The 2019 Class of Leadership Venango reconnected on October 10 at the Venango County Courthouse Annex in Franklin. Dr. Raymond Feroz, Professor at Clarion University, was the morning guest speaker who started the day by having the class participate in an exercise to identify what characteristics honorable leaders have.

Denise Jones, the former Chief Clerk for the Commissioner’s Office, connected with the class to give an overview about how the local government functions and what amenities it has to offer the public. Commissioner Abramovic gave the class a tour of the Courthouse before meeting The Honorable Oliver Lobaugh in Courtroom One to discuss the area’s struggles and what actions need to be put in place to progress as a community.

The class broke mid-day to take a group photo along with professional head shots, then met at the Barrow-Civic Little Theatre, where the Commissioners were introduced to the group to chat about our community.

After lunch, Trenton Moulin, Executive Director of Bridge Builders Community Foundations, presented about non-profit corporations and educated the group about board member development. Zachary Covington, Executive Director of the Barrow-Civic Theatre, added his experience of moving to the area and becoming involved in the cultural development and performing arts to the region. Before going on a tour of the Barrow, Zach and Trenton provided the class with information about FLEX (Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange) which the class can utilize as a resource to connect with like-minded young professionals.

The next session will take place on Wednesday, November 14 at Cranberry Place in the Cranberry Mall, with a focus on understanding community caregiving.

To learn more about Leadership Venango visit leadershipvenango.org

This article was published in the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s November 2018 edition of the VenangoWorks! Newsletter.