2014-2015
Application Packet
The resource that holds the greatest value and future potential for any community is its people.
Leadership Miles City has been active since its inception in 2005 by identifying, recruiting, and
developing emerging community and business leaders. Modeled after other leadership programs
operating successfully in communities in Montana and across the U.S., the program engages individuals
through group learning on community and regional business and industry resources one day a month for a
nine-month period and includes an individual track for personal leadership growth.
The end of each program is really the beginning of a new involvement for participants.
Community leadership of the highest caliber is an established tradition in the Miles City area. The
complex challenges and opportunities of our times demand that our leaders be well prepared and highly
informed.
The program’s desired outcome is to develop more effective leaders who are more dynamically
able to contribute to business and community. Leadership Miles City also seeks to bring an awareness of
the impact of social and economic changes in the Miles City area. The program is self-sustaining through
tuition and support from the community and area businesses and organizations.
Goals
 Identify and motivate emerging leaders
 Acquaint class members with community needs and resources
 Instill a sense of “community” to motivate participants into leadership roles
 Provide skills development training to enhance leadership capabilities
Benefits
 To the community: A resource of trained and energized leaders ready to serve
 To business: An increased insight into the community and access to community leaders and
resources.
 To participants: An increased knowledge, understanding and sensitivity to community issues
and personal leadership skills development.
Who Qualifies
Leadership Miles City is a competitive process open to men and women who want to learn more about the
community and attain leadership goals. All are invited to apply.
2014-2015 TENTATIVE PROGRAM CALENDAR
Those selected for the program attend daylong seminars from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The program runs
from September through April. Each issue day is held at various locations in and around Miles City and
may include a combination of lectures, panel discussions, work sessions, case studies, shadowing, and
field trips. The program concludes with a dinner and graduation reception in May as part of the final
session.
A full schedule of times, places, skills development workshops and other details will be sent to all
successful candidates. We try to schedule classes the 3rd Thursday of each month. Tentative dates (note
class titles are accurate but may not be on the specific day shown) are:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
September 18, 2014
October16, 2014
November 20, 2014
December 18, 2014
January 15, 2015
February 19, 2015
March 19, 2015
April 16, 2015
TBA
Community Service Organizations/Tourism & Culture
Agriculture
Education
Government
Healthcare & Social Services
Retail Trade
Energy
Transportation & Communication
Graduation
APPLICATIONS
If you wish to make application and feel you meet all the commitments of the program, please fill out the
enclosed application form and send it to the address below by August 10, 2014. Note: we can take
applications up to first class date if openings available. Please contact us in this case.
Miles City Area Economic Development
Leadership Miles City
1010 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
(406) 234-2705
milesecon@midrivers.com
TUITION
 $150 Per Student (includes full tuition and 360-degree personal assessments)
 Scholarships may be available. Contact MCAEDC at the above address.
2014-2015 APPLICATION
Name:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: ________________________________Work Phone:_______________________________
Company/Organization:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Home Address: ________________________________________________________________________
Email:_______________________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________ State: ______________ Zip:______________________
Please describe present or past volunteer community leadership positions you have held:
Organization
Dates
Position Held/Responsibilities
Employment
Current Position: _______________________________________________________ ____________
Dates: ____________________
Employer:
__________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address:
__________________________________________________________________________________
Responsibilities:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Education
(High School, Vocational School, College, etc.)
School_________________________________________City/State___________________________
Dates
Area of Study______________________________________
School_________________________________________City/State___________________________
Dates
Area of Study______________________________________
School_________________________________________City/State___________________________
Dates
Area of Study______________________________________
Other Activities, Volunteer Roles and Professional Accomplishments
Please list any other accomplishments, honors, offices held, activities, etc.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
* Please attach a separate sheet of paper if additional space is needed for your answers.
General
Why do you want to participate in Leadership Miles City?
What do you expect to gain from this program?
Describe what you believe are the best opportunities Miles City area has to offer.
1)
2)
3)
What do you feel are the two most pressing problems facing the Miles City area today? Explain why and
give any recommendations that you may have for approaching and resolving these problems.
REQUIREMENTS
We ask that businesses, public and private agencies, civic and other organizations in the community help
us identify and support individuals who show leadership potential for this program. Candidates must be
concerned with the future of the Miles City area and be committed to personal involvement in shaping its
future. Participants and their organizations must also be willing to commit the necessary time needed for
the program. Participants are required to attend all program days, if necessary an excused absence may
be obtained. All absences are noted with the sponsoring employer.
