ESCANABA — “Leaders are like eagles – they don’t flock … you find them one at a time.” — Anonymous

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Delta Force, a proven and effective leadership program, is designed to empower diverse individuals of our community with the knowledge, skills and inspiration to successfully assume effective leadership roles in Delta County. The program also develops a collective resource and problem solving network to help address community needs, today and in the future.

The future growth and prosperity of our community is closely tied to the quality and commitment of our next generation of leaders; the individuals who are needed to serve on boards, commissions, in community groups and in elected positions. This kind of leadership talent must be aggressively sought out, nurtured, and given the tools to lead successfully. Through Delta Force, an annual program supported and sponsored by many businesses and community organizations, those resources will be cultivated. Over the past 17 years, more than 350 students have graduated as more informed and capable leaders who are committed to using their talents to help develop our community.

After an inspirational kick off this past Thursday, the following students will attend 10 subsequent all-day sessions until they graduate in October at the Chamber Annual Dinner.

Rhonda Bernson, City of Gladstone

Dylan Bloniarz, Delta County Credit Union

Melissa Bonifas-Ness, Bonifas Ness Meemic Agency

Mari Bower, OSF Healthcare

Melissa Carpenter, Our Place Community Center

Jared Dagenais, Elmer’s County Market

Samantha DeCremer, Peninsula Federal Credit Union

Megan DeGrave, Peninsula Federal Credit Union

Jade Gomez, McDonalds

Jolee Hughes-Nummela, Taylor, Lord & Hughes Insurance

Rebecca Ingebrigtsen, Inspired Actions Personal Coaching

Tina Jensen, Bay College

Jessica LaMarch, Bay College

Michael Lindahl, Gladstone Housing Commission

Jenine Maloney, First Bank Investment Mgt Group

Amy Martin, UPHS Home Care and Hospice

Terry Pearson, McDonalds

Sunday Quinn, Race Driven Polaris KTM

Steven Raboin, Verso

Heavenlee Royer, Great Lakes First Federal Credit Union

Krystal Schmidt, Great Lakes First Federal Credit Union

Nicole Sharon, Hilltop RV Superstore

Laurel Starnes, OSF Healthcare

Rachael Strand, Delta County Credit Union

Terri-Lynn Thompson, Delta County Commerce Center

Jacquelyn Trask-Rahn, Edward Jones

Who benefits from the Delta Force program? Obviously, this year’s program participants as they learn to identify additional opportunities to influence positive change and impact quality of life, but so, too, does our waterfront community with the increased involvement of the soaring eagles of Delta Force.

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Vickie Micheau is director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce