Team building was the first session for all twenty members of the Leadership Shawano County (LSC) class. The day is spent getting to know each other through team challenges and exercises directed by a facilitator from Team Leadership in Sturgeon Bay.
     The class learned about the Matrixx System. Through this exercise, each member learns what "color" they are and are given a better understanding of their unique personality style which helps them to understand and work better with others.

     The complexity of area planning was a topic discussed in a topic called “Land Use Changes as Communities Change” by a Shawano County Planning Department employee. In some cases you have state, county and township governments all involved in the same land use decisions.
     A tour of Green Valley Dairy was viewed as an example of closed-loop manufacturing; a trend originating in Europe and is gaining popularity in the U.S. From seed to feed to milk production to using waste in a methane digester for separation of by-products for bedding, fertilizer and a source of energy is what we viewed as an example of closed-loop manufacturing
    The topic of running an effective meeting and making consensus decisions was put into practice when determining the class projects. As part of the curriculum for LSC; each class member is required to participate in a group/community based project. An informal community needs assessment is done by the class. A list of needs and services is created and the process of consensus begins. Through process of elimination; the class ultimately determines what group projects they will work on during the remainder of the program.

     We cover the important skill of public speaking. LSC participants were asked to prepare a three minute speech on any topic they chose. The speeches were presented in front of a Green Bay Toastmaster representative. Instead of being intimidated, the exercise brought out excellent tips on how to become a better presenter.
     We had a presentation from the Mayor of Shawano and City Administrator on issues relating to the City of Shawano. The Administrative Coordinator from Shawano County was on hand to discuss current issues relating to Shawano County.
     A representative from the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans presented an overview of Tribal Government and explained the differences and uniqueness in tribal government.
     A local judge visited with the group are shared some interesting stories about being a Circuit Judge in Shawano County since 1978. The day ended with a tour of the Shawano County Jail where we were taken step by step though the incarceration process.

      Business Ethics and What It Takes to be an Entrepreneur were the first two topics covered by respected local businessmen. Common threads in each of these presentations include believing in your product, having passion for what you do, doing the right thing for your customer and not putting yourself above your employees. Much was learned from talking to these experienced businessmen.
     A representative from the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce discussed Tourism as a form of Economic Development.
     We invited three area business people involved in different aspects of agriculture to be available for an Agriculture Panel discussion. From seed to feed to dairy and beef products, we learned how all of these businesses depend on one another and we understood what a impact agriculture has on our local economy.
    

     The day started with a tour of the College of Menominee Nation to see their ever expanded campus with state-of-the-art classrooms and access to distance learning classes. This college is available to people both on and off the Menominee Reservation.
     Representative from the Shawano School District discussed funding and programming available through the Shawano School District. Community Education and all of their educational programs are created based on requests from community members. If you have a skill and want to share it with others, the Community Education program may turn it into a class for the community to participate in.
     Have you ever wondered why it is difficult to communicate with people from other generations? Each generation has unique values, work ethics and learning styles. Understanding these differences and learning what approach to use can help you communicate with a multi-generational work force. Covering the topic “Communicating Across Generations” helped us to become more understanding when faced with generational differences. We were all high school students once and we remember what it was like to be a teen. LSC organized a Youth Action Panel with area high school students to hear their opinions. Together they expressed their hopes for the future, the issues confronting them today and their desire to have a safe and fun place to “just hang out” and be with their friends. One of the class projects was created as a result of listening to our area youth!

     Homme Youth and Family Programs in Wittenberg is our host for the day. The training coordinator talked about diversity being the differences we recognize in ourselves and others. Ideally we should respect differences until the difference doesn't matter anymore. We need to capitalize on each others strengths as business widens the range of nationalities and languages. Diversity is variety and there is much to learn from one another.
     Stress management is a topic we all have an interest in and managing it seems to be a secret we all want to know. Stress is wear and tear on our bodies as we adjust to our continually changing environment. It has physical and emotional effects which can create positive or negative feelings. Our goal is to get our bodies in balance; we need to find a proper level of stress in order to function in a healthy way.
     The topic moved us is the overview of programs available to troubled youth at Homme Youth and Family Programs. The extent of what these children have gone though is really hard to imagine. Living through cycles of violence both to others and themselves is all they understand. This facility provides a safe environment for them to live, educates them, and helps to rehabilitate them so they might go on to live productive lives. It is an extraordinary group of talented individuals who make a difference in the lives of these children.
    The session ended with a Poverty Case Study where real situations of people in poverty were given to certain groups in the class. It was their job to pick up the phone and call around our community to find services to help people in need. It took little time to see the reality; receiving public assistance takes time and often there are no simple solutions.

     The class traveled to our State Capitol in Madison for the day. We begin with a tour of the architecturally stunning State Capitol with a history review.
     A representative from the Wisconsin Legislative Council shared with us how to effectively participate in a legislative committee hearing. He had a way of simplifying the process and explaining that anyone who has an issue can bring it forward to the legislature. Your voice does matter!
     We invited speakers to speak on both sides of the Smoking Ban issue and the Proposed Change in Minimum Wage. What is interesting is; we come with preconceived ideas and beliefs; but after hearing some convincing arguments on both sides; the prerogative we have is to change our minds.

     We started our day at Shawawno Medical Center to get a look at the newe direction of SMC. The Riverside Clinic is complete and it is a stunner. Their “Planetree” concept comes out in their choice of natural materials, soft lighting and a cozy fireplace in the lobby. It is hard to overlook the common areas but the private exam rooms are equally well appointed and functional.
     The afternoon was hosted by ThedaCare Physicians which has been in our community since 1992. Their beautiful new clinic was opened two years ago. When designing the new building; they took suggestions from a community advisory board to provide services people were looking for, which were more services under one roof. This led to the new Ambulatory Care Center which provides integrated primary care and multi-specialty outpatient services.
     We took a turn from conventional medicine to hear Elder Dave Besaw speak about medicinal herbs. Dave learned about medicinal herbs from his mother who in turn learned it from her mother. Dave is the third generation in his family to heal people with medicinal remedies; his niece is currently his protégé. Indian healing is done on a natural level.

     The day starts will a segment on business etiquette. As our society gets more casual, it seems the rules are changing? There are still some rules of etiquette that are good business practice. These rules and suggestions are shared with the class.
     More and more organizations and clubs rely on volunteers to make their programs work. We talked about how to recruit the right volunteers and more importantly; how to keep them. Leadership Though Authenticity and Passion is our final topic. We discuss the “Laws of Leadership,” reinforce basic fundamentals and focus on communication through listening.
     In advance; the group has done some individual goal setting. We share these goals and encouraging everyone to use their time and talent for the betterment of our community!