Leadership Lake County taking applications for Community Builders program class of 2022

Leadership Lake County recently announced that enrollment is open for its Community Builders program with applications accepted through Aug. 20.

Community Builders is designed for front-line employees and entry-level managers and focuses on developing communication and strategic thinking skills, according to a news release.

The program includes development of personal, professional and community leadership skills.

Community Builders Class of 2022 programming begins in October and runs through May on the first Monday of each month from noon to 5 p.m. and includes a working lunch.

An orientation day is scheduled Sept. 13, with an opening retreat planned for Oct. 4 and a closing retreat scheduled for May 2. Opening and closing retreats run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Along with time spent in program days, the class organizes and implements a service project during the program year to further develop leadership skills, the release stated.

Program participants will be recognized at a graduation reception with the Signature Program Class of 2022 on June 1 at the Leadership Lake County Leader of the Year ceremony.

Helen Manoni, a process engineer with Lincoln Electric in Mentor, said Community Builders helped her improve her communication skills and she brought those skills with her into the workplace.

“Some techniques they have taught us have definitely helped and I started working on it with coworkers in a small team and group that I support,” Manoni said in the release.

A new aspect of Community Builders programming is an Opportunity Lake County Day, when the class will visit several communities to learn about the livability, walkability, quality of life, and housing options for young professionals in the county.

“The idea is to showcase Lake County to young professionals as a place not only to work but also to live here and highlight the amenities,” said Patrick Mohorcic, a Leadership Lake County Board member and deputy director of planning and development at the Lake County Ohio Port and Economic Development Authority.

Another addition this year to the Community Builders is a segment of each program day dedicated to learning about how to get involved in the community, either as a volunteer or on a board, said Leadership Lake County CEO Jessie Baginski in the release.

Feedback from previous program class members said they wanted to learn more about how to serve effectively as young professionals.

“We know that if our young professionals are engaged in the community in a meaningful way, they are more likely to stay in the area – and for employers that translates into talent retention,” Baginski said.

Non-refundable tuition is $695 and includes all materials, texts, and assessments. Class size is limited to 30 individuals.