Marshall County local leaders participate in Extension program

Chad and Tina Swanson, of Argyle, are Marshall County’s representatives in the Red River Valley Emerging Leadership Program. Alumni of the program from the county nominated them to take part in the program because of their involvement in their community.

Chad is a Partner and Crop Insurance Agent with Phil Thompson & Associates in Warren, MN. Tina is a Retail Personal Banker with Bremer Bank, N.A., in Warren, MN.

Chad and Tina have been taking part in educational sessions since November 2015. They are building skills for leadership and networking with other rural leaders from 16 counties in the region. Extension educators Lisa Hinz, Brian Fredrickson, and Jody Horntvedt are instructors for the sessions which focus on personal leadership styles, communication, community leadership, legislative issues, life balance, dealing with challenges, change, and facilitating effective meetings. 

According to Horntvedt, “this program focuses on bringing rural leaders together for education that expands their potential and ultimately improves communities.” This is the 32nd year the Emerging Leadership Program has brought together individuals from across the region for training workshops. Over 1,000 leaders in northwest and west central Minnesota are alumni of the program, which was developed in 1985 to enhance the King Agassiz Program of the Red River Valley Winter Shows.

University of Minnesota Extension, with their long history of excellence in designing, delivering and evaluating leadership programs, is the primary sponsor of the Emerging Leadership Program. Additional financial support for the program comes from the Red River Valley Development Association, and from a variety of other sources including ag producer groups, electric cooperatives, community businesses, financial institutions and individuals in counties throughout northwest and west central Minnesota who contribute each year. The Emerging Leadership Program is a regional fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.  

Chad and Tina will be honored for their commitment to leadership and their community at the Emerging Leadership Program’s annual recognition banquet on Saturday, April 2, in Crookston. Family and friends are invited to join program alumni at the event. Tickets can be ordered from the Extension Regional Office~Cookston by calling 218-281-8696 -or- toll free 1-888-241-0781.

Source: Jody Horntvedt, Extension educator in Leadership and Civic Engagement, U of M Extension Regional Center, Roseau, 888-241-4546, hornt001@umn.edu