Refresh Your Leadership Skills

Are you an alumni of the Community Leadership of Licking County program?  If so, you may be interested in some new training that is now available to you.

The Chamber, in partnership with Jill Campen from Campen Group Inc., is offering alumni of the Community Leadership Program an opportunity to brush up on their leadership skills. The following summarizes the four different classes that are being offered:

 Situational Leadership II (SLII) Concepts  -Sept 11, 2015 - 4 hours (8:00 - 12:00) Situational Leadership II (SLII) is a proven leadership model that was designed by Ken Blanchard in the 1960’s.  Thousands of leaders throughout the world continue to use the SLII model as a guide for effective leadership.  SLII provides a model for building leadership and shared processes to effectively lead individuals and teams. This is not a “one size fits all” approach.  This is a leadership process that provides leaders with the tools to be flexible with a diverse group of colleagues, in various situations.  Leadership is something you do “with” people…not “to” them.  Each leader will complete a Leadership Behavioral Assessment (LBA) to determine their current effectiveness and flexibility as a leader.  The course allows for practice in the skills presented, and provides tools and templates for one-on-one conversations.

Communication Styles and Leadership Effectiveness – Oct. 30, 2015 4 hours (8:00 - 12:00 It is important for leaders to understand how their natural communication style can be most effective with the individuals and teams they lead.  The Social Styles Communication assessment is a time tested communication style tool that provides insight, in a detailed report, about the leader’s preferred communication style.  We take the results of this assessment and connect them with the SLII model to understand how human behavior and personal chemistry enhance work relationships. 

Giving Feedback  - Jan. 8, 2016 -4 hours (8:00 - 12:00) Feedback is the breakfast of champions…and many of us aren’t used to giving or receiving feedback that results in improved behavior and relationships.  Feedback takes practice.  If we don’t use proper techniques and exercise those muscles regularly, we will injure our business and personal productivity and relationships.

Handling Conflict – Mar. 4, 2016 -4 hours (8:00 - 12:00) Conflict is a normal and natural part of any relationship.  Conflict resolution is both a skill and an art.  This session will focus on the important steps toward conflict resolution.  There will be time to discuss typical workplace conflicts, and practice navigating these challenges in a small group setting.

If you are an alumni of the Community Leadership Program and are interested in being a part of this excellent leadership training, please contact me at 740-345-9757 x5 or chottinger@lickingcountychamber.com.

Community Leadership of Licking County

Community Leadership of Licking County

Have you ever wondered what you are good at?  Really good at?  If you child brought home their report card which had all A's and one D, which subjects would you focus on?  Most of us would say the D, of course.  But after taking the Strengths Finder assessment and courses, I now think differently.  What are your strengths?  Do you know how to use them at home and at work?  Are you aware of the strengths of those around you?  These are just some of the things you will become aware of through our Community Leadership Program. 

On May 8th, 25 individuals graduated from the program, which was started back in 1982.  The program has produced over 800+ community leaders and supporters over the years.  The group meets one day a month from September through May.

The program is designed to encourage and discover leadership qualities in every participant during the morning sessions.  Many different speakers and interactive topics are presented.  The afternoons are filled with discovering all the wonderful assets Licking County has to offer.  The class travels around the county, focusing on seven areas:  Economic Development; Travel & Tourism; Health & Social Services; Government; Law & Justice; Business & Industry and Education. 

We are now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 class.  The program is open to anyone who would like to learn more about their community and themselves.  The class size is limited to 25 people and typically fills up quickly.  If you are interested and would like more information, please contact me at 740-345-9757 x5 or chottinger@lickingcountychamber.com.

I would like to congratulate the following graduates from the 2014-2015 class:  Mike Birkmeyer with Madison-Collins-Stephens Agency; Suzanne Bressoud with The Works; Denise Natoli Brooks with Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District; Larry Brooks with the Hebron Police Department; Trisha Clark with TrueCore Federal Credit Union; Stephanie DeBevoise with the Licking County ESC/Newark City Schools; Megan Evans with the Licking County Foundation; Joshua Filler with The Energy Cooperative; Patrick Frankhart with Licking Memorial Health Systems; Jonathan Gatten with Tectum, Inc.; Lisa Hayes with Licking Memorial Hospital; Cher Jackson with The Boeing Company; David Link with Bayer MaterialScience; Kari Matheny with Licking County Job & Family Services; Nicki Mayabb with First Federal Savings; Sharon Mills with MedBen; Jerry Newton with Licking County Planning; Jessica Pickering with Fifth Third Bank; Matt Reed with State Industrial Products; Cyndi Schmitt with the Licking County Aging Program; Troy Smith with State Industrial Products; Melissa Spain with Park National Bank; Courtney Van Ostran with Jobes Henderson & Associates, Inc. and Brian Wilfong with C-TEC.

