Melissa Westphal Benefiel
Porter
County Aging & Community Services
Leadership Academy Class 2007
"The Leadership Academy pushed me forward in my pursuit of
local leadership opportunities. Plus, I made some great contacts and
promoted my agency at the same time."
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Kelly
Deal
Steindler Sign Company
Leadership Academy Class 2007
“Being involved in planning the 2008 Academy curriculum was really
exciting because it involved taking a great program and tweaking it to make
it even better.
I am so thankful for the initial work that everyone has put in to create
such a unique program; it allows graduates to come on board to really get
involved by fine tuning an existing program based on their experience with
it.
The 2008 class is an amazing group of people! They are outstanding leaders, and the Leadership Academy has put them in touch with the right people and organizations to enable them to lead this community into the next generation.”
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Troy Kiefer
Hoeppner
Wagner & Evans LLP
Leadership Academy Class 2007
“Being new to Porter County, the Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy gave me
many wonderful opportunities to meet and get to know local community
leaders."
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Diana McMillon
Compass
Financial Advisors
Leadership Academy Class 2006
"I was involved with VNA Hospice and was invited to become
a member of the Hospice Advisory Council. After a year, I was asked to
become a board member of the VNA of Porter County of which I am currently
carrying a three year term. The Leadership Academy taught me a lot about
active involvement in the community and what it means to hold a board
position. I am happy with the non-profit sector I chose to be a part of. It
is very fitting for me on a personal note.”
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Phil Pluister
Burke
Costanza & Cuppy LLP
Leadership Academy Class 2007
“The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy was helpful in many ways. I was
fortunate to make personal and business connections not only with the other
members of my class, but with countless professionals and civil servants
from throughout the community. These people have become friends, mentors,
and sources of business referrals.
The Academy opened my eyes to the numerous opportunities and needs throughout Porter County and the rest of Northwest Indiana. We were exposed to numerous groups, both governmental and non-profit. From the presentations and meetings, we were able to better understand what each organization did and what kind of help they needed.
Before volunteering or applying for a position on the board of directors of an organization, it is important to know what will be expected from you and how to properly discharge your duties. The training sessions we received from experienced volunteers proved invaluable.
More than anything, I enjoyed the personal and professional relationships I developed with the members of the class and with the presenters and mentors that came in to speak with us each session."
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Martin Sonnenberg
Task
Force Tips
Leadership Academy Class 2006
“The Leadership Academy introduced me
to many local charitable and civic agencies that offered an opportunity to
volunteer and give back to the community.
It also enabled me to meet and become acquainted with other business leaders
and volunteers who help to make Valparaiso a great place to work and live.”
JoElla DePra
1st
Source Bank
Leadership Academy Class 2007
"After participating in the Valpo Chamber Leadership
Academy, I realized the importance of networking and relationship building.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with amazing leaders
within our community, as I identified and developed my own leadership
skills. One great outcome from the Academy has been the friendships that
developed and continue to grow.”
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Christine Kostbade
Hilltop
Neighborhood House
Leadership Academy Class 2008
"The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy has provided me
an opportunity to meet many community leaders and become more aware of the
terrific resources and local opportunities.
It has given me a greater understanding of how our public/city sector operates, as well as private, and non-profit agencies. I have made new relationships and feel more confident to get involved in my own community and be a part of the future growth and development of our city.”
Matt Harvey
Anderson
Insurance & Wealth Management, Inc.
Leadership Academy Class 2006
“The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy provides a foundation for community
involvement by connecting future leaders to the organizations seeking their
talents. It is an excellent opportunity for emerging leaders to learn how
their contributions can impact the community.”
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Ethan Lowe
Blachly
Tabor Bozik & Hartman LLP
Leadership Academy Class 2007
“The Leadership Academy provided me with an overview of the ‘ins and outs’
of community involvement. However, first and foremost the Leadership
Academy provided me with an invaluable opportunity to network with other
young professionals in the community.”
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Cliff Malings
Compass Financial Advisors
Leadership Academy Class 2006
"After leaving Valpo in 1989 and returning just three years
ago, I found the Leadership Academy an effective way to getting back into
the community. In a very short time, I was able to meet key leaders; learn
about and have the opportunity to be a part of important community
initiatives; and find the best fit for my skills in a position that serves
the community as well as my own goals.”
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Britta Neinast
United
Way of Porter County
Leadership Academy Class 2008
“The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy increased my knowledge of the
Porter County community and resulted in much stronger connections with so
many great people in the Valparaiso.”
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Vanessa Schnell
Vogelsang Asset Management LLC
Leadership Academy Class of 2008
“The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy brought me together with many of the
important leaders in our community within the public, private, and
non-profit sectors. I was able to connect with these individuals face to
face and really find the right ‘fit’ for my desire to serve the community.
The Leadership Academy is such an asset for the new leaders of the
community.”
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Aco Sikoski
Ivy Tech
Community College
Leadership Academy Class 2008
"Participating in and graduating from the Valpo Chamber
Leadership Academy is a great experience. The process of introducing new
people, learning about the community, and making a decision in which sector
you have a passion to help is what makes me grateful for attending it.
Presently, I serve on the Board of the Macedonian Church. My further plans
are to serve one of the not-for-profit organizations.”
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