Seventeen new Ohio leaders joined the Leadership Ohio class of 2009 which began on Friday, April 17, in Oberlin, OH.  For the first time, Lorain County was the host for Leadership Ohio.  The weekend was all about appreciating and capitalizing on personality differences and team building. Apparently, Lorain County wanted to impress Leadership Ohio and ordered the most perfect weather.

The group gathered at Oberlin Inn on Friday morning to begin the 8 month course and begin the work of learning and developing new skills and knowledge. Cathie Leimbach from Strive worked with the group on “The Color of Your Personality” with discussions on different personality types.  In the afternoon Dennis Willis, an action coach, worked with the group on how to see opportunities instead of problems.

Immediately after class on Friday, the group gathered at the Lorain County Visitor’s Bureau for a kick-off reception.  Over 80 guests attended including community leaders and participants of Leadership Lorain County.  Dr. Roy Church, President of LCCC provided the opening remarks and welcomed the group. Leadership Ohio also presented the first “Excellence in Leadership” award to a surprised Gail Stumphauzer, the Director of Leadership Lorain County, who also helped in coordinating the retreat speakers for the class. 

On Saturday the group went to Common Ground, a corporate retreat center and was welcomed by Rick Grahovac, Executive Director.  The afternoon was spent outdoors negating a ropes course with the help of Joe Molnar and Dale Jones.

The class of 2009 is off to a good start and will meet again in Columbus on May 14, and 15, to learn more about state government and what the role and participation of Ohioan’s is in state government.