“As a business owner, I have networked with an amazing group of people who will be future leaders and decision-makers in Portage County. They have become friends and resources. Leadership Portage County enables you to form valuable business contacts that would take years to form. Learning and listening to how other industries and businesses function broadens your horizons and helps you to face everyday challenges in a different way. This also becomes a great asset when selling and marketing your business to them.”
Tammy Jankowski
Duraclean Specialists — Co-owner
“I waited to participate in Leadership Portage County an extra year because I was worried about the time commitment. It turns out that it has been one of the best training investments I've ever made in myself. I've added some new tools to my set of leadership skills which have helped me run better meetings, manage my time, brainstorm more effectively, identify strengths and weaknesses of those I work with and even have more fun.”
Steve Cywinski
SPAN Publishing — Publisher/Director of Operations
“The most beneficial part for me was the value of networking in the community. It really has made a difference in terms of the benefit to our students. Many programs and ideas were begun or expanded because of those professional connections. I use the connections as resources for more outreach on programs that benefit students and their families.”
Liz Fulton
Stevens Point Alternative High School — Principal
“In the four years since I graduated from Leadership Portage County, I have received three promotions at work. Leadership Portage County taught me that if you aim for service, success will follow. The skills and information I gained from LPC have been a tremendous asset not only to my employer and me, but to the customers we serve.”
Audrey Schmeeckle
Stevens Point YMCA — Operations Director
“Understanding 21st Century leadership skills has made me a more effective manager. It helped me appreciate the strengths of each person who works with me. I value the importance of everyone’s contributions. Some of the people who never say anything actually have ideas that often result in paradigm changes. By encouraging these contributions, we’re able to accomplish more with fewer resources.”
Sherry Daniels
Noel Group — Manager and Facilitator
“The networking opportunity stands out the most. I met individuals in my class from a wide range of professions and diverse backgrounds. These connections have been very helpful to my business (referrals, information and references) and personal life (friendships with classmates). This does not end just with graduation. As a member of the Leadership Alumni Association, I have met many new individuals with the same results.”
Jim Mendyke Jr.
Sentry Insurance — Sales Representative
“Learning about being a Servant Leader has had an influence on how I choose my every action each day. Servant Leadership skills include honesty, being a good role model, caring, commitment, being a good listener, holding people accountable, respect, encouragement, positive attitude and appreciating others. This entire experience has not only helped me grow personally, but professionally as well. It has taught me to look more broadly at the world I live in and to think of how I can make things better for all those around me.”
Kelly Roth
CAP Services’ Head Start Family Development Center — Site Manager
