PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS The VALU Program is a comprehensive, indepth, hands-on education about the many facets of Auglaize County. Monthly sessions are filled with tours of businesses, farms, schools, museums, television stations and more. They also include panel discussions with local experts and leaders, networking opportunities, and just plain fun! (See inside panel for details.) Program Benefits: The VALU Program offers many benefits. Here are the top five: 1) Fast-track education on local issues and resources 2) Direct access to local leadership 3) Easy networking opportunities 4) Leadership development 5) A strong countywide community Schedule: The program is held one day a month (8:00 am -4:30 pm) for ten months (starting in September and ending in June). Commitment: Participants are required to attend all ten sessions. It is also strongly suggested that participants give a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer service.. (See inside panel on “Volunteer Activities.”) Cost: $395 Covers leadership assessment tests, plus all meals, supplies, and most transport costs. Applications: Information and applications are available at: www.valuauglaize.blogspot.com You may also call 419-300-4611 or write info@auglaize.org. Application Deadline – September 1st What Program Graduates Say… “An outstanding learning opportunity about Auglaize County that every business person should experience.” Karen Brown, Wapakoneta Daily News “What an interesting 10 months… I have lived in Auglaize County all my life, but learned so much more thanks to the VALU Class.” Missy Homan, Staffmark “A great networking experience… and a fast paced approach to getting to the heart of Auglaize County.” Pamela Sophiajohn, SOPHIAJOHN Writes Auglaize County Leadership Development Program “By visiting so many places that I didn’t even know existed, I learned a great deal about the communities and people of Auglaize County.” Melissa Bertke, Minster Bank “The class had so much to offer and I would be honored if I could help with future classes.” Ann Larger, JTDMH VALU is a leadership program collaboratively conducted by the Southwest Auglaize, St. Marys Area, and Wapakoneta Area CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE. Your questions and comments are welcome! Saint Marys Area 419-300-4611 SW Auglaize County 419-629-0313 Wapakoneta Area 419-738-2911 Developing Leadership Educating on Local Resources & Issues Building Countywide Community COMMUNICATIONS DAY Tours: Lima News, WLIO TV Lima, Telephone Service Company, ComNet, Inc., Wapakoneta Daily News Panel Discussion: Newspaper Publishers and Editors, Television News Director, Radio News Director The VALU program is held one day a month for ten months with each monthly session dedicated to a specific topic for the day. Here are examples of program topics and activities. LOCAL GOVERNMENT DAY Tours: County Recycling Center, Waste Water Plant, Water Treatment Plant, County Courthouse & Administration, Neil Armstrong Airport, County Engineer’s Office Panel Discussion: County Mayors, County Treasurer, County Auditor, Township Clerk, Village Administrator EDUCATION DAY Tours: Tri-Star Career Compact, Elementary Schools, High Schools, Public Library Panel Discussion: School Superintendents, WSULake Campus, Rhodes State College, University of NW Ohio, Apollo Career Center LOCAL HISTORY AND TOURISM DAY Tours: Daniel Mooney Museum, New Knoxville Heritage Center, Bicycle Museum of America, New Bremen Historic Museum, Armstrong Air & Space Museum, Wapakoneta Historical Museum Panel Discussion: Auglaize-Mercer Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director, Regional Hotel Managers, Retail Association Members HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES DAY Tours: Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, County Health Department, A.C. Council on Aging Center, A. C. Jobs & Family Services, OtterbeinCridersville Funeral Home and Crematory Panel Discussion: Nursing Home Administrators INDUSTRY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DAY Tours: Minster Machine Co., Crown Equipment, AAP-St. Marys, General Aluminum Co., Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Panel Discussion: Ohio Department of Development Regional Representative, and Economic Development Directors from New Bremen, Minster, St. Marys, and Wapakoneta AGRICULTURE DAY Tours: Grain Farm, Round Barn, Dairy Farm, Hog Operation, TruPointe Cooperative Presentation / Panel Discussion: Auglaize County OSU Co-Extension Service Office, President of Brookside Labs, TruPointe Cooperative Executive, Local Agricultural producer JUSTICE AND SAFETY FORCES DAY Tours: Auglaize County Law Enforcement Center, Homeland Security Offices, County Courthouse, Fire Department Panel Discussion / Presentations: Fire Chief, EMS Squad Director, Police Chief, Highway Patrol Officers, Common Pleas Court Judge, Juvenile Court Judge, County Prosecutor, Public Defender LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Orientation Day includes a professional presentation on leadership styles. Participants will also be given an opportunity to learn about their own leadership style through an individualized leadership assessment tool. Leadership will remain a discussion theme throughout the program. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT / VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES For leadership development, the VALU Program strongly encourages participants to give at least 10 hours of volunteer service in one of three ways: 1. Auglaize County Community Organizations – Program participants may sign up to give their volunteer hours to a community organization providing services throughout the county. (The VALU application includes a suggested list; or you may also choose one of your own as long as it serves all of Auglaize County.) 2. VALU Alumni Association’s Project Committee – Program participants may also give their volunteer hours to the VALU Alumni Association as either a member of the Alumni Steering Committee or as a volunteer with the association’s annual service project. 3. VALU Mentoring / Shadow Program With Auglaize County Commissioners – The Auglaize County Commissioners have agreed to a oneyear trial of a “mentoring” (or shadow) program. This opportunity is limited to only six (6) people. (Please see VALU Application for more details.) For questions, please call 419-300-4611 or write info@auglaize.org.