Cindy Kalkbrenner
Executive Director |
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John Quincy Adams
once said that “If your actions inspire others to dream
more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a
leader.” If
you ask me, that is what Leadership Washington County
is all about.
Leadership Washington County seeks to improve conditions
and create connections, to improve communications and
create opportunities, to tap into the talents and expertise
of business leaders to create and/or facilitate creative
solutions to challenges facing our community.
Formerly known as Leadership Hagerstown, the Washington
County Leadership Development Program, Inc., is now
flying solo – having moved out from under the
Chamber of Commerce. It has moved out and expanded
. . . and now offers now has five separate and distinct
programs, the undivided attention of an executive director,
and the vision and commitment of a 20 member board
. . .
Leadership Washington County is about making connections.
One of the greatest benefits of participating in any
of the programs under the umbrella of the Washington
County Leadership Development Program, Inc., is the
network of people one meets . . . people with whom
paths might not cross otherwise. And access, Leadership
Washington County provides access to leaders, access
to decision makers. Leadership Washington County is
helping to develop and mobilize a diverse group of
skilled individuals, to shape our future, to strengthen
our community and to enhance the organizations we serve.
It’s all that and more – it’s about
better business. It goes without saying that the more
extensive one’s personal and professional network,
the more business that is ultimately generated. Private
gain is not incompatible with public benefit and Leadership
Washington County exists to that end. It’s good
for business.
In fact, there exists quantifiable evidence that participation
in these programs, programs like Leadership Washington
County and Student Leadership Washington County, enhances
individual skills – skills in team building,
organization, effective listening, decision making
and of course, leadership. Just ask Citicorp, Smith,
Elliott, and Kearns, the Herald Mail, Antietam Cable,
Volvo . . . and the list goes on. These companies,
and so many others, have long been supporters and beneficiaries
of the Leadership Washington County experience. They
know that community involvement is an integral part
of their business success.
The bottom line is that healthy companies need healthy
communities in which to operate successfully. Leadership
Washington County is getting bigger and better. It’s
taking business further, it’s taking community
service further. Leadership Washington County is raising
the bar and I encourage you to be a part of it.
Take pride in Washington County. Take part in Washington
County. Take the lead.
Sincerely,
Cindy Kalkbrenner
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