The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce and the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced the graduation of the Leadership Hunterdon Class of 2016.
The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce and the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Foundation have announced the graduation of the Leadership Hunterdon Class of 2016.
Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-16) was this year's keynote speaker. (courtesy photo)"The Leadership Hunterdon Graduation was the culmination and celebration of students who dedicated many hours over nine months to begin to learn about the challenges this county faces, the accomplishments it has realized and position themselves to become advocates for the Leadership Hunterdon program, where they will join 40-plus Leadership Hunterdon alumni with the common goal of becoming trustees of our communities for the betterment of Hunterdon County," said Tom Fitzgerald, chair of the Leadership Hunterdon Alumni Board.
A graduation dinner was held earlier this summer at the Stanton Ridge Golf and Country Club to congratulate the following members for their hard work and dedication to the program:
- Joe Peters of Weichert Realtors in Clinton
- Margret Butler of Hawk Pointe Golf Club
- Rosanne DeTorres of DeTorres & DeGeorge, LLC
- Brian Miller of TeamLink HR
- Jean Ciullo of Hunterdon Prevention Resources
- Nancy Fritz E. Mombay of Raritan Valley Community College
- Dana Elizondo of Unity Bank
- Rachel Eichem of United Way of Hunterdon County
- Kathleen Wickman of Hunterdon Healthcare
During the graduation ceremony, several individuals addressed the class including:
- Karen Widico, chair of the Leadership Hunterdon board of trustees
- Suzanne Lagay, Hunterdon County Freeholder Director
- Tom Fitzgerald, chair of the Leadership Hunterdon Alumni Board
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Additionally, Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-16) was this year's keynote speaker.
His closing remarks were those of encouragement and enthusiasm for the program and its 2016 graduates.
"Leadership Hunterdon is a wonderful opportunity to meet and celebrate people who demonstrate model citizenship," Ciattarelli said. "Their energy, curiosity, and commitment to improving our community is inspiring. For these reasons and more, it was an honor to address the graduating class and be part of the graduation ceremony."
The graduates of this program are encouraged to join the ranks of the alumni of the Leadership Hunterdon Program and take on leadership roles throughout the county by serving on board of directors for non-profit organizations, engage in civic leadership roles or join community committees, according to a news release.
Leadership Hunterdon was established in 2011 by the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce to help transform individuals to become trustees of our communities and become leadership resources to work for the betterment of Hunterdon County.
For the past five years, this program has been taking the initiative to inform its participants on the different aspects of our local community such as business, education, tourism, agriculture, real estate, health care and government.
"We have watched this class grow into leaders over the past year," said Lagay, facilitator of this year's program. "Companies that sponsor Leadership Hunterdon and have employees participate stand to benefit from the program by investing in the future of Hunterdon County."
Participants meet with leaders in Hunterdon County and acquire in-depth knowledge of these key community areas, as well as their own leadership success. Each class concludes the program by working in teams to create a White Paper that is focused on a key issue here in Hunterdon County.
Typically, this topic will involve an area of economic development since it impacts the creation of jobs and helps to improve quality of life. Participants of the Leadership Hunterdon program ultimately develop decision making and strategic thinking skills, cultivate relationships and acquire in-depth exposure to Hunterdon County businesses and leaders from all sectors (political, nonprofit and community) and learn the skills and tools necessary to lead a team, motivate associates and influence others.
"We have hit a milestone with the Leadership Hunterdon program," said Chris Phelan, president and chief executive officer of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce. "We have now reached over 40 members within our Alumni group, which is an excellent accomplishment. This initiative is gaining great traction and having, more importantly, a positive impact on Hunterdon Counties economy and communities."
Those interested in participating in Leadership Hunterdon or having an employee participate in the program can contact Phelan at 908-782-7115.