Spring 2020 Valparaiso Magazine

LEADERSHIP ACAD
>> CHAMBER FOCUS | LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
>> CHA
Marc Adams – First United
Methodist Church
Diana Beeler –
Community Care Network
Amy Blaker –
Lochmueller Group
Peter Carlson – Franciscan
Physician Network
“I have made
incredible contacts...
from all different
corners of the
community, industry
classes and
backgrounds. This
was truly one of the
best training courses
I’ve ever taken.”
Karin DeVries – Horizon Bank
“Since Leadership
Academy ended, I
was promoted in my
position, I’ve joined
a non-profit board,
and I always know
at least one friendly
face at networking
events.”
Kimmie LaBarge – Ivy Tech
Community College
Katey Lambert –
GGNet Technologies
The Valpo Chamber
Leadership Academy is a
collaborative effort meant
to provide a growing
leadership pool of willing
and able leaders and
volunteers for current and
future civic, charitable, and
governmental organizations
in Valparaiso.
“I developed
an interest in
board leadership
and economic
development, as
well as the inner
workings of our
city and county
government.”
Kara Moon –
General Insurance Services
The Leadership Academy program, with the
assistance of Purdue Extension – Porter County,
brings together business and community leaders
to create a network of speakers and mentors who
participate in coaching sessions, small-group
discussions, and skill-building exercises with the
program participants. Admission to the program is
for Valpo Chamber members only and participants
must have the full support of their employers.
The Leadership Academy is not just about training.
From day one, participants are encouraged to
find their passion for service and act on it. The
Academy’s dynamic curriculum not only exposes
participants to pressing community issues, but also
introduces them to key community leaders.
During the focused eight sessions held from
August through November, participants are
infused in the community exploring the public
sector, city government sector, private business
sector, and non-profit organizations that currently
benefit from local leaders. Upon completion,
participants are expected to take the insights,
“Valparaiso is a great
community because
we have successful
leaders that are
willing to spread their
knowledge to keep this
city trending in the
right direction.”
Justin Osburn –
Anderson Insurance
Troy Rose –
First Merchants Bank
“My experience
with Leadership
Academy has
proved valuable to
my organization,
my clients and
to myself on a
personal level.”
John Schlatter – Center of
Workforce Innovations
20 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020