“Leadership Shawano County has become an important and integral part of our people development program. It goes beyond the skills that someone needs to know to get their job done. It exposes a person to the larger community around them, introduces them to colleagues growing like they are and challenges them to be better version of who they are. Leadership Shawano County is critical to someone who is committed to improving the world around themselves. That’s why I love this program and why we support it.”
Thomas Pamperin, President/CEO Premier Community Bank

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“Prior to taking the Leadership Shawano County program, I was unaware of the variety and vast needs in our community or how I could become more involved to help. Since taking the LSC program in 2013-2014, where our class completed the first step in the needs assessment process to establish a Boys and Girls Club in Shawano; I helped establish Big Brothers Big Sisters-Shawano, serve on the Boys and Girls Club advisory committee and recently led a steering committee that established the 100 Women Who Care Shawano County organization. Leadership Shawano County increased my awareness of needs in our community and provided me with opportunities to serve my community which has greatly enhanced the quality of my life.”
Jeannie Otto, Manager – NWTC Shawano Campus

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“Leadership Shawano County was a great experience in 2006-2007. It took me out of my comfort zone for personal development skills, which grew my confidence as a leader. It also opened my eyes to the challenges, needs, programs, and services in our Shawano area community. I’m a life-long resident, but had no idea! We are blessed to live here, with our diverse, caring people and abundant natural resources. Together we can make a difference for the benefit of others and be good stewards of what we share. LSC also motivated me to participate in more volunteer efforts.”
Gale Blum, Benefits Director – GENEX

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“I felt privileged to attend the inaugural Leadership Group in 2001. It was exciting to see Shawano County committing resources and talent to developing leaders in our community. This group gave me knowledge about myself by completing personality profiling and additional resources that allowed me to venture out into my own private practice physical therapy business-Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports medicine, as well as start Total Fitness Health Club one year later. One of our business mottos, as well as my own, is to “give back to the community” and I believe the focus on this group also highlighted these goals and paralleled my own desires. Many times, leadership and the ability to lead begins with getting to know yourself better!”
Jean Darling PT, DPT, LAT

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“I graduated from the LSC program in 2011. Then joined the Steering Committee following my session because the program inspired me so much to continue following the program. LSC was an eye-opening experience in many aspects of leadership, community and connections. I learned so much about myself, business, community, and resources that I was never aware of prior to the program. I not only grew as a leader and business professional but also personally.
My service project group created saYPro (Shawano Area Young Professionals). We opened an opportunity for young professionals in our community to network and serve our community. saYPro has been striving since 2013 by creating relationships, connecting young professionals and contributing to our community. Each year saYPro gives more and more back to the community and it is very rewarding.”
Karissa Kunschke, Worker’s Compensation & Wellness Administrator – GENEX

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Leadership Shawano County exceeded my expectations.  The organization and execution was very well done and professional.  Preparation efforts were very evident to me.    Wes Eastman-Belmark

Thank you to all of the volunteers.  I enjoyed working with the project group and believe we have helped to create something that will last years.  I enjoyed working with and learning about all the groups and businesses in our area, and look forward to helping the community I the future.

Dan Schardt-Shawano Paper Mill. 

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This was a wonderful opportunity. I learned a ton, and wish it wasn’t ending.  

Karla Hoffman-Nueske’s 

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Thank you for the opportunity and all the hard work that goes into the program.  I see it’s benefits and worth.  It has been a day I look forward to each month.  

Adam Carroll-Shawano Municipal Utilities

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I would highly recommend attending the Leadership Shawano County Course to everyone. I assumed that I would enjoy each session, but mostly just meet some new people. However, with every session, I returned home much more satisfied with each class than I could have possibly imagined. Some of the sessions were self-evaluating, some more educational and all were a great insight on what is available in our county. The community project of 211 with United Way was very rewarding and hopefully will continue to be a help for years to come. Wendy is a wonderful leader and is very helpful in guiding all participates through the program. This is not only an investment in leadership for your employment but also in your community and personal life as well. I did met new people, but now I call them friends.