Walking In My Shoes. . .Leadership and the Week Ahead

Last week flew by, given Monday was Labor Day and the Chamber was closed for the day.  So, like you, I tried to fit five days of work into four.  I had meetings every single morning and many others throughout the four-day work week.

A lot of my time was spent planning for this week.  Below is what will occupy most of my time this week:

Board Meetings

I serve as a Board member on several local Board of Directors.  This week, I have The Works Board meeting and the Chamber has our Board meeting this week.  For the Chamber's Board meeting, it is a shortened agenda, since we also have our Board and Staff Retreat immediately following the Board meeting.  This is the first meeting of the fiscal year for us.  In addition to our standard items, we will be adopting a new Financial Resolution, giving fiscal authority to the new officers - Caroline Fraker, Chair; Luke Baus, Chair-Elect and Jim Mitchell, Treasurer.  They are excellent leaders and I look forward to working with them over the next 12 months.  The Board will also be asked to consider endorsing three community levies which include the Children's Services Levy; the Senior Citizens Levy and the Licking County Library Levy.  

Strategic Planning/Board and Staff Retreat

As I mentioned above, we have a Board and Staff Strategic Planning session this week.  Although some might find this as exciting as getting your teeth pulled, I enjoy it.  It energizes me because as a Board of Directors, we get to review the past year.  We have had many successes, but we also weren't able to accomplish everything we planned to get done over the past 12 months.  It is important to do a review before looking forward, in my opinion.  Just because you weren't able to check something off of your to-do list, doesn't mean it is a dead issue.  You may want to considering placing it back on your list, but it may need modified from the previous version. Planning sessions also allow for major creativity, which isn't always the case in standard Board meetings, when the focus isn't necessarily on planning. I will be sharing our road map with the membership next month.

Community Leadership of Licking County

September of each year marks the first class of our Community Leadership of Licking County program.  The Chamber has been operating this program for close to 30 years and have graduated over 600 leaders throughout our county.  Participants will learn a great deal about themselves and their leadership skills, talents and styles, as well as become educated about all the wonderful assets Licking County has to offer that they may never have known.  I am the Director of this program and truly enjoy getting to know a new class of leaders each fall.  Look for updates and photos throughout the year on our Facebook page, twitter feed (@ChamberofC) or on LinkedIn.

Have a great week!

As always, please feel free to contact me anytime at the Chamber 740-345-9757 x5 or email chottinger@lickingcountychamber.com.  Please follow us on Twitter - @ChamberofC and @Chambercheri.

Local Program Making a Difference for 32 years

The Licking County Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the 2014- 2015 Community Leadership Program. 

Over 800 men and women have graduated from this program since its inception in 1982 with more confidence about themselves and more knowledge about their community.  Here are some thoughts from alumni of the program:

"The variety of sessions and speakers provided me with a greater toolbox of skills and resources to leverage on a day-to-day basis." - Julie Ricciardo, Owens Corning Tech Center

"You don't have to be a leader in title to be a leader" - Craig Montgomery, The Works

"Having an opportunity to participate in other leadership classes, I feel this program is unique and special, as it teaches leadership in the context of where we live.  That has made a huge difference for me personally." - Heather Juzenas, Board of Developmental Disabilities

If you are interested in the program, please contact Cheri Hottinger 740-345-9757 x5 or chottinger@lickingcountychamber.com

Deadline to apply is August 1, 2014.  Class size is limited to 25 participants.

Applications Now Being Accepted for Alumni Leadership Classes

I have some exciting news to share with you.  We finally have a program for the Alumni of the Community Leadership Program!

