SuccessTodd Bruce, Class XXXLeadership Board PresidentAs I sat throughanother great Leadershipcommencement ceremony onMay 12th, I had the chance toponder several things: this year’sexcellent class <strong>of</strong> participants, ourLeadership program, had Juliannnoticed that I ate her dessert,as well as mine? Ethical dessertviolation aside, all thoughtscame back to a commontheme - success.First, this Leadership year was ahuge success. You couldn’t be atcommencement and not cometo that conclusion. That didn’t happen by accident. Thank youJuliann, Pam and Trish for pouring yourselves into this program. <strong>The</strong>feedback from this year’s class validates it was a great year.Secondly, this Leadership program is a huge success. We’re 37years old and going strong, actually gaining momentum with eachyear. Thank you to the sponsors and parents that continue to sendthese amazing participants through the program each year. Andthanks to all past and present Board members who have guidedthis program over the decades, keeping it relevant and meaningful.And finally, this year’s class and not their success, but what willcome next. You see, I observed the Adult and Youth classesthis year, and the fact is these people are already successful.John Maxwell says our goal should not be “success” but rather“significance.” You find significance when you use your success tomake a difference for something bigger than yourself. LeadershipSouth Bend/Mishawaka has honed the leadership skills <strong>of</strong> thisyear’s class. It also showed them the areas <strong>of</strong> our community thatare in dire need <strong>of</strong> continued, great leadership. I’m hopeful andconfident this year’s class will use their leadership abilities to makea difference in our community and discover the joy <strong>of</strong> significance.And so, where are you in your journey to significance? If you’reinvolved in our community and making a difference, well done!If not, then consider joining our Alumni Association to getreconnected, or get involved in a great organization that is making adifference. Our community needs your involvement, your passionand your leadership skills.Future Growth and OpportunitiesJuliann Jankowski, Class XXIVExecutive DirectorAuthentic LeadershipAs I look back on the opening retreat forthe adult class, one theme stood outmore than any other...community pride.<strong>The</strong>re was frustration by the participantsregarding the apathy and sometimesnegativity <strong>of</strong> far too many people in ourcommunity. We spent a lot <strong>of</strong> timethroughout the year talking about how tobe part <strong>of</strong> the solution and not part <strong>of</strong> theproblem, how we could make sure ourvoices were being heard while seekingfirst to understand the issue and thedifferent viewpoints <strong>of</strong> those affected.We like to call the latter “walking inanother person’s shoes” and we role play that with the “movingthrough the system” simulation at Goodwill each year. A workshopon seeking common ground was also added to help address thepolitical divide.It is evident how important authentic leadership is for our communitymoving forward. So important, in fact, that Authentic Leadershipfor the 21st Century is the theme for the 2011 Regional CommunityLeadership Conference we will be hosting in August. Everything wedo must be evaluated under the premise <strong>of</strong> is this helping or hurtingthe situation? Why am I taking this action? How does it correlatewith my values and morals? Am I being honest and transparent?And am I looking out for the best interests <strong>of</strong> my community or myown? While we will never completely agree on any issue we dohave an obligation to tell why we believe the way we do and be ableto passionately defend our stance.Community Impact <strong>St</strong>udyIn March, we were pleased to get the results <strong>of</strong> the CommunityImpact <strong>St</strong>udy conducted in 2010 by Walden University. Weparticipated in the study with Leadership Lynchburg and LeadershipNorthwest Indiana. Overall, the findings were extremely positive.Alumni are very engaged in our community and are makinga positive impact in many areas. Respondants evaluated theprogram very highly with regards to how connected they felt to theprogram. This is an area we have focused on the last several yearsso we were very pleased that the alumni association and resultingalumni activities have provided this result. Alumni and currentclass participants also appreciated the incredible networking andcollaboration opportunities the program and the alumniassociation <strong>of</strong>fer. We did, however, identify some opportunities wecould develop moving forward.<strong>St</strong>rategic PlanningAt a recent board planning session we explored ways to incorporatethe results <strong>of</strong> the study into our strategic plan. <strong>St</strong>rategic initiativeswill include more <strong>of</strong> a regional approach with opportunities to interactwith other leadership programs and our state and local government.We will also continue our work to attract more diversity in ourparticipants and presenters. More details about the strategic planand performance measures will be posted on the website soon.<strong>The</strong> Leadership Board <strong>of</strong> Directors and staff are very excitedabout the accomplishments <strong>of</strong> the last year and with the support<strong>of</strong> our facilitators and committee members, we look forward toimplementing new, innovative ideas in the coming year!4 | www.sjchamber/leadership | Leadership South Bend/Mishawaka
Leadership Alumni Association<strong>The</strong> alumniassociation continuesto be a wonderful vehicle to allowLeadership graduates to extendtheir Leadership experience. <strong>The</strong>2010-11 year kicked <strong>of</strong>f in Augustwith Leadership South Bend/Mishawaka hosting a northernIndiana Leadership conference.More than 10 Leadershiporganizations and alumni wererepresented at the event held atthe University <strong>of</strong> Notre Dame. <strong>The</strong>annual meet and greet for the newclass grows each year and allowsalumni a chance to connect withthe new leadership class.Other events included workshopson Finding Common Groundand How to Use PeopleMap forleadership success as well ashowing <strong>of</strong> the movie “Waitingfor Superman” followed by adiscussion <strong>of</strong> education practicesin other countries. Alumni also hadthe opportunity to enjoy a nightat the symphony with BroadwayRocks. For the 3rd Annual <strong>Live</strong>a Difference Day, Leadershipalumni partnered with RebuildingTogether and refurbished ahouse on the west side <strong>of</strong> SouthBend. Lots <strong>of</strong> opportunities fornetworking, continuing educationand service! Thank you to the over250 members <strong>of</strong> the LeadershipAlumni Association. If you have notdone so, please join us! AlumniAssociation dues also help tosupport scholarships for the youthand adult program.Program directors from LeadershipLaPorte <strong>County</strong>, South Bend/Mishawakaand Fort Wayne shared notes andplans for the upcoming year at the2010 Northern Indiana CommunityLeadership Conference at Notre Dame.From left to right are: Elena Mrozinske,Pam Newman, Jim Jessup, and EllenCavicini. Ten Leadership programs wererepresented at the conference.Alumni committee member, RandyKelly, Class 34, explains to KevinLamar James, Class 37, how his classis leading in alumni memberships andwill continue to do so. Do I hear achallenge? How is your class doing?All in the Family – Don Cressy,Class 1; Pat Cressy, HonoraryClass 23 and Leadership DirectorEmeritus are joined by graduatesfrom this year’s class – daughter,Kiernan Cressy Anzlec, niece,Erin Crawford Cressy and sonCorey Cressy, Class 34, at thisyear’s commencement celebration.Alison McSherry from theKosciosko <strong>County</strong> Leadershipprogram talks to conferencecommittee member SarahHoshaw, Class 34 and presenterCarrie Call, Class 33.Upcoming Leadership Alumni Association Events:2 nd Annual Regional CommunityLeadership ConferenceAugust 309:00 am - 3:00 pmUniversity <strong>of</strong> Notre DameMeet and GreetClass XXXVIIISeptember 84:30 - 6:00 pm<strong>The</strong> Summit ClubLeadership South Bend/Mishawaka | www.sjchamber/leadership | 5
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