The 2017 Shore Leadership Class traveled to Dorchester County to hear from 2007 alumni, Kelly Jackson owner and operator of Emily’s Produce who hosted the group for a farm to table luncheon where she spoke to the class about the valuable leadership skills she uses every day managing her family’s agri-tourism business. The class also heard from Rachel Widmaier, 4-H council and vice president of the Trailblazers 4-H Club who shared her journey in 4-H and the leadership skills she is developing through her service.
The leadership focus for the day was Leading Change. Leadership Facilitator, Carol Graser of the Annapolis Learning Center, who led the class through several exercises and discussions on leading change in your business or organization. “In leading change, I need to be less focused on problem-solving issues and more on the stories people bring with them and the emotions involved,” said a member of the current class.
Later that day the class went to Layton’s Chance Winery where they heard from 1999 alumni, Michael Thielke, Executive Director of the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center. Michael talked to the class about his role at the Center and explained his view point of agriculture and seafood looking through a lens of innovation and technology with a focus on farm, fish and food.
The day ended with a panel discussion about the challenges of farming and agriculture led by Emily Zobel, Maryland Extension Agriculture Educator. Afterwards, Mr. Joe Layton and Mr. William Layton talked about their Lazy Day Farm and the Layton’s Chance Winery. Lazy Day Farm was inducted into the Maryland Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2011.
For more information on Shore Leadership or to apply to join the class of 2018, go to www.shoreleadership.org or contact [email protected].
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