Leadership Tuscarawas graduates 11 members of its 11th class of leaders

About 50 community leaders, employers, family and classmates gathered at the Bistro 131 to honor the 2013 graduating class of Leadership Tuscarawas (LT) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. It was the group’s 11th class.The graduates had attended a full-day class one day each month for 10 months where they learned leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, as well as studied the community organizations and resources, as well as the social and economic issues, that exist in Tuscarawas County.“We met a lot of gifted people and got to see a lot of things that I didn’t know existed in our county,” said Josh Carlisle, of Rea & Associates. “Without a doubt, it was worth the money our companies spent to send us and the time that we spent this year. And it was a lot of fun.” Harry Eadon, president and executive director of the Economic Development and Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County (formerly the Tuscarawas County Port Authority), was also a 2013 graduate. “I learned several things that I’m already using on the job,” he said. “It was a great experience. I hope that other CEOs will consider joining the class in the future.”Union Hospital and Dover-Phila Credit Union each sponsored two students in the 2013 class. “As an employer, we get two things from Leadership Tuscarawas,” said Bruce James, the hospital’s CEO. “We consider the hospital a community asset, and participation in Leadership Tuscarawas allows our people to learn more about the community in which they live and work. Second, we are dependent on growing leaders as a business and as a community. Leadership Tuscarawas provides a tremendous avenue for people to grow as leaders. It puts them on a good road and gives them a great start.”The 2013 LT graduates included Mary Barger, Adventure Harley-Davison; Josh Carlisle, Rea & Associates; Brittany Cochenour and Kathy Cummings, Union Hospital; Mike Dotts, Tuscarawas County ADMHS Board; Harry Eadon, Tuscarawas County Port Authority; Tom Fantin, SS & G Financial Services; Wynonna Fulton and Jennifer Miller, Dover-Phila Credit Union; Sara Gill, Horizons, Inc.; and Billy Jo Willett, Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The class also conducted a class project, which was Rediscovering Tuscarawas County. The group gathered a list of family-friendly events and exhibits and worked to promote them.Tracy Stevens, of Dominion East Ohio Gas, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony. She stressed the importance of good sense, good will and good character in leadership. “All you have as a leader is your credibility,” Stevens said.Leadership Tuscarawas is currently accepting applications for the 2013-2014 class. Classes will begin in August. For additional information, contact Lynn Angelozzi at 330-340-5105 or visit the Leadership Tuscarawas website at www.leadershiptusc.com.