While many could argue that times are tough for West Virginia, a bright economic outlook becomes more achievable through well-equipped leaders that can creatively gain resources, motivate their communities and develop sound strategies for the future.
According to some of West Virginia University Extension Service’s faculty, that’s exactly the type of training offered at the Community Leadership Academy — a three-day conference aimed at strengthening leadership from all disciplines and areas of the state.
The conference is now in its fourth year, and the theme is Regeneration: Real Solutions for Real Situations, an emphasis that encourages leaders to take home what they learned and begin applying it in their communities.
Hosted at the Waterfront Marriott Hotel in downtown Morgantown, the conference also lets those in attendance learn through optional, structured experiences that highlight the best of the city with a craft beer tour and a culinary tour.
A full schedule of courses and access to online registration is available. The cost is $245 per person. Student and group discount rates are available. Deadline to register is Friday, April 7.
Attendees can mix or match breakout session topics that include leadership, good governance and economic strategy. It’s a model that, according to organizers, allows leaders to get the most from their experience and get more tools that are relevant to them.
“We don’t want this to be a cold conference where people seldom interact shuffling between sessions — we’re all looking for solutions to help the state we love,” said Kelly Nix, WVU Extension’s former community leadership specialist. “We want it to be valuable, practical and most of all, a true step forward in collaboration for the state’s leaders across multiple sectors.”
The Community Leadership Academy has also been approved for local economic development credits with the West Virginia Development Office and continuing education units with WVU.
The academy is organized by WVU Extension Service’s Community Resources and Economic Development program, which strives to provide educational programs and technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of citizens and organizations throughout the state of West Virginia.
WVU Extension Service’s local experts work to help improve the lifestyles and well-being of workforces, communities and businesses through trusted research in the counties in which they serve.
To learn more about the conference, contact Michael Douherty, WVU Extension specialist.