Participants are welcome from all aspects of agricultural, business, manufacturing, governments, retail
and social service industries. Applicants are chosen based on criteria established by the Leadership Miles
City Advisory Board. Class size will be limited to a maximum of 20 due to space requirements for
meetings.
COMMITMENT
Full attendance by each participant is essential if Leadership Miles City is to meet its objectives. Classes
are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As we have guest speakers taking their time to talk to the class we expect class
members to be courteous by being on time and not leaving early. We understand other pressing
commitments arise and we will work with you. We will require you to attend and actively participate in
seven of the nine sessions to graduate. Please check the PROGRAM CALENDAR for dates. If
selected, I make a commitment to attend the following:
At least seven of the nine issue days on the program calendar
AND
 A city council meeting (2nd & 4th Tues. each month at 7:00 p.m.) OR
 A school board meeting (2nd Tues each month at 7:00 p.m.) OR
 Custer County Commissioner meeting (Tues. through Thurs. check posted schedule at the
courthouse)
AND
 Chamber of Commerce Board meeting (last Wednesday of each quarter at 7:00 a.m.) OR
 Economic Development Council Board meeting Mandatory attendance on November 5
meeting at 7:00 a.m.
AND
 Class Project (Plan and organize one agenda for next year’s classes).

_______________________________________________________________________________
Applicant’s Signature
Date
Employer/Sponsor Commitment (if applicable)
This application has the approval of this organization and the applicant has our full support, which
includes the time required to participate in the program and the impetus to complete it.
______________________________________________________________________
Firm/Organization
_______________________________________________________________________
Signature
Date
Quotes from previous Leadership Miles City participants:
Brandi Gray, Miles Community College – Class 2006
"Being born and raised in Miles City, I felt I had a good understanding of the community I lived in. But
when the opportunity to take the leadership class came about, I jumped at the chance to see what I might
be missing. I now feel I have a new perspective on our community and a better understanding of how I
can make a difference and get involved. I am also a more educated promoter of Miles City and the
surrounding area."
Carol Hudson, Holy Rosary Healthcare – Class 2007
"As a Miles City resident for over 15 years, Miles City Leadership training was just what I needed to
complete the full circle of knowledge and understanding of all that the community and eastern
Montana is. It was a great experience and I heartily recommend the training to all who wish to enroll."
Leif Ronning, Department of Corrections, City Councilman – Class 2007
“I urge anyone who signs up for the leadership class to adjust their schedule so that they can attend every
day offered. Looking back on my experience there was not one day that I think I could have done
without. Whatever level you work at as a professional person you will benefit greatly from the knowledge
obtained from the leadership classes, as will your employer.”
Loretta Rebsom, First Interstate Bank – Class 2009
"My wish is that more people could be involved in the Leadership Program because it is an opportunity of
a life-time! This program is a Treasure filled with Community Knowledge that only a hand full or more
have the privilege to participate in. In addition to the community knowledge gained was the opportunity
to build relationships with your class members who are enthusiastic, exciting, fun and want to learn more
too! Thank you MCAED and all employers who support this fantastic program.”
Nyoka Twitchell, Community 1st Federal Credit Union – Class of 2011
I think the Leadership Program is awesome, that can be beneficial to all members our wonderful
Community. Our particular class had new residents and lifelong residents that benefited from this great
program. It not only helps make us aware of what makes our town and community work but it also
creates pride within ourselves of this place we call home.
Ted Stein, Miles Community College Centra – Class 2011
"This program was definitely more than I expected, it gave me an opportunity to learn more about the
city of Miles City and the businesses that support it. Mike Coryell and his staff, the Leadership Miles
City Board, and the presenters in each class put on an informative and worthwhile presentation every
single class. I would strongly suggest anyone even considering the program to apply, as you’ll learn
even more than you may already know about the community.”
Molly Fjell, Miles Community College, Class 2011
“This is one of the most informative classes I been to in this area. It is amazing how much heart, soul
and dedication is put into our community. Each business, no matter what type of business, is an intricate
part of what makes Miles City work. Every person, no matter where they work or what they do, makes
an impact here. Learning how each person and business connects and interacts with one another was
amazing. I have already recommended this class to those who want to be a part of making Miles City a
successful community. I encourage you to make this investment, it is definitely worthwhile.”
Keith Holmlund, Custer County Commissioner – Class of 2011
“I would encourage anyone interested in learning more about leadership, and of Miles City, to enroll in
this class. I guarantee you will meet and work with some very enthusiastic and driven people. Each class
is devoted to a different aspect of our area, and it gives you a window to see many of our local
businesses from the points of view of the owners and managers instead of just as customers. If you are
lucky enough to be picked for this opportunity, don’t pass it up.”