Kimberly Timm Class of 2011-2013 

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LSC has not only taught me about the community I live in and all that it has to offer, but has also taught me more about myself and all I’m capable of as a leader within my community.
Laura Warning, Class of 2013

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I am a graduate of the 2013 Leadership program and give my endorsement to the program for many reasons.  Leadership Shawano County program was well organized with each monthly class offering diverse topics to the group.  After each class I felt energized plus a good tired from the busy schedule of the day.  The August through May program provided many networking opportunities with other professionals in many industries which enhanced me personally and professionally.
The service project for the group I was involved with focused on the 211 program of United Way.  We worked closely with Shawano County United Way on the project to provide resources to people in need plus expand awareness of United Way to the counties residents through the leadership program.  Future service projects by the class members will have a positive impact in the county as previous projects have had.
In summary, the Leadership program should be considered by employers for their key employees.  They will become more educated of Shawano County and surrounding area issues plus grow personally and professionally through the program.  I highly recommend this program personally, plus feedback from previous graduates of the program others highly recommend the program also.

Roger Pescinski V.P. Ag and Business Banking BMO Harris Bank 

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I was a part of Leadership Shawano County for the 2012-2013 class.  Simply stated, Leadership Shawano County was an eye-opening class to partake in.  Being a part of Leadership Shawano County was a great opportunity that I was very fortunate to take advantage of.  Leadership Shawano County really helped to first, recognize my personal strengths and weaknesses and then build on strengthening my weaknesses and utilizing my strengths.  It was a great opportunity to meet new people and create new friendships.  Not only does Leadership Shawano County help in developing stronger leadership skills, but it also gave me the opportunity to learn things about Shawano that I did not know about.  I was born and raised in Shawano and I did not realize of the great resources that were right in front of me this entire time.  Leadership Shawano County is a great program to participate in and I would highly recommend people take advantage of joining this class if they have the opportunity to do so.

Alicia M. Eggert, Legal Assistant for Aschenbrener, Woods, Lamia, Schmid, Chereskin & Sloma, S.C.

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I participated in the 2012-2013 Leadership Shawano County class year.  As a young professional and new to the Shawano community, this class has opened the door to meeting some of the top and well-respected professionals in the area.  It has strengthened my weaknesses, and offered me the opportunity to help people throughout the community by accomplishing our United Way     2-1-1 class project.  In addition, Leadership Shawano County has provided me with the opportunity to join other committee’s and boards to offer my help in continually improving Shawano County.  The class was fun and extremely interesting by visiting all the extravagant places we toured and learned about.  Leadership Shawano County is a class that creates great opportunities and I would highly recommend this class.  

Mike Fehlhaber - CRI
 

"I really didn't know if I had the time to participate in LSC. It was a lot for me to add to my already busy schedule, but it was worth it. The people I met and the things that I've learned were awesome. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity, I know I will never stop learning." 

Tammy Brzeczkowski, Dynamic Designs

"There are so many aspects of my professional life this program has enhanced. It has given me a very open minded, yet goal-oriented look into my role in the community and at work. This was a wonderful experience and I recommend it to everyone." 

Ericka Kowalkowski, Shawano Medical Center

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“Through Leadership Shawano County I learned a great deal about Shawano County communities, culture, and economy.  I now have a greater sense of community and a better understanding of the issues impacting the region where I work and live near.”  

Travis Schardt, Quality Assurance Coordinator, Little Rapids Corporation

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“LSC has opened my eyes to all the richness the Shawano area has to offer.  I have gained significant knowledge regarding decision-making and how those decisions are applied to key initiatives within the community.  I look forward to future opportunities to use this knowledge and be the light for others in committees, councils, and local government.”  