The Chamber is pleased to be working with Jill Campen with the Campen Group (and an alumni of the Leadership Class) to bring you a series of four different classes over the next year.  They include:

* Situational Leadership II Concepts (September 5, 2014)

* Communication Styles and Leadership Effectiveness (November 7, 2014)

* Giving Feedback (February 6, 2015)

* Handling Conflict (April 17, 2015)

The classes are from 8:00 - 12:00 and will be held at different locations in Newark.  Tuition for this program is $450.00.  Participants must attend all four classes.  All class materials are included in the fee.  Class size is limited to 25 participants. 

Applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.  Deadline to apply is July 15, 2014.  You must be an alumni of the Leadership Program to participate in these sessions.

To obtain an application and detailed information about this new, exciting program, contact Cheri Hottinger at 740-345-9757 x5 or chottinger@lickingcountychamber.com

Community Leadership

In May of this year, the 2013 Leadership of Licking County Program produced 22 graduates.  The class met for one full day a month beginning in September of 2012.  The purpose of the program is to strengthen individual leadership skills; expand knowledge of community challenges and opportunities and to create a county-wide leadership network of current and former participants.  Bottom line is that we operate this program to identify and develop leaders who will strengthen our community through active engagement.  Below are some of the comments we have received regarding the program and what participants have learned from it:

“I appreciate the way many organizations work together in the community.  I have a better sense of this now, through this class."

“I have a much deeper, fuller appreciation for our community and deeper sense of professional development.”

“I really liked the strengths based leadership component, the idea of expanding on strengths rather than incrementally improving weakness.”

“The entire experience was great.  The development guest speakers and topics were all well thought out and well prepared.”

“I have always been proud to be raised in this community.  This leadership program has increased that pride and my options to get involved and give back as an adult.”

“I have more contacts to connect with to help support my leadership journey, and I now know how important it is to continually build my skills.”

The Chamber is now accepting applications for the 2013 - 2014 Leadership Class. The class sessions are the second Friday of each month from September – May and the investment is $800.00.  If interested, please contact the Chamber to obtain an application.  The deadline to apply is August 2, 2013.  Space is limited, so get your application in today!

Now Accepting Applications for Leadership Class

We are now accepting applications for the the 2011 - 2012 Community Leadership of Licking County class.  The classes are the third Friday of each month from September to May. 

Here are some comments from the 2011 class who graduated on May 20, 2011:

“It’s one thing to “think” you are in a leadership role; it’s another to be “seen” as a leader”


“I used to see leaders as people I followed. I now see myself as one of these people”

“I think I have been too focused in my career. This course opened my eyes to a community that is very wonderful”

“I have a better understanding of what my responsibilities are as a manager, not my job responsibilities, but rather my responsibilities to my staff”

“I am new to the area and had reservations about moving. Taking the class has left a great impression of the community on me”

“Leadership is more about inspiring others”

The cost for the nine sessions is $600.00.  Class size is limited. For more information and to obtain an application, please contact Cheri at 740-345-9757 ext. 5 or chottinger@lickingcountychamber.com.

They're People, NOT Staff

It's been a while since I was assigned "homework", but at our September Community Leadership of Licking County class, I received my first homework assignment in years. By the October class, I am expected to have read approximately the first 100 pages of the book The Leadership Challenge, by Kouzer & Posner.

Although I am the official Director of this Leadership Course, I had not read the book and wanted to play the role of student with regards to learning the principals of leadership addressed in this book. I have a friend who operated the Leadership Ashland Program who is walking us through the book, like she did up there.

This morning I was doing my "homework" and came upon something I wanted to share with you. It has to do with your people.

The book gives real-life stories of those who exemplify leadership. One story hit on the importance of taking care of your staff. Read this:

"We are a very, very candidate-driven business," Claire told us. But even more important to her than the candidate is her staff. She fervently believes that if you take care of your staff, they will take care of the candidate; if the staff takes care of the candidate, the candidate will take care of the client; and if the candidate takes care of the client, the client will return to the SG Group for more business. Claire puts her staff first, knowing that they are the ones that ultimately determine the reputation of the company.

She goes on to say:

"We are human beings. We don't have employees. We don't have staff. We have people, and people have emotions, and people have needs. If you are happy you do a better job. If you are excited about the business, and if you are excited about where it is going and what is happening in it, then there is a buzz, a physical buzz. It's my job to create that kind of place."

