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vision of supporting a vibrant and thriving community and has invested time, energy, and resources toward developing the next generation of community leaders from a variety of different business and industry groups. “Numerous articles and studies have demonstrated that diverse teams enhance performance, outcomes, and success, and our LGR cohort is also reflective of the diversity we see across our community,” Schettle says. “The collaborative environment of LGR is filled with engaging and thoughtful conversations about topics critical to our community and serves to engage the cohort members in discussions through our unique perspectives and experiences. It is truly a unique environment that demonstrates the Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to innovation and development of leadership.” Indeed, as Katie Adelman, director of content & communications at Rochester Downtown Alliance and current LGR cohort member explains, from day one, the LGR program sets the stage to grow each person as a leader in themselves and to foster a spirit of leadership elsewhere, be it in the workplace, community, and/or beyond. “Every session offers thought-provoking presentations, unique tours and/or engaging panels of other area leaders,” Adelman says. “Whether it’s as simple of a leadership role as deciding to care for the environment by placing a water bottle into the recycles rather than the trash to running for an elected position to inspire more widespread
change, the development that occurs through LGR helps each cohort member decide what leadership means to them and how they can make an impact.” One of the first important lessons Adelman remembers early in the LGR experience was to push one’s boundaries. In general, it’s easy to stay in one’s comfort zone. But as Adelmen explains, to be open to new experiences and ways of thinking, that is where true growth comes from. “And that is true of the LGR experience. I think this quote from IT professional and author Manoj Arora sums up the LGR experience well: ‘Coming out of your comfort zone is tough in the beginning, chaotic in the middle, and awesome in the end…because in the end, it shows you a whole new world! Make an attempt,’” she says. In the past, Chris Petree, director of operations at WSB had enrolled staff in the program, but never attended himself. This year, Petree chose to join the LGR cohort with an intent to really grow his network in the Rochester area. “LGR has certainly been beneficial in broadening my network, which has transitioned into personal and business relationships,” Petree says. “It has also opened my eyes to many valuable opportunities that the Rochester Chamber offers to its membership.”
| Advantage Magazine 6
March 2022
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