Mandy Kostreva, Imagining Manager ThedaCare Northern Region 

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Leadership Shawano County program was well organized with each monthly class offering diverse topics to the group.  After each class I felt energized plus a good tired from the busy schedule of the day.  The August through May program provided many networking opportunities with other professionals in many industries which enhanced me personally and professionally.
The service project for the group I was involved with focused on the 211 program of United Way.  We worked closely with Shawano County United Way on the project to provide resources to people in need plus expand awareness of United Way to the counties residents through the leadership program.  Future service projects by the class members will have a positive impact in the county as previous projects have had.
In summary, the Leadership program should be considered by employers for their key employees.  They will become more educated of Shawano County and surrounding area issues plus grow personally and professionally through the program.  I highly recommend this program personally, plus feedback from previous graduates of the program others highly recommend the program also.
Roger Pescinski-BMO Harris Bank, Class 13 

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Simply stated, Leadership Shawano County was an eye-opening class to partake in.  Being a part of Leadership Shawano County was a great opportunity that I was very fortunate to take advantage of.  Leadership Shawano County really helped to first, recognize my personal strengths and weaknesses and then build on strengthening my weaknesses and utilizing my strengths.  It was a great opportunity to meet new people and create new friendships.  Not only does Leadership Shawano County help in developing stronger leadership skills, but it also gave me the opportunity to learn things about Shawano that I did not know about.  I was born and raised in Shawano and I did not realize of the great resources that were right in front of me this entire time.  Leadership Shawano County is a great program to participate in and I would highly recommend people take advantage of joining this class if they have the opportunity to do so.
Alicia M. Eggert, Legal Assistant forAschenbrener, Woods, Lamia,Schmid, Chereskin & Sloma, S.C, Class 13

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I participated in the 2012-2013 Leadership Shawano County class year.  As a young professional and new to the Shawano community, this class has opened the door to meeting some of the top and well-respected professionals in the area.  It has strengthened my weaknesses, and offered me the opportunity to help people throughout the community by accomplishing our United Way     2-1-1 class project.  In addition, Leadership Shawano County has provided me with the opportunity to join other committee’s and boards to offer my help in continually improving Shawano County.  The class was fun and extremely interesting by visiting all the extravagant places we toured and learned about.  Leadership Shawano County is a class that creates great opportunities and I would highly recommend this class.  
Mike Fehlhaber-CRI, Class 13

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Leadership Shawano County has been an amazing opportunity that allowed Kimberly to learn about other businesses and industries outside of health care.  It has enhanced her knowledge and awareness of an array of services and technology that is available right here within our own community while promoting networking and relationship building opportunities. 
Kim Buettner-Bellin Health, Class 15

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While all of it was beneficial in one aspect or another, I especially liked the session on diversity and felt that it is critical to the success of our community that diversity be explored and shared. I believe our differences and similarities are what make our community so unique. Our visit to the Amish community was one that I will always cherish.  I was also especially impressed by the kindness and hospitality of the area businesses like TimberPro, CRI/Genex, and Green Valley Dairy. These businesses serve as great examples as community-engaged businesses.
Randall Chevalier-Menominee Indian Tribe, Class 15

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LSC was a fascinating and enjoyable experience for me.  While already aware of most of the areas covered in the program, the in-depth information was enlightening and in some cases eye-opening. The tour of area businesses and education facilities were a highlight of the program, and the round-table discussions and question-answer sessions provided just as much information.  The questions posed by the group often showed LSC class 17 was a sharp group of people with a lot of different ideas, which kept the discussions lively and interesting. 

Mike Hammond, Hammond Farms-Class 17

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The LSC program gave me meaningful connections and future project partners.  With those connections and partnerships, future community initiatives will move from idea to reality. To :lead by example and do what you can with what you have for those who need it” are parameters of leadership that I continue to live by. 

Matt Hendricks-Shawano Park and Recreation, Class 17 

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Through LSC, I gained a deeper understanding of the rich resources and exciting opportunities offered in Shawano County.  I look forward to utilizing the knowledge gained to serve the students I work with in the Shawano School District.  I appreciate the opportunity LSC provided to connect me with community leaders throughout the county.  I was involved with the Sundrop Dayz projects and I hope this event will serve as a marquee attraction for the Shawano area for years to come.   

Stuart Russ-Shawano School District, Class 17