First Quarter 2010 • This issue is sponsored by Employers Health
Faces of LEADERSHIP Faith (Finnicum) Barbato, executive director of Community 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 Authenticity. 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 living 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.
Key Program Dates
MARCH 23 Government Leadership Academy closing program Ralph Regula, keynote speaker
APRIL 9 Signature Program Informational Breakfast
APRIL 30 24th Class Signature Program applications due
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.” more on page 7 >
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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. 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
Industry Tour & Networking:
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 employers For 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.
H-P Products
Are 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 joyw@leadershipstarkcounty.org
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2010 Annual Dinner 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.
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 joyw@leadershipstarkcounty.org. • North Canton Public Library, one member needed, contact Sandra Lang at 330-499-4712 or s.lang@northcantonlibrary.org • Siffrin, Inc., serving persons with developmental disabilities, contact Melanie White at 330-478-0263 or melaniewhite@siffrin.com • 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.
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Alu mni After-Hours - Gervasi Vineyards 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! (Above) Alumni Kathy Poporad and Dawn Campanelli admire the dĂŠcor 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.
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Signature Progra m Recruitment Breakfast For 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 joyw@leadershipstarkcounty.org. Applications for the 24th Class Signature Program are now available at www.leadershipstarkcounty.org.
Signature Progra m
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.
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Recommend the Recruitment Breakfast to prospective applicants and company decision makers
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Interested individuals may apply to the Signature Program at www.leadershipstarkcounty.org
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Sharing Insights . . . . From the Signature Progra m 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.
- 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.
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.*
Fran Wells, director
- 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 th 17 largest metro economy in the US. If Northeast Ohio were recognized as an economic region we would rank behind San Diego and ahead of AustinSan Antonio, Denver, St. Louis, Charlotte, & Portland
* www.cc.ysu.edu/neolead, Dr. Ned Hill
2010 Government Leadership Academy 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 Engineer Doug Bennett, account supervisor, Innis Maggiore Greg Butler, owner/president, Alpha-Omega Assembly & Packaging Inc. Roy Clunk, Alliance City Council, 3rd Ward Chris Cugini, Plain Local Schools Board of Education Michael Cunnington, self-employed Patricia Fallot, City of Louisville Mayor and Councilmember Daniel Gichevski, section 8 supervisor, Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority Audrey Lavin, writer, self-employed Michael Leghart, Jr., Owner/President, Leghart & Associates Inc. Edward Lewis, pre-trial officer, Stark County Family Court Jacki Lightfritz, East Canton Village Council Daniel Moeglin, Canton City Engineer Kyle Stone, personal lines underwriter, Nationwide Insurance
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Steven Tharp, Brewster Village Council Adriann Thornberry, intake supervisor, Stark County Family Court Paul Ware Jr., director of operations, Butch Reynolds Care for Kids Foundation Shawn West, CEO/founder, N.O.T.H.U.G.S. Clishawn West, CL processor I, Nationwide Insurance David Zink, Major, Jackson Township Police
Faces ... 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.
Our Mission
What is the most important leadership lesson you have learned through your volunteer service? That is easy for me, because I had been taken away from the volunteer 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 replenishes the soul and leaves you feeling far better after doing it.
> continued from cover What is your goal in serving as the new Executive Director 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 reasons – 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, Community Harvest is able to rescue that food through the generosity 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.
To develop a core of motivated leaders with a lifelong commitment to community trusteeship through training in leadership skills and education about the community.
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.
MANY THANKS! Thanks again to Employers Health for their generous support of this issue of the Leadership LINK. Fran Wells, Director Stephanie Werren, Development Director Joy Walko, Managing Editor Sarah Bhatia, Graphic Designer a publication of Leadership Stark County
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222 Market Ave. N. • Canton, OH 44702 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
This issue sponsored by:
Recent sponsors Human Services Day
Asset Building Day Seal Group/Jeff Joliat (20th class) Education Day
Thank you to Salvation Army Volunteers! 23rd Signature Class sponsor
We also thank our in-kind sponsors: 91 wood fired ovens Canton Data Print Canton Professional Educators Association
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 Belser JoAnn Breedlove • Tom Haswell Ken Huot • Elizabeth Inkinen-Juergensen Richard McLaughlin • Deb Nicodemo Janie Pavlek • Gloria Pope • Denise Robb
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