Susan Ahrens, Holy Rosary Healthcare – Class of 2011
“I would like to say that whether you are new or old to Miles City you should attend Miles City
Leadership for the knowledge gained. It is an invaluable experience to help understand that it takes the
whole community to run all the areas of governance. IT was so interesting and I would recommend it to
anyone with interest in knowing your city you live in.”
Niki Munroe, US Bank Miles City – Class of 2011
“Leadership Miles City is a fantastic opportunity to meet people as well as learn about what makes this
community such a great place to live. Thanks for allowing me to be involved in such a great program!”
Ken Stabler, Ken Stabler Trucking – Class of 2011
”I would certainly recommend Leadership Miles City to anyone who has a desire to know more about
our community. As a lifelong resident of Miles City, I found it very interesting to see the impact that the
various businesses have on our people and economy. We not only learned more about our community
but had fun and established new friendships with others that we may not have come into contact with.”
Jamie Ogolin, Principal CCDHS - Class of 2011
"I have encouraged my colleagues to take advantage of this awesome opportunity. It was well worth my
time to meet and work with other leaders and learn more about my community."
Kelly Jackson, First Interstate Bank – Class of 2011
"Leadership Miles City exceeded my expectations ten- fold. I would encourage anyone and everyone to
sign up. Each class was full of useful information that I have already put to use. I am amazed at the
community we live in and the people that make Miles City and Eastern Montana the great place it is to
live. After you attend Leadership Miles City, you will have a better understanding of how you fit in to this
great place we call home.
Garth Sleight, MCC Associate Dean of Academic Affairs - Class of 2012
"Even though I have lived in Miles City for 26 years, I was astounded at how much I did not already
know about the city. I also came away with a renewed appreciation for the heritage we share as Miles
Citians and the great potential we have for a robust future if we plan prudently yet progressively."
Mia Mintz, Stockman Bank – Class of 2012
The leadership development class is an eye opening experience. It is amazing to hear how many
employees that many of the local businesses and even non-profit organizations support and how much
revenue is budgeted to be spent locally on expenses such as, advertising, materials, contract labor, etc. It
made me realize how much is really happening right here in Miles City.
Tracy Hauk, Stabler Steel – Class of 2012
There are several things that I liked about the class---1. I enjoyed the versatility of the classes 2. I liked
traveling to different locations 3. I was grateful to make new contacts with people that I probably never
would have met otherwise. The time commitment was not hard to fulfill.
Melissa Wallace, Mid-Rivers – Class of 2012
Leadership Class was something I always looked forward to every month. It was exciting to
learn about the different aspects of our community.
Lindsey Voigt, Fort Keogh – Class of 2012
I really enjoyed the class. It allowed me to learn more about what Miles City has to offer.
Janet Hartmann, MCC Distance Education & Community Outreach – Class of 2012
The Miles City Leadership class gave me a valuable insight into the workings of Miles City. I am recently
new to the community and appreciated getting to know the workings and meeting some dedicated leaders
that make the community of Miles City a great place to live. There is so much more to Miles City than
meets the eye. The Miles City Leadership class gave me a knowledge base that will enable me to inform
community members and visitors about the many aspects of businesses, government and opportunities
available to them. I feel so much more connected to the community.
Krista Stubblefield, First Interstate Bank Consumer Lender – Class of 2012
“I thought the class was absolutely wonderful. I had grown up in Miles City, but I did not realize all
the people, organizations and businesses that go over and above to help others. I again want to say
thank you for putting a great program on.”
Ty Jones, Jones Cattle Co. – Class of 2013
The Leadership Miles City class is the best experience I’ve had in a long time. No matter what walk
of life you come from, you will emerge from this class very enlightened about our community and
area.
Sandra Rabe, First Interstate Bank – Class of 2013
The Leadership Class showed me how little I really know about what is happening behind the scenes to
keep this City, County, and State prosperous and growing. Every class was informative and I always
learned something new. Most importantly, I would like to get involved with Economic Development in
some capacity in the future.
Carisa Hamrell, US Bank – Class of 2013
I moved to Miles City just a few weeks before I was asked to participate in the leadership class. I
was so glad to be a part of the class as it really helped me fall in love with a town I knew little about.
Teri Schmidt, Integrity Realty – Class of 2013
The class was very informative. I especially enjoyed Energy Day when we toured the Sanjel
facilities and also had a speaker from OptiBlend. The classes we had every month were
interesting and the classes covered such a variety of important aspects of Miles City. Thank you
for offering this great opportunity.