The Allegany County Area Foundation recently awarded a $600 grant to Leadership Allegany. This money will be used to sponsor a participant in the Leadership Allegany Program. On hand to accept the award was Laura Hunsberger, a participant in the current Leadership Allegany cohort. Laura is the executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County.

Leadership Allegany is a joint initiative of Houghton College, The Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, and Alfred State College. The program, established in 2009, provides a dynamic learning environment where adult professionals who live, work or have a vested interest in Allegany County grow their leadership abilities, create connections, and impact their communities. Participants meet two times a month for ten months, including a full-day opening retreat.

Industry days provide participants with an in-depth, insider’s view of Allegany County industries through the professionals who lead them – including government, the judicial system, manufacturing, agriculture, and many more. They engage in site tours, hear from speakers, and enjoy panel discussions.
Curriculum sessions challenge participants to dig deep into their leadership values using the Social Model for Leadership, developed by the Higher Education Research Institute of UCLA. They begin by exploring their own personal strengths, moving gradually from the self to small group engagement to community impact.

Participants work in small groups throughout the year to plan an industry day and conduct a community service project that supports individuals or service organizations in the county. Participants also write a personal leadership development plan.
For more information about Leadership Allegany please visit their web site at: http://www.leadershipalleganyny.org. They can also be reached at: 585-567-9621.

For more information about the Allegany County Area Foundation, please send an e-mail to:director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org or call 585-808-8444. Their next grant deadline is on August 30th, and their grant application is available online.

In the picture (L to R): Laura Hunsberger, a participant in the current Leadership Allegany cohort and Denis Dahlgren, executive director of the Allegany County Area Foundation.