Extension recognizes leaders at banquet

 Roseau, Minn. Darby Boe and Amanda Leibersbach, Warren, from Marshall County, Monte and Kristin Erickson, Fertile, from East Polk County and Dan and Nicole Larson, Clearbrook, from Clearwater County received special recognition at the Emerging Leadership Program Recognition Banquet on March 28th.  Sixteen counties in northwestern and west central Minnesota were honored for completing the leadership program and for their commitment to leadership in their community.

The banquet was emceed by Agassiz Ambassadors Erik and Shannon Finney (Lancaster) and featured leadership stories by class participants, Darby Boe (Warren), Randy Moen (Gary), and Anastasia Mickelson (Frazee).  The new Agassiz Ambassadors for 2015 were announced.  Recognized this year were Phillip and Anastasia Mickelson (Frazee) who were selected for this honor from among other current participants in the program based on nominations from program participants and interviews with program alumni. Phill and Anastasia will put their leadership skills to work in public relations, recognition, and community leadership, and will work with Extension educators to develop and deliver the educational program in 2016.

The recognition banquet was the finale of the leadership program for the Class of 2015 after taking part in four training sessions since November 2014. Program seminars focused on several of the University of Minnesota Extension’s educational program components to strengthen civic leadership in the region. According to Jody Horntvedt, Extension educator with the program, participants reported several highlights from the program. She says, “They find value in learning more about their individual strengths, getting to know leaders from other counties, and visiting the State Capitol in St. Paul.” The trip to the Capitol included visits with legislators, observing committee meetings, and speakers who help them better understand how the legislative process works.

The Emerging Leadership Program, a program of the University of Minnesota Extension, was created to build skills in individuals while creating and sustaining a network of community leaders in the northwest and west central regions of Minnesota to focus on rural issues. This year marks the 31st anniversary of the program and the banquet was an opportunity for program alumni and sponsors to congratulate recent graduates.  It was held at the University of Minnesota Crookston, carrying on the tradition of recognizing rural leaders started by the Red River Valley Winter Shows in 1961.

The Emerging Leadership Program is led by Extension educators, in partnership with more than 1,000 alumni throughout the region.  Soon those alumni will be coming together to select new participants for the program.  To nominate someone in your county or to apply for the program, contact Darby or Amanda, in Marshall County, Monte or Kristin, in East Polk County. Dan or Nicole, in Clearwater County or University of Minnesota Extension (888-241-4546). For more information look for the Emerging Leadership Program at this website, http://www.extension.umn.edu/community/leadership/emerging-leadership-pr...