Program’s purpose is to grow leaders

Allen County Together — a program geared toward “growing leaders” in the area — has begun a recruitment drive for its second session.
The goal is to get between 10 and 15 participants by Aug. 31, said Jon Marshall, a recruiter for the program. Marshall is vice president for academic affairs at Allen County Community College.
Allen County Together takes adults from all walks of life — the more diverse backgrounds, the better — so they can learn more about various civic ventures within the community.
Participants will learn a wide range of topics, including how government operates, how businesses operate, educational opportunities and health care availability.
Classes will take place across Allen County and include visits with county government officials, health officials, those in education and business and industry leaders.
The ACT Program has four major components:
— To educate the participants regarding the public and private enterprises that exist in the County.
— To equip the participants with lifelong skills that will be used in both professional and personal lives.
— To expand the leadership base within the county to help address the needs of the citizens.
— And to engage the participants in experiences that will benefit the county and its citizens. The program’s benefits are twofold for those in the business community, Marshall said. First, it reveals ways in which businesses can support the community.
“And it increases the networking potential incredibly for participants,” he continued. “Of course we want our businesses to be successful. That’s one way to do that.”
Tuition for the class is $275, which covers meals and some materials. Private donors have made available scholarship opportunities as well.
“We’ve also had businesses pay for their employees’ tuition because they see the benefits,” Marshall said.
Applications are available at the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce website, 
www.iolachamber.org.