Leadership Link-1st Qtr 2010

Faces of LEADERSHIPFaith (Finnicum) Barbato, executive director of Commu-nity Harvest and 18th class graduate shares the profound effect her participation in the Signature Program has had on her both personally and professionally.

What are the keys to being successful as the Executive Director of Community Harvest?I have always felt that three things are necessary for a person to be successful in any career – Humility, Integrity and Authen-

ticity. Humility, because your situation and circumstances can change at any moment with or without your control. Integrity, because it instills a sense of security and meaningfulness in a team. And, being authentic is related to integrity – It means “walking the talk” when it comes to liv-ing your own true values. People appreciate a leader who is “real” and consistent. These core values are also the primarily the reason I left a corporate position after 12 years for a more rewarding and less stressful non-profit position.

Looking back, what was the greatest benefit of your participation as a member of Leadership Stark County?LSC has been a huge benefit, and probably to me more than most! I learned about the Executive Director position at Community Harvest from the LSC Community website! It was interesting how it happened, and the timing was perfect. I had been increasingly frustrated with my current work situation and had mentioned to several people that I just wanted something that “made me feel good going to work every day.”

Volume 1, Issue 2 Page 1

First Quarter 2010 • This issue is sponsored by Employers Health

Key Program Dates

MARCH 23Government LeadershipAcademy closing programRalph Regula, keynote speaker

APRIL 9Signature ProgramInformational Breakfast

APRIL 3024th Class SignatureProgram applications due

more on page 7 >

Industry Tour & Networking: H-P ProductsAre there still businesses thriving in Stark County? You’re invited to discover the answer at H-P Products, in Louisville, a manufacturer of tubular metal products and floor-care systems.

- Meet company president and first class graduate, Allen Green, and hear his vision for the company.

- Find out how diversification, innovation, and teamwork, have kept this local manufacturer vital. - Enjoy networking and refreshments with company leaders, Leadership alumni and guests.

• Thursday, April 8th , 5:00-6:30 p.m.• H-P Products, 512 W. Gorgas, Louisville• Tour and refreshments• RSVP by April 5th to 330-458-2095 or [email protected]

Employers Health began with a local focus as nine Stark County employers began meeting in 1983 to discuss trends and issues related to health benefits and health care services within the community. Today, the Coalition encompasses more than 150 member organizations that provide health benefits to over 1.5 million lives.

The Coalition coordinates one of the largest group purchasing programs for pharmacy benefits management in the country, spending nearly $600 million each year across 100 self-insured plan sponsors.

For its efforts over the years, Employers Health was recognized by the National Business Coalition on Health in Washington D.C. with the first ever Membership Award in 2005.

Even with substantial growth over the years, Employers Health has continued to stay true to its foundational goals. Foundational Goal: Collect and analyze claims data.Employers Health provides data warehousing services to 30 employers representing 250,000 lives, feeding medical and pharmacy data into the Employers Health data warehouse project.

Foundational Goal: Conduct, compile and distribute a survey of Stark County Health Services to the uninsured and underinsured.The organization’s work in the local community on access issues is comprehensive. The Coalition has enjoyed working as

a member of Stark County COMPASS that works on solutions for the uninsured. Employers Health works extensively on the development of Access Health Stark County through donations of staff time and financial resources. The Coalition’s pharmacy program supports local prescription assistance networks in Stark and three other counties. In 2005, $100,000 in grants was provided to local health care organizations serving the uninsured.

Foundational Goal: Provide a seminar for employersFor the past twelve years, Employers Health has hosted members and the community at an Annual Employer Symposium. Approximately 25 other networking and educational opportunities are held annually.

Goal: Improve communication and cooperation among hospitals, physicians and the business community.Employers Health works to be a catalyst for system improvement, and seeks ways to work with providers to advance quality initiatives.

Leadership graduate Marcas Miles (22nd), director of programs & communications at Employers Health, serves on the Access Health Stark County operation council, COMPASS Health committee and is also on the board of Goodwill Industries. Employers Health president, Chris Goff (14th), is also active in the community serving on the Jackson Local Schools board of education and on the board of the Boy Scout’s Buckeye Council.


Holds True to CORE VALUES

For twenty-seven years, Employers Health has worked to improve the cost, quality and accessibility of health care in Stark County and across the nation.


BOARD Bulletin

The following non-profits are seeking board members. For details, go to www.lsccommunity.org and click on “Volunteer Opportunities.” If you need log-in information, please email Joy at [email protected].

• North Canton Public Library, one member needed, contact Sandra Lang at 330-499-4712 or [email protected]

• Siffrin, Inc., serving persons with developmental disabilities, contact Melanie White at 330-478-0263 or [email protected]

• Greater Stark County Urban League, revitalizing and expanding its board, contact Mack Smith at 330-798-7200

Does your non-profit organization need volunteers or board members? Call or email the LSC office to take advantage of several methods of identifying the right individuals for your needs.

