Whitley County Organizations Announce Partnership
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowLeadership Whitley County is joining the Whitley County Economic Development Corp. The organizations say Carrie Meyer will serve as LWC program director, succeeding Kelley Sheiss.
May 5, 2015
News Release
COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. – Leadership Whitley County (LWC) and the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced today that the LWC program will join the EDC and LWC alumnae Carrie Meyer will serve as the new program director.
“Leadership Whitley County is an excellent program that will work well with the added support of Whitley County Economic Development,” said EDC Vice Chairman and LWC alumnae Paula Reimers, “The networking that LWC fosters is priceless to its students and leadership. Two great programs will result in excellent opportunities for all those involved.”
The EDC leads a comprehensive economic development plan focused on expanding employment opportunities for local residents and attracting business investment to Whitley County. In recent years the EDC has launched the Agribusiness, Community Development, Medical Device, and Small Business and Entrepreneurship (SBEI) Initiatives to focus economic development efforts on programs and services built on the community’s strengths.
“I am truly excited to see that LWC and the EDC will be working together,” said LWC Transition Committee Member and LWC alumnae David Smith, “The exceptional quality of both organizations is recognized regionally and beyond. Being a LWC graduate and working closely with the EDC, I can see where both organizations, as good as they already are, will benefit from this collaboration. This partnership will allow LWC the opportunity to increase the scope and impact of its programs and will offer the EDC an opportunity to further its goal of providing the tools necessary for local businesses to succeed and grow in today’s ever-competitive landscape. You cannot separate great leadership and a vibrant business community. I believe LWC and the EDC working together is just as natural and I look forward to seeing the results they will bring.”
Former LWC Program Director, Kelley Sheiss departs after devoting 12 years to the program, and local resident Carrie Meyer joins LWC as the third director in the program’s 15-year history. Meyer also serves as Director of Online Learning at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Southern Indiana and a Master of Business Administration from Taylor University. She completed the Leadership Fort Wayne program in 2010, Leadership Whitley County in 2011; she is a certified Strengths-Based Educator through the Gallup Organization, and a certified life coach.
“For 15 years, LWC has impacted many individuals and organizations by developing current and future leaders in this community, myself included,” said Meyer, “I am honored to lead the next steps in the life of this program as we begin a new partnership between LWC and the EDC. This partnership will provide the community the opportunity to reach, expand, and grow our most valuable resource in Whitley County, our people.”
Since 2001, Leadership Whitley County has been cultivating servant leaders, more than 250 participants graduating from the program representing a diverse cross-section of our community. In recent months the EDC and LWC have partnered to develop and launch the Executive Leadership Series, which is a six-week “short course” offered for company owners and senior management that focuses on key leadership topics identified by EDC clients.
“Carrie's ability and passion for this organization makes her the perfect person to continue the success story of Leadership Whitley County,” said LWC Policy Council Chairman and alumnae Doug Brown, “The partnership with the EDC is a good step and adds another layer of stability for LWC. We all understand how vital this program is to our community and so many people have dedicated time into making these decisions. We are pleased to have LWC set up for success for years to come.”
About Whitley County EDC
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead economic development agency in Whitley County, Indiana. The EDC works closely with local, regional, and state partners to support our industry clients' growth and success. Our mission is to lead a comprehensive economic development program that retains and expands employment opportunities for local residents and attracts business investment to Whitley County. The Whitley County EDC was established in 1992 and represents Whitley County, Columbia City, and the Towns of Churubusco, Larwill, and South Whitley. For more information about the EDC, visit: whitleyedc.com.
Source: Whitley County Economic Development Corp.