What is it: The Regional Chamber annually hosts the Mahoning Valley Local Government Leadership Academy, giving people interested in more efficient local government the tools to be effective government leaders.
Who's eligible: Classes are open to local public officials and employees, newly elected government officials, those planning to run for office, community organizers and Regional Chamber members interested in learning more about local government. Academy presenters are local, state and federal government experts. Nearly 100 area residents have graduated from the academy in its first four years. Presenters include Ken Carano, former regional director for Gov. Ted. Strickland; Howland Township Administrator Darlene St. George; Attorney Edwin Romero from Manchester, Bennett, Powers & Ullman; Guy Coviello, Managing Editor of the Tribune-Chronicle; and Dr. Tom Pascarella, Director of Administration for Tallmadge, Ohio.
Next course: The academy’s next nine-week course will run from 6 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday from Jan. 31 through March 27, 2012 at the Regional Chamber offices in downtown Youngstown. A graduation dinner will follow the completion of classes. A course fee of $250 includes a light dinner immediately before each class at 5:30 p.m. Class participants must attend at least seven of the nine classes to graduate. Email Shari Budge, executive and government affairs coordinator, or phone her at 330.744.2131, ext. 31, for registration information.
Some comments from graduates:
“Very, very informative and eye opening.”
“The classes were very good; good presentations & speakers in general… Overall the chamber is to be commended for this forum.”
“The sessions were very interesting and beneficial. Meeting and networking with other participants is very valuable overall. The academy is an excellent initiative by the Chamber.”
“My sincere thanks. I thought that all of the speakers were outstanding.”
Course Curriculum and Speakers
Jan. 31: The Ins and Outs, Ups and Downs of Running for Public Office
Ken Carano, former Mahoning Valley Regional Director for Governor Strickland, former state representative and township trustee
Feb. 7: Public Service/Conducting Effective Meetings
David Civittolo, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension Community Development
Feb. 14: Communicating & Working with Citizens
Darlene St. George, Howland Township Administrator
Feb. 21: Leadership Skills, Styles & Effective Decision Making
To be announced
Feb. 28: Ethics in Local Government
Atty. Edwin Romero, Manchester, Bennett, Powers & Ullman
Mar. 6: Communicating and Working with the Media
Guy Coviello, Managing Editor, Tribune-Chronicle
Mar. 13: Developing Local Government Collaboration and Efficiencies
Dr. Tom Pascarella, Director of Administration, Talmadge, Ohio
Mar. 20: Building Sustainable Communities
Myra Moss and Bill Grunkemeyer, Ohio State University Extension Community Development
Mar. 27: Promoting Economic Development for the Mahoning Valley
Regional Chamber Economic Development Division