ABOVE: The 21st Class had the most

returning alumni present. Row 1,

L-R: Katrina Barton, Deb Nicodemo,

Gretchen Plewak, Sarah Stem,

Larry Ray. Row 2, L-R: Colby DeHoff,

Tom Diez, Joni Locke, Lynn Baumoel,

Ron Balyint.

BELOW: L-R, 23rd Class members

Mary Douglas, Cindy Close, Todd

Tolson, Aaron Geh, and Barb Frustaci.

2010AnnualDinner

About Leadership Stark CountyWe engage and educate our commu-nity leaders through a variety of programs tailored to meet business and community needs.

MISSION To develop a core of motivated leaders with lifelong commitment to commu-nity trusteeship in Stark County.

the Community

Participants

Alumni

Through LSC, you’ll enhance your awareness about Stark County and the surrounding region, meet other like-minded local leaders and hone your leadership capabilities.

Participants from your organization return with renewed energy about the community and will have harnessed their own leadership abilities, ultimately enhancing what they bring to your business.

As a result of LSC’s programs, the community has access to a talented pool of committed community leaders who are ready and willing to be tapped for board positions and leader-ship roles.

Program graduates remain active in community service. We have a strong alumni network and graduates are urged to continue to stay involved with LSC and continuously shape our community through board service.

Employers

Leadership program BENEFITS


Alumni After-Hours - Gervasi Vineyards

(Above) Alumni Kathy Poporad and Dawn Campanelli

admire the décor inside the converted barn.

(Right) Board member Lisa Leech and LSC development

director Stephanie Werren mug for the camera.

(Below, left) Brian Berrey, Darren Faye, and

Judge Sara Lioi graciously pose for the camera.

(Below, right) Leadership first class graduate

Norm Kutz & Donna Shadle (23rd) catch up.

The Alumni After-Hours at Gervasi Vineyards was a sold-out success. About one-hundred

people enjoyed the wine, food, and networking. Thank you to our event sponsor Sol Harris/

Day Architecture and our congenial hosts Scott Swaldo and Jeff Hicks of Gervasi Vineyards.

We all look forward to coming back again!



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Employers


Signature Program Recruitment BreakfastFor Prospective Applicants

Friday, April 9, 2010 • 7:45-8:45 a.m. At the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce

As part of the recruitment process, Leadership Stark County is holding an informational recruitment breakfast. Applicants, prospective candidates, and employers will be offered:

• An overview of LSC’s Signature program

• An explanation of the application process

• A question and answer segment

• Testimonials from recent graduates

Please recommend the Recruitment Breakfast to colleagues and associates that would be outstanding candidates for the Leadership Stark County Signature Program. Reservations are requested by Wednesday, April 7 to (330) 458-2095 or [email protected].

Applications for the 24th Class Signature Program are now available at www.leadershipstarkcounty.org.

Signature Program 24th Class Applications

The opportunity is available now for emerging and active community leaders to apply to Leadership Stark County’s 24th Class.

Surveys of Leadership class members consistently show that LSC Alumni contacts are the number one reason that people apply to the Signature Class. Your positive experiences and leadership commitment are the best marketing tools we have.

• Please email or call the office with your personal referrals of existing or emerging community leaders. They will receive an application information packet for the 24th Class.

• Recommend the Recruitment Breakfast to prospective applicants and company decision makers

• Interested individuals may apply to the Signature Program at www.leadershipstarkcounty.org




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Employers


Did you know the Signature Class curriculum includes regional education & experiences?

Our partnership with the North East Ohio Leadership TaskForce programs and the Fund for Our Economic Future introduces class members to regionalism.

We do this to inform class participants about regional assets, demographics and economic drivers; to identify the constraints on regional progress; and to discuss how individuals and communities can assist regional development. Here’s some key demographic information about North East Ohio, home to nearly ¼ of all of Ohio’s population.*

- How big is the North East Ohio population? With nearly 3 million residents, North East Ohio population is almost equivalent to the combined population of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut

- How big is the North East Ohio regional economy? The North East Ohio economy is the 17

th largest metro economy in the US. If Northeast

Ohio were recognized as an economic region we would rank behind San Diego and ahead of Austin-San Antonio, Denver, St. Louis, Charlotte, & Portland

- And, if we were a nation, North East Ohio would rank as the 37th largest national economy ranking similarly to the countries of Sweden, South Africa

and Israel

In an attempt to keep LSC alumni current, we’ll use this forum to provide updates and insights about Leadership Stark County programs and, hopefully, some “take-away” understanding for you.


