The Community Education Center of Elk and Cameron Counties officially kicked off its community leadership program with a cohort of 16 local participants. The inaugural session was hosted by the Johnsonburg Community Center and held on September 11^th. The session set the stage for an intensive, hands-on leadership development experience designed to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to foster community growth and collaboration. Participants explored their own personal leadership styles, and those of others. This activity set the foundation for discussions on collaborative leadership and relationship-building. Laura Dimino and Kaitlyn Goode, from The Center for Rural PA, delivered a detailed presentation on the demographic and socioeconomic trends shaping the region. The session provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing local communities, arming participants with data to inform their leadership projects. Lunch was generously sponsored by Creative Concrete. Afternoon activities included teambuilding and a presentation by the Stackpole-Hall Foundation on their recent long-range planning report.

The October session was held in Cameron County. Steve Aharrah, President of Embassy Pressed Metals provided a comprehensive tour and explanation of the powdered metal processes for the participants. Emporium Hardwoods hosted the class as well to demonstrate the efficiencies of a modern sawmill. Both tours broadened the participants’ understanding of the economic drivers in the county. Small roundtable discussions with PA Wilds, Cameron County Proud, and the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group took place after lunch, which was sponsored by Emporium Hardwoods. The afternoon concluded with a walking tour where Commissioner Zucal guided us to the Courthouse, the new Chamber of Commerce building, and the Hygrade Inn. As a result of this session, one participant reflected “I had no idea there was so much in Emporium!”

This year’s participant sponsors include: Big Maple Farms Natural Therapies, Cameron County, CNB Bank, Commonwealth of PA/Dept. of Labor and Industry, CEC of Elk and Cameron, Dickinson Center, Elk County Community Foundation, Elk County Heat Treaters, Elk County Housing Authority, Emporium Foundation, Equus Workforce Solutions, Mersen, Ridgway and Johnsonburg Boroughs, and St. Marys Area School District.

For more information or to get involved in future Leadership Elk and Cameron sessions, please contact the CEC (814) 781-3437.

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