What: A leadership program designed to enable candidates to learn about Waseca area resources, values, strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. A learning experience geared toward providing an in-depth look at key elements of the community; agriculture, education, government, economic development, healthcare, public safety, quality of life/ diversity. This program will provide opportunities for candidates to exchange ideas, build networks and begin the process of identifying and solving important community issues.

Who: A pool of candidates who are current or prospective leaders in the Waseca area Candidates are drawn from business, industry, education, public and private agencies, civic groups, and virtually all other facets of the professional community. Class size will be limited.

Program Development: A Waseca Area Chamber designated “Leadership Advisory Committee” oversees the development of the LEADERSHIP Program. Riverland Community College and the Chamber will assist with individual seminar curriculum development in cooperation with designated day leaders. Curriculum was designed and provided to Riverland Community College by Jim Krile, retired Director of Community Leadership Programs for the Blandin Foundation. Jim served as administrator of the nationally recognized Blandin Community Leadership Program.

Where: This program was encouraged by city, school, and county leaders for the chamber to coordinate and design a leadership program . The chamber, in cooperation with Riverland Community College and its Training and Development Division will collaborate on the key elements. All sessions are facilitated locally and focus on topics directly affecting our community.

Why: To develop candidate knowledge and understanding of the community’s assets, complexities and potential. To provide an opportunity for participants to meet and exchange ideas with each other and current community leaders. To develop leadership skills through classroom instruction, interactive exercises and small group discussion. The intent is to motivate and encourage participants to assume individual leadership roles in community affairs.

How: A series of topical seminars and tours held over a nine month period and conducted by local and regional professionals. Area leaders volunteer their time to raise awareness to the assets and opportunities of the community by providing an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at key elements. Speakers will nurture leadership development by leading discussions that integrate community information through dialogue, interactive exercise and small group discussion.