of the class day planning process and, therefore, enabled to be visionary and active leaders in the community as they explore critical issues with knowledgeable speakers, effective facilitators and a variety of experimental activities. Leadership Students are also required to complete a community-directed research project aimed at affecting the quality of life in Union County

SELECTION

The Union County Leadership Institute solicits applications from all Chamber members and their associates. Nominations are received and Leadership Students are selected on their own merits through the application process conducted by the Leadership Institute Selection Committee. The class meets on the first Thursday of each month, beginning in September, to discuss critical issues and topics as well as leadership skill-building through the program’s completion in May

ELIGIBILITY

The Leadership Institute Selection Committee looks for several qualities in potential students. In order to be selected, applicants must: Be in positions of responsibility, such as managers, supervisors, directors, business owners, etc. – Demonstrate a sincere interest in community issues and a willingness to serve the community – Show a record of achievement or interest in community activities which indicate his/her leadership ability – Live or work in Union County and intend to remain so in the foreseeable future.

A diligent effort will be made to select class members who represent a cross section of Chamber businesses; it is this business, geographic and demographic diversity among class members that generates much of the meaningful personal interaction and personal learning in the leadership program

DIRECTOR

Robert (Bob) L. Whitman is the Director of the Leadership Institute.

Bob was born, reared and educated in LaRue, Ohio. Bob is the past Director of Chamber Programs and Membership of the Union County Chamber of Commerce in Marysville, Ohio.

A retired school superintendent of 24 years, Bob received his B.S. and M.A. degrees from the Ohio State University and his Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University.

A retired school superintendent of 24 years, Bob received his B.S. and M.A. degrees from the Ohio State University and his Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University.

Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in research and writing. Books he has written include Planning, Promoting and Passing School Tax Issues, A Resource Manual for School Levy Campaign Leaders and Jim Thorpe and the Oorang Indians: The NFL’s Most Colorful Franchise, and Jim Thorpe: Athlete of The Century.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do I need to live in Union County to participate?
A: One of the goals of the Leadership Institute is to raise leaders who will invest back into our community; therefore, all Leadership Students must live OR work in Union County and intend to remain so in the foreseeable future.

Q: Who should participate in the Leadership Institute?
A: Our desire is to build capacities of 21st-century leaders. Leadership Students will greatly expand their knowledge and understanding of Union County and will learn how to utilize their leadership skills by getting involved in the community. Students will participate, and organize, classes where you will learn more about your own leadership skills, as well as meet influential community leaders, learn about the government and school systems and greatly expand your personal and professional network.

Q: What if I have scheduling conflicts during some of the sessions? Should I still apply?
A: Absolutely! While attendance and participation are critically important, we also understand Leadership Students have commitments that may take priority throughout the 10-month program. Scheduling conflicts should be addressed with the Leadership Institute Selection Committee during the application process.

Q: What does the program cost?
A: The total cost of the Leadership Institute is $750. Checks are to be made payable to the Union County Chamber of Commerce, attn.: Leadership Institute and should be mailed to 227 E. 5th St., Marysville OH 43040. Full payment must be received by orientation in August.

“Excellent team-building experience builds social interaction (friends) with other like-minded individuals, it helps build a networking platform and provides an introduction to community leaders. You will be asked to take on leadership roles in the community and most importantly, it builds confidence, confidence, and confidence!”

“I would definitely recommend participation in Union County’s Leadership Institute! The highlight of the Institute is the networking and meeting other leaders in Union County. I’ve made contacts that I regularly call upon and having that support is invaluable.”

“I would highly recommend individuals participate in the Union County Leadership Institute if they are truly interested in engaging in the county. Participants learn about the inner workings of government as well as discover what Union County is all about.”

“My experience with the Leadership Institute was a positive one and I would recommend attending. You get to learn more about our community and get acquainted with others in leadership roles from other businesses/organizations in Union County.”

“I would encourage anyone to participate in the Leadership Institute Class, it is a great experience. It’s an opportunity to network with others in the community, a chance to hear various presenters talk about their business they work for, what they do, and how their business benefits our community both locally and beyond. As with anything, there areQA going to be both positives and negatives, we just hope that the positive outweighs the negative.”

“I would definitely recommend the Leadership Institute. I got to know a lot of great people and learned about the inner workings of the city and county on a variety of topics. I would definitely recommend it. I also was the first class to go through the fire training and that was a blast!”