Fran Wells, director

Sharing Insights . . . . From the Signature Program

Members of the 2010 Government Leadership Academy include office holders from Stark County, the cities of Alliance, Canton, and Louisville, the villages of Brewster and East Canton, Plain Township, and others actively involved in Stark County.

Keith Bennett, Stark County EngineerDoug Bennett, account supervisor, Innis MaggioreGreg Butler, owner/president, Alpha-Omega Assembly & Packaging Inc.Roy Clunk, Alliance City Council, 3rd WardChris Cugini, Plain Local Schools Board of EducationMichael Cunnington, self-employedPatricia Fallot, City of Louisville Mayor and CouncilmemberDaniel Gichevski, section 8 supervisor, Stark Metropolitan Housing AuthorityAudrey Lavin, writer, self-employedMichael Leghart, Jr., Owner/President, Leghart & Associates Inc.Edward Lewis, pre-trial officer, Stark County Family CourtJacki Lightfritz, East Canton Village CouncilDaniel Moeglin, Canton City EngineerKyle Stone, personal lines underwriter, Nationwide Insurance

Steven Tharp, Brewster Village CouncilAdriann Thornberry, intake supervisor, Stark County Family CourtPaul Ware Jr., director of operations, Butch Reynolds Care for Kids FoundationShawn West, CEO/founder, N.O.T.H.U.G.S.Clishawn West, CL processor I, Nationwide InsuranceDavid Zink, Major, Jackson Township Police

2010 Government Leadership Academy

* www.cc.ysu.edu/neolead, Dr. Ned Hill


MANY THANKS! Thanks again to Employers Health for their generous support of this issue of the Leadership LINK.

Fran Wells, DirectorStephanie Werren, Development DirectorJoy Walko, Managing EditorSarah Bhatia, Graphic Designer

a publication of Leadership Stark County

To develop a core of motivated

leaders with a lifelong commitment

to community trusteeship through

training in leadership skills and

education about the community.

Our M

ission

I saw the position posted and two of my LSC friends called me that week to make sure that I had seen it. You could say it was something that was “intended to be.”

But, LSC had many benefits even before looking for a career change. LSC helped open my mind to new experiences and situations that I would not have realized without the program. You could say it all came “full circle” for me. By being aware and informed about programs, companies and connections in Stark County, I was confident to make that change.

What is the most important leadership lesson you have learned through your volun-teer service?That is easy for me, because I had been taken away from the volun-teer service that I loved for far too long during my last 2-3 years in my corporate career - You have to make time for it! It is much like physical exercise. It replen-ishes the soul and leaves you feel-ing far better after doing it.

What is your goal in serving as the new Executive Direc-tor at Community Harvest? Community Harvest has such a great mission! So, my primary goal is to make more people aware of what we do. Sadly, thousands of pounds of prepared food are discarded each day. This happens for a number of rea-sons – Area restaurants often prepare food ahead that cannot be served by the end of the day. Grocery stores and bakeries have prepared food that exceeds the shelf life. Fortunately, Com-munity Harvest is able to rescue that food through the generos-ity of volunteers and a specially equipped refrigerated truck. This food is collected on daily routes and then distributed to hot meal sites, churches and organizations who prepare food for the hungry on a regular basis. Community Harvest rescued over $750,000 in prepared food and delivered over 500,000 meals last year alone! So, we basically connect two resources. In that regard, it reminds me a lot of LSC, as they connect two resources as well – Motivated leaders with lifetime experiences.

> continued from coverFaces ... Leadership’s Fresh Look :

We’re sure you noticed the bright, new look of this quarter’s Leadership Link newsletter. The revamp is reflective of the innovative programming that has been happening at Leadership Stark County over the last few years. Look for the new logo and upbeat colors on all LSC publications.

Recent sponsorsHuman Services Day

Asset Building DaySeal Group/Jeff Joliat (20th class)

Education Day

23rd Signature Class sponsor

We also thank our in-kind sponsors:91 wood fired ovensCanton Data PrintCanton Professional Educators Association

Thank you to Salvation Army Volunteers!Leadership Stark County alums and their families rang the kettle bells for both the Canton and Massillon Salvation Army posts. More than $1,000 was collected this holiday season. Thank you to the following volunteers:

Ron Balyint • Melissa BelserJoAnn Breedlove • Tom HaswellKen Huot • Elizabeth Inkinen-JuergensenRichard McLaughlin • Deb NicodemoJanie Pavlek • Gloria Pope • Denise Robb

222 Market Ave. N. • Canton, OH 44702

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

This issue sponsored by:

Leadership LINK is a publication of Leadership Stark County. Leadership Stark County is a department

of the CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 222 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702

(330) 456-7253 • (800) 533-4302 • FAX (330) 452-7786 • www.leadershipstarkcounty.org



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Employers


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Leadership Link-1st Qtr 2010