Wisconsin Ag Connection - Rural Leadership Program Holds Graduation

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

Rural Leadership Program Holds Graduation
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 07/30/2010

Another 27 individuals have graduated from the Leadership Wisconsin program, formerly known as the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program. According to LW Director Joann Stormer, over 350 individuals have been enrolled in the program since it began in 1983.

"Positions in the Leadership Wisconsin program are highly sought after and the responsibility of leadership is taken very seriously by our alumni," Stormer says. "The program experience provides an opportunity for these men and women to join an extensive state wide network of leaders who work to make a real difference in Wisconsin."

The program helps teach its participants how to be better decision-makers that are well-informed, ready and able to shape the future of Wisconsin through a two-year training program.

This year's graduating class includes Lois Albrecht, Bayfield; Kathy Baumeister, Burlington; Christine Berry, White Lake; Robert Carlson, Stoughton; Heidi Clausen, Clayton; Heidi Dobbs, Wisconsin Rapids; Shaun Duvall, Alma; Linda George, Birchwood; Gary Gwidt, Mequon; Marcia Haase, Beaver Dam; Tom Hunt, Ridgeway; Angela Kinderman, Oregon; Karen King, Oshkosh; Mike Kornmann, Webster; Jackie Merkel, Appleton; Carolyn Michalski, Schofield; Mike Otten, Wausau; Juanita Peck, Altoona; Mary Rehwald, Ashland; Heidi Roekle, Friendship; Laurie Schammel, Madison; Rhonda Strebel, Shawano; Charles Wachsmuth, Eau Claire; Ed Wieners, Burlington; Jim Winkler, Rhinelander; Jim Zahn, Juneau; Jason Zilisch, Amherst.

Graduating members were able to participate in eight Wisconsin seminars dealing with topics such as environmental issues, technology, state government, diversity, global economics, urban issues, tensions between individual and community issues, and leadership. Participants also spent one week in Washington, DC examining energy issues, one week delving into education, poverty and diversity issues and 15 days in a different country to better understand their economic, political, cultural, and social structures of these nations.