PAST LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE GRADUATES

2019-2020 Graduates

Baker, Craig	Beals, Nancy	Burd, Jessica	Cain, Jessica	Clark, Jamie	Clarridge, Melissa	Farmer, Justin	Fritz, Chad	Gardner, Dan	Haynes, Ginger	Heard, Teri	Jones, Kristen	Mayse, Mandi	McCartney, Kate	Millhoan, Pamela	Nelson, Ashlei	Russell, Jason	Salapata, Samantha	Schultz, Adam	Silva, Linda	Spain, Julie	Todd, Ron	Warnock, Cayla	Zeek, John

2018-2019 Graduates

Bowsher, Nick	Brake, David	Bresson, Paul	Davidson, Bryan	Dejarnette, Mel	Feucht, Kyle	Gindlesberger, Tasha	Goins, Kyle	Heminger, Kim	Hoyng, Kyle	Johnson, Alexis	Justice, Michael	Mickens, Laura	Niccolini, Debra	Potridge, Kris	Seeberg, Chad	Sigrist, Stephanie	Spain, Betsy	Sperrazza, Dominic	Stephens, Amy	Stevens, Joni	Stoppa, Cindy	Wallace, Cassandra	Wever, Rebecca	Xiong, Shiping

2017-2018 Graduates

Bowsher, Nick	Brake, David	Bresson, Paul	Davidson, Bryan	Dejarnette, Mel	Feucht, Kyle	Gindlesberger, Tasha	Goins, Kyle	Heminger, Kim	Hoyng, Kyle	Johnson, Alexis	Justice, Michael	Mickens, Laura	Niccolini, Debra	Potridge, Kris	Seeberg, Chad	Sigrist, Stephanie	Spain, Betsy	Sperrazza, Dominic	Stephens, Amy	Stevens, Joni	Stoppa, Cindy	Wallace, Cassandra	Wever, Rebecca	Xiong, Shiping

2016-2017 Graduates

Anderson, Bethany	Barr, Anne	Bemiller, Brian	Bishop, Andrew	Bosch, Alicia	Bott, Corrie	Cohn, Chad	Devine, Paul	Flowers, Chad	Harper, Tonia	Hixson, Cory	Keith, Pam	Maine, Tara	McHattie, Kenneth	McKinnon, Stephanie	Michael, Beau	Porter, Arlene	Sachs, Nate	Spires, Brian	Thompson, Ashley	Thrush, Jennifer	Walters, Jason	Ware, Sue	Zweizig, Holly

2015-2016 Graduates

Alexander, Janell	Atkins, Philip	Behrens, Roberta	Berbee, Bob	Boyer, Ashley	Bugg, Ashley	Frisch, Jeffery	Hardbarger, Ashley	Krutowskis, Anna	Lambert, Jessica	LaMendola, Sue	Langhals, Jonathan	Morris, Amanda	Norman, Chris	North-Thompson, Tammy	Nowels, Nieca	Partee, Lindsay	Sattler, Barbara	Scott, Leesa	Utt, Matt

2014-2015 Graduates

Andrako, Mike	Brooks, Tony	Broomstra, Susan	Bruce, Darlene	Champman, Joe	Clayton, Tricia	Cogar, Jim	Colwell, Megan	Cook, Aaron	Deverse, Jessica	Eley, Amanda	Gruber, Abby	Johnston, Cody	Markham, Teresa	Poling, Nathan	Seeber, Sarah	Stidam, Amanda	Tarney, Erin	Will, Anthony	Winter, Brian	Warner, Roberta

2013-2014 Graduates

Bibart, Rob	Brown, Kara	Bush, Amy	Calvert, Amber	Chapman, Tom	Chavarria, Jenny	Collins, Evie	Damask, Jim	Delauter, David	Garrett-Schwyn, Ashley	Gilbert, Brad	Hamilton, Amy	Hassinger, Marilyn	Maxwell, Angela	Michelson, Ryan	Patton, Jamie	Puckett, Kim	Ritter, Cindy	Scalf-Leber, Stephanie	Spain, Bo	Spellman, Susan	Vollrath, Benjamin	Weakley, Kent	Witt, Inge	Wolfe, Jeannie

2012-2013 Graduates

Beebe, Melinda	Lassiter, Doug	Lassiter, Betty	Burns, Nathan	Breckenridge, Sean	Reser, Shelly	Ridley, Matt	Stringfellow, Drew	Mercer, Michele	Davis, Emily	Johnson, Nate	Dawson, Tim	Altizer, Lindsay	Branstiter, Wade	Knotts, Tina	Dreiseidel, Marcia	See, Andrea	Burns, Barb	Smith, Ryan

2011-2012 Graduates

No Content

2010-2011 Graduates

Allen, Seth	Amett, Aric	Baird, Mike	Balch, Rick	Belville, Terri	Brubaker, Jeniffer	Buerk, Phillip	Hammer, Duane	Hoyt, Jeremy	Jones, Alexandria	Lee, Tiffany	Mason, Corry	McClintock, Robert	Narducci, Bill	Obenour, Kathryn	Palivoda, Tory	Smarra, Andrew	Scheiderer, Carol	Scroggins, Jamie	Tabor, Wendy	Trianfro, Jr., Victor	Watson, Candace	Weaver, Andrea	Wood, Tiffany

2009-2010 Graduates

Baldwin, Stephen	Bezusko, Carrie	Bosch, Dan	Bugg, Ryan	Clark, Brian	Connolly, John	Cramer, Deb	Crawford, Deborah	Decot, Lisa	Fairchild, Nina	Focht, Lynnette	Gleeson, David	Higinbotham, Amy	Holschulte, Josh	Kemp, Jackie	Koschalk, Kyle	Kruse, Lyle	Maruskin, Scott	Mudgett, Heather	Nicol, Glen	Patterson, Lorli	Perkins, Todd	Plank, Dani	Rapp, Sandy	Sech, Shawn	VanDyke, Steve	Wellman, Lisa

