What is Leadership Portage County?

Leadership Portage County (LPC) challenges participants to broaden their understanding of Portage County and develop their leadership skills through network development, education, and community engagement.

The 10-month curriculum is an intensive leadership development program designed to give all leaders the skills, knowledge, and on-going support they need to succeed. LPC is not only for new or young professionals, but instead for leaders of all ages and titles. Participants in LPC will grow professionally and personally from the variety of leadership, team-building, communication and self-awareness exercises that are part of the curriculum.

Session Schedule

Leadership Portage County sessions are typically held Thursdays each month (*exceptions are noted below). Sessions are for the full day, beginning at 7:45 AM and concluding at 4:30 PM. Attendance and participation are expected at each session. Please review and save these dates before applying.

Class of 2023-2024 Sessions:

• *Thursday, August 24 AND Friday, August 25: Opening Retreat (this is the only two day session, it is 7:45-4:30 PM each day, not overnight) – sponsored by TDS
• Thursday, September 28, 2023 – sponsored by WPVGA
• Thursday, October 19, 2023
• Thursday, November 16, 2023 – sponsored by UW-Stevens Point MBA Program
• Thursday, December 14, 2023
• Thursday, January 11, 2024
• Thursday, February 15, 2024 – sponsored by Mission Coffee House
• *Thursday, March 14 (moved due to Spring Breaks) – sponsored by Lineage Logistics
• Thursday, April 11, 2024 – sponsored by Midwest Renewable Energy Association
• Thursday, May 23, 2024
• 5:00-7:00 PM on May 30: Graduation Program – sponsored by Community First Bank

For more details and to apply for the class of 2023-2024 (beginning in August), CLICK HERE!

Thank you to our Program Sponsor:

Thank you to our Session Sponsors:

Program Components & Goals

Each full-day LPC session combines leadership skill development and character building with exploration of community programs and challenges. Sessions are held in varying locations providing a diverse, inside look at Portage County. As an LPC graduate you will have had opportunities to:

• Enhance, develop and practice leadership skills;
• Expand business and community networks;
• Identify and explore community challenges;
• Learn about involvement opportunities in the community;
•  And promote an appreciation of Portage County’s resources, institutions, cultures and concerns.

Program outcomes are achieved through –

• Leadership Skill Building: LPC participants identify and practice their leadership skills in a safe environment through interactive sessions. Participants learn about personal leadership styles, active listening, conflict management, public speaking, consensus building, and other skills valuable in any workplace.
• Community Tours & Speakers: Get behind the scenes tours of businesses, hear from experts, and learn what makes our quality of life exceptional. Experiences include agri-business/farm tour, courthouse and jail tour (and lunch!), and a photo scavenger hunt throughout Portage County!
• Network Development: Not only are participants given ample opportunity to network with their classmates, but being in LPC connects you to an alumni network of 500 past participants. You will also connect with civic leaders, CEOs and other business and community innovators.
• Session Themes: Each of the monthly sessions is packed with information related to a community theme. Themes include; history of Portage County, Agribusiness, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Not For Profit, Health & Wellness, Economic Development, and others.

Program Commitment

Participants spend approximately 150 hours on LPC related activities during this program. Attendance is expected at each of the monthly sessions. Outside of the sessions, participants are asked to participate in interim assignments, tours and community building experiences, and a group project. Options are offered to provide flexibility and choice so that participants can select the option that best fits their schedule.

• Absences: Failure to attend at least nine (9) sessions will result in dismissal from the program without refund of tuition. Supervisors will be notified of participant attendance.
• Session Make-up Activity: In the event of a class absence, participants will be required to meet with a fellow LPC participant to determine what was missed from the session day and follow up with at least one of the agenda presenters to gain one-to-one support based on the missed session.