What is it: The Regional Chamber annually hosts the Mahoning Valley Local Government Leadership Academy, giving people interested in more efficient local government the tools to be effective government leaders. Classes include how to run for office, the duties of an elected official, local government collaboration, leadership skills, ethics, building sustainable communities, dealing with the media and citizens and promoting economic development.
Who's eligible: Classes are open to local public officials and employees, newly elected government officials, those planning to run for office, community organizers and Regional Chamber members interested in learning more about local government.
Academy presenters are local, state and federal government experts. Nearly 120 area residents have graduated from the academy in its first five years. Presenters include Ken Carano, former regional director for Gov. Ted. Strickland; Howland Township Administrator Darlene St. George; Attorney Edwin Romero from Manchester, Bennett, Powers & Ullman; Guy Coviello, Managing Editor of the Tribune-Chronicle; and Dr. Tom Pascarella, Director of Administration for Tallmadge, Ohio.
The weekly classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 29 and end Tuesday, March 26. Class members must attend at least seven of the nine classes to graduate from the academy. Classes take place Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. with a light dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Regional Chamber offices, 17th Floor, First National Tower, 11 Central Square, Youngstown. Cost is $255. For more information, contact Amanda Shina at 330.744.2131, ext. 32.
Course Curriculum & Speakers:
Jan. 29 : The Ins and Outs, Ups and Downs of Running for Public Office
Ken Carano, formerly Gov. Ted Strickland’s Regional Director for the Mahoning Valley, former state representative and township trustee
Feb. 5: Public Service/Conducting Effective Meetings
David Civittolo, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension Community Development
Feb. 12: Communicating & Working with Citizens
Darlene St. George, Howland Township Administrator
Feb. 19: Promoting Economic Development for the Mahoning Valley
Sarah Boyarko, William Cann, and Tom Presby, Regional Chamber Economic Development Team
Feb. 26: Ethics in Local Government
Atty. Edwin Romero, Manchester, Bennett, Powers & Ullman, Youngstown.
Mar. 5: Communicating and Working with the Media
Guy Coviello, Managing Editor, The Warren Tribune-Chronicle
March 12: Developing Local Government Collaboration and Efficiencies
Dr. Tom Pascarella, formerly of Girard, Director of Administration, Talmadge, Ohio
March. 19: Building Sustainable Communities
Myra Moss and Bill Grunkemeyer, Ohio State University Extension Community Development
Mar. 26: Leadership Skills, Styles & Effective Decision Making
Marla Carano, Metro Credit Program Coordinator, Youngstown State University
Some comments from graduates:
“Very, very informative and eye opening.”
“The classes were very good; good presentations & speakers in general… Overall the chamber is to be commended for this forum.”
“The sessions were very interesting and beneficial. Meeting and networking with other participants is very valuable overall. The academy is an excellent initiative by the Chamber.”
“My sincere thanks. I thought that all of the speakers were outstanding.”