2008-2009 Graduates

Anderson, Michele	Ballenger, Andy	Benson, Katie	Dietsch, Kathy	Douglas, Dick	Goddard, Rod	Greenway, Tim	Hanlon-Stolte, Mardy	Johnson, Beth	Keifer, Eric	Maruniak, Scott	McQuade, Brett	Michalak, Laura	Morgan, Tom	Purcell, Jonee	Reigle, Linda	Riley, Jay	Rock, Brenda	Smith, Anthony	Stanford, Jason	Steele, Carla

2007-2008 Graduates

Ball, Brian	Ball, Donna	Burtch, Sheryl	DeLong, Greg	Eley, Phil	England, Christopher	Gehres, Brian	Given, Carrie	Golden, Doug	Kontos, Kim	Nevil-English, Charlene	Page, Cortney	Phillips, Dave	Rose, Mike	Schaner, Debra	Shelton, Deb	Slattman, Robin	Wilson, Kim	Wills, Tai

2006-2007 Graduates

Applegate, Dr. David	Aquillo, Mike	Baetz, Nedra	Bezusko, Dave	Chrispin, Matt	Clase, Joe	Cox, Jim	Dostanko, Brian	Hill, Tina	Irwin, Sue	Kannally, Tim	Mangine, Ellen	Miller, Kim	Moore, Randy	Nelson, Rocky	Oetker, Cathy	Priday, Andy	Ravencraft, Brian	Sayers, Chris	Sellers, Leah	Smith, Brooke	Wieringa, Emily	Wirtz, Jeff	Zani, Carl	Ziegler, Melanie

2005-2006 Graduates

Ahern, Bob	Boerger, Patty	Clark, Christy	Comstock, Jason	Conklin, Gary	Cooper, Charita	Cox, Faye	Ehlers, Jeff	Finney, Rachel	Fisher, Spence	Gandre, Harry	Golden, Floyd	Krewson, Glen	McDonnell, Ryan	Orcena, Jason	Page, Mareva Lee	Pond, Ellen	Sampsel, Mary	Severn, Patricia	Smith, Stephen	Speicher, David	Wirtz, Carman	Ziegler, Jeffrey	Zumwalde, Suzanne

2004-2005 Graduates

Banks, Sue	Bauman, Adam	Behrens, Kevin	Bowers, Trent	Camron, Marilee	Commings, Bob	Conklin, Nancy	Cooper, Patrick	Daberkow, Suzanne	Duke, Joe	Franke, Chris	Haverkamp, Jacqueline	Hiss, Robert	Holt, Ellen	House, Kathy	Jacques, Marian	Marsh, Shari	Sattler, Charles	Schulze, Dennis	Smith, Evan	Stanley, Rebecca	Stauch, Jeff	Tremmel, Martin	Williams, Pat	Winkle, Randy

PAST LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE RESEARCH PROJECTS

10 Lesson Plan for Teaching Leadership to Elementary Students

A Canoe Livery Proposal for Big Darby in Union County

A Proposal for a Youth Center in Union County

Advantages and disadvantages of a dog park

An Orientation Program for New Students in the Marysville Exempted Village School District

Chamber of Commerce’s Comparative Analysis

Children Cell Phone Use

Exploration of Workforce Development Activities Among Service Providers

Financial preparedness for post-secondary education in Union County

Guide for Healthy Eating in Union County

Heart of the City Walk

How & Where do Residents Receive News and Information in Union County

How Marysville Relates to Commuters and Vice Versa

It Takes A Village

Jerome Township Brochures

Leadership Survey Presentation Resident vs. Non Resident

Logistics of Opening a Gun Range in Union County

Marysville Schools Quick Guide for Parents & Guardians Program

Memories of the Past Plain City

The Im-Balance of Nature in Union County

Need for Pediatric Respite Service in Union County

Ohio Historical Marker Program

Operation Feed Union County

Pamphlet for Richwood Visitors

Partnership between Union County Leadership & Union County Business Education

Preserve America Designation

Proposal for exploring different sites to relocate the Union County Airport

Scholarship Essay Contest

Summer Activities Guide for Youth in Union County

Survey of Employee Training Program

Test Pilot Volunteer Program for East Elementary

Two Grant Approvals for Historical Markers in Union County

Union County Covered Bridge Tour DVD

Union County Heritage Brochure

Video of the History of Magnetic Springs

Volunteer Leadership Opportunities Brochure

Volunteer Resources in Union County

Wellness Program for Businesses

The Union County Chamber of Commerce, Union County-Marysville Economic Development Partnership, and the Union County Convention and Visitors Bureau shall champion economic development, community improvement, and business viability for the betterment of Union County.

Learn more about Chamber membership and benefits.