New Program Develops Local Community Leaders

Developing the next generation of community leaders is one of the goals behind the new Leadership Holdrege program.

“We want to prepare the next generation of leaders to serve and encourage people who come through this program to seek out leadership opportunities, either elected or volunteer based opportunities in our community,” said Ron Tillery, PCDC Executive Director.

The Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce’s leadership committee has taken the lead on organizing the program with help from area partners, including the Phelps County Development Corporation and Central Community College. In addition to providing staff assistance, PCDC will also be a sponsor for the new program. Other sponsors include Nebraska Public Power District and Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District.

The mission statement for the program is to inspire, connect, educate and engage leaders within Phelps County today to make a stronger impact in the workplace and community for tomorrow.

The six-month program will include monthly one-day training sessions and a two-day retreat in Grand Island. The six sessions are as follows:

1. Gallup Strength Finders and Leadership Training retreat in Grand Island
2. Government, including a mock City Council activity
3. Education and community investment, including How to Fund Raise 101
4. Industry and agriculture, including on-site tours
5. Natural resources, including a Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District water tour
6. Economic development, medical and business

The class will include speakers from the local community and from across the state.

The Leadership Holdrege program will begin taking applications starting September 25, 2019, and 12 participants will be selected for the first class. Candidates will be selected at the beginning of November, and classes begin in December. A tuition fee of $800 will be assessed with a discount rate to employees of chamber members, and participants’ employers must give their permission for the individual to participate to ensure attendance.

Tillery said these types of leadership programs have been successful in other communities and have encouraged growth in leadership and growth in the community as a whole.

“What we’ve seen with these types of programs is these people get connected and bonded as a networking group and after a few years, you have a nice base of alums that can collectively take on projects in a community,” Tillery said.

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