×

Column: Delta Force Class of 2023 announced

Victoria LaFave photo During Delta Force’s 2022 session, students discussed collaboration as a success tool with Ed Legault, executive director of the Economic Development Alliance, during Economic Development Day.

ESCANABA–The new Delta Force Class of 2023 is set to begin a new session, and the list of students is impressive. In the coming year, the 24 students will embark on their journey of learning about the inner workings of their local economy, including its global reach from area manufacturers.

The Delta Force year kicks off with its first class on Thursday, Feb. 23, when students meet each other, and the stage is set for the Delta Force experience.

Then, classes officially begin on Thursday, March 23 with Education Day, in which students will explore the issues impacting education in Delta County and will ultimately gain a deeper understanding of the complexities facing our educators today.

Students in the Delta Force Class of 2023 are (each student’s sponsoring business/organization/ individual is also noted):

Ismael Lopez, VanAire; Jen Rogers, Upper Peninsula Michigan Works; Kimberly Maloney, Embers Credit Union