Leadership class is selected
Marion County Economic Development Council and Leadership Marion County board of directors has announced Leadership Marion County class of 2005 has been selected.
The class began training in leadership development Thursday at Burns.
Class members are Sgt. Bruce Burke, Peabody Police Department; Sue Klassen, Florence postmaster; Byron Noeth, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Tampa; Melissa Parmley, Hoch Publishing Co., Inc., Marion; Rickey Roberts, Marion County Extension agent, Hillsboro; Jim Herzet, acting road and bridge supervisor for Marion County; and Jackie Rice, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Marion County.
Each of the seven class sessions are held in various areas of the county and includes leadership skills development. Class participants learn how to lead a group to perform effectively through vision, consensus, teamwork, and collaboration.
At the opening retreat, class members were presented with the concept of servant leadership, an overview and expected outcomes of the program, and learning styles as leadership tools.
A vision for Marion County was discussed.
The class heard briefly about a project they will develop through the year. The project is made possible by a grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, with the stipulation the project has a positive impact on Marion County youth and families. The project is seen as the "lab" of the class, and is chosen, planned, and implemented by the class members.
The class of 2004 was the first Leadership Marion County class to plan a project. The project, "GO Marion County," the great outdoors family fun day in June at Marion Reservoir.
Class members completed the leadership program, but continue to work on the project, planning a variety of games, activities, snacks, and lessons free to the youth and families of Marion County.
The retreat Thursday was hosted and facilitated by Leadership Marion County board members.
The group enjoyed lunch at Burns Café and a brief tour of downtown Burns.
Carolyn Koehn told stories of Burns history and highlighted recent projects and accomplishments including the volunteer-built community center where the retreat was held.
The next session will be in March and includes a trip to Topeka to tour the state Capitol and meet with elected officials.
Leadership Marion County board of trustees selects class participants and develops curriculum and agendas. Trustees are chairman, Joanna Brazil, Peabody; vice chairman, Jim Elliott, Hillsboro; secretary, Elise Brunhoeber, Burns; Steve Garrett, Hillsboro; Racquel Thiesen, Goessel; Sarah Cope, Florence; Carolyn Koehn, Burns; Tina Groening, Marion; and Darryl Thiesen, Goessel.
