Emerging and established community leaders can learn to identify and build on their community’s assets and network with local leaders at West Virginia University Extension Service’s annual Community Leadership Academy, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, at Lakeview Resort in Morgantown.
“Think Creatively – Connect Resourcefully” is the theme of the 2015 conference, which seeks to address community issues from a fresh perspective and connect leaders with the resources they need to advance their communities.
A full schedule of courses and access to online registration is available at www.cla-wv.org. The cost is $225 per person for the three-day event. Student and group discount rates are available. Deadline to register is Monday, Sept. 21.
The Academy provides community leaders with a solid foundation in public organizational and financial management. Topics emphasize enhancing personal leadership skills and providing an understanding of current, complex issues affecting communities.
“It’s so common for us to find community members who want to see their communities advance but may not have the skills or resources needed to lead that charge,” said Kelly Nix, WVU Extension Service Community Leadership specialist.
“The Academy offers a variety of educational opportunities to help individuals develop their leadership skills and the know-how required to drive civic advancement.”
Nix said that the conference’s learning objectives include community economic strategy, collaboration, local government and leadership.
The sessions are designed to be of interest for city and county officials, volunteer leaders, Main Street program participants, Chamber of Commerce representatives, local business owners and members of local boards and commissions. Students and young professionals interested in taking a future leadership role in their community are also encouraged to attend.
In addition to discussion opportunities throughout the conference, attendees can participate in a structured networking session on Wednesday, Sept. 30, following a presentation by WVU President E. Gordon Gee.
Speakers include experts like Dan Gallagher, a business professional with 20 years of experience in leadership and development roles with organizations such as Comcast, Commerce Bank, Hay Group and Saint Joseph’s University.
Also presenting will be Amy Shuler Goodwin, commissioner of tourism for the state of West Virginia, Natalie Roper, executive director of Generation West Virginia, and Stephen Smith, executive director of the West Virginia Healthy Kids and Families Coalition, among dozens more.
The Academy is organized by WVU Extension Service’s Community Resources and Economic Development program, which strives to provide educational programs and technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of citizens and organizations throughout the state of West Virginia.
The Community Leadership Academy has been approved for 14 hours of Local Economic Development credit by the West Virginia Economic Development Council.
WVU Extension Service’s local experts work to help improve the lifestyles and well-being of workforces, communities and businesses through trusted research in the counties in which they serve.
To learn more about the conference, contact Robin Frost, WVU Extension program coordinator, at 304-293-4318, or e-mail robin.frost@mail.wvu.edu.
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CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Thomas@mail.wvu.edu
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