How well do you know your people? Do you know their names? Do you know about their families? Do you know what really makes them happy?

If not, you should make it a priority to do so. Even if you have hundreds of 'people', you can start with just one and go from there. It will make a difference not only to that one person, but to your company as well.

Quote of the Day

This was sent to me yesterday about the Community Leadership of Licking County program:

"Community Leadership was highly beneficial for Sandy therefore CardWare. CL made her more comfortable in dealing with individuals outside our organization plus she gained personal as well as professional confidence along with an understanding of where and how she could make a difference in the community. As a Perry County resident, out loud to me one day she wondered how Community Leadership could be replicated there".

-- Biff Matthews


As you know, we are now accepting applications for the 2010-2011 class through August 1, 2010. Class size is limited, so get your application in today!

If you need information about this program, call me at 740.345.9757 ext. 5

--Posted by Cheri Hottinger

Need To Improve Your Leadership Skills?

For over 20 years, Community Leadership of Licking County has helped many individuals improve their leadership skills while at the same time, improving their awareness of the community.

Beginning with the 2010-2011 class (starting in September of 2010), the Chamber will be running this program on our own, which I am very excited about. Over the past years, we have partnered with several great organizations who operated the program, but when an opportunity opened up for us to put our fingerprints back on the program, we jumped at the chance.

We have made several changes to the curriculum, but still kept the programs that meant the most to the ones who have taken the class in the past. The 2010 - 2011 class will experience these new initiatives:

• Each participant will take the Myers-Briggs Test and will learn and understand how their personalities work for and against them
• This class will be taught the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, based off the book The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner
• There will be three sessions taken from the Graduate Program at Muskingum College: Change (based on principals outlined in the book Switch); Critical Thinking and Decision Making/Problem Solving
• Making presentations/public speaking in front of their peers
• Taking an active role in organizing the programs each month
• Observing non-profit Boards in action

In addition to the above items, the class will also expand their network of contacts in and around Licking County as well as learn about different aspects of the community (education, economic development, health care, etc.). Community Leadership of Licking County is good for all people, no matter the age or occupation.

This class will be held on the third Friday of each month beginning on September 17 and will run through May 20. Cost is $600 for the entire year and includes lunch and all materials.

We are now accepting applications for the 2010 - 2011 class. For more information, please call me at 740.345.9757 ext. 5. The deadline to apply is August 1, 2010. Class size is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Small Business "Boot Camp"

Below is a release about the first ever Small Business "Boot Camp", sponsored by Bayer MaterialScience in partnership with the Licking County Community Leadership 2010 class:
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Newark, Ohio, February 8, 2010—Bayer MaterialScience LLC will co-sponsor the inaugural Licking County Small Business “Boot Camp” Wednesday, March 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place at Opportunity Links—the one-stop employment and training center located at 998 E Main Street in Newark, Ohio..

The goal of the “boot camp” is to provide prospective business owners with the necessary tools, resources and support materials to establish a business in Licking County. This includes access to lawyers, realtors and other valuable players, who will share helpful tips for starting and running a small business. The “boot camp” is also intended to serve as a resource for local entrepreneurs looking to improve existing businesses.

“Bayer MaterialScience is a strong supporter of creating new business opportunities that benefit the community as a whole,” said Alan Masters, Human Resources Manager, who also represents Bayer MaterialScience on Licking County’s Community Leadership Program. “By tapping into the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in our own backyard, we hope to create new jobs and promote economic development throughout Licking County.”

The “boot camp” is free to the public. If you desire additional information, please call 740-964-2007.

Other participating co-sponsors include: the Licking County Community Leadership Class of 2010, the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, Successful Ventures, Inc., and Opportunity Links.

The small business “boot camp” is one of many positive initiatives coming out of the Licking County Community Leadership Program, which Bayer MaterialScience LLC has supported for the past thirteen years. The mission of the program is to identify and develop leaders who will strengthen the community through active engagement.

The BMS LLC facility in Newark, Ohio, is known for its active involvement in the surrounding communities. Last year, the Newark facility received a Business of the Year award from the Licking County Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious honor is awarded to businesses that have demonstrated excellent customer service and active support of the local communities. The Newark site was named the winner in the category for businesses with more than 100 employees.

- Posted by Cheri