Officials with ISU Extension in Shelby County report registrations are currently being accepted for the Shelby County Leadership 2013 program, which is designed to maximize the strengths and skills of current and future community leaders. The program entails two partial-day sessions that focus on topics such as understanding ourselves and others, dealing with conflict, understanding change, and leading effective meetings.

The sessions will be presented on two Wednesdays in March – March 13 and March 20 — from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The location for the first session is at the C.G. Therkildsen Activity Center, Harlan and the second class will be held at Iowa Western’s Harlan Center. A mid-day meal will be served for each session.

The program is being sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – Shelby County and SCOPE (Shelby Co. Opportunity, Promotion and Enterprise committee). As the result of a local grant, the registration fee for Shelby County Leadership 2013 will be only $50 per person if registered by March 1; or $75 if registered after March 1.  The registration fee will be refunded to participants who complete both sessions of the program in their entirety.

Training sessions will be taught by ISU Extension and Outreach community and economic development program specialists. Newly-elected and appointed officials are encouraged to register for the program, as well as long-time leaders interested in polishing their skills, and individuals interested in getting more involved in their community.

Registration forms may be picked up and returned to the Shelby County Extension and Outreach office, the Shelby County DevelopSource office or from planning committee members.  For more information about the program, contact Jane Nolan Goeken, Community Development Specialist, ISU Extension and Outreach at 712/240-2504 (or, jngoeken@iastate.edu)