The final program session for the Shore Leadership Class of 2017 was held at Dixon Valve and Coupling Center, Inc., Center for Innovation in Kent County on November 15. Leadership Facilitators, Carol Graser and Joe Thomas, focused the leadership session on Adaptive Leadership and Managing Energies. The class learned the importance of managing our energy instead of time to maximize productivity.
The afternoon session focused on Manufacturing in Kent County. Dan Lessard, Assistant V.P. of Human Resources – Training & Safety, took the class on a tour of the Dixon Valve and Coupling Company manufacturing facility. Following the tour, the class heard from a panel on the challenges of finding the right skilled workforce and recruiting young people to move to Kent County, Maryland. The panel explained how they are partnering with Kent County Public Schools to help educate students and parents on manufacturing careers and internship opportunities. The panel members were: Marty Rodriguez, Dixon Valve and Coupling; Jamie Williams, Kent County Economic Development Coordinator; and, Jonathan Mabe, Eastman. Dan McDermott, Executive Director of the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board was the facilitator for the panel discussion.
The class completed their day with a presentation and Engineering Challenge by Jim Shifrin, Director of New Product Development and Innovation. Mr. Shifrin explained how new products are created and developed with his team of engineers using the Two Week Dixon Innovative Creativity Process. The class was then divided into small groups and challenged to create a bridge from 10 sheets of paper and a roll of masking tape. The bridge had to span a 14-inch gap, could not be taped to the table, and had to hold as much weight as possible. By the end of the day, one class member shared, “This program was much more than I ever expected! I learned so much about myself and leadership skills to help me. But, I also learned from classmates in a learning environment that challenged me to grow.”
Shore Leadership is now accepting applications for the Class of 2018. The program begins in April and runs through November. For more information contact, [email protected] or complete the application online at www.shoreleadership.org. Click on Program for more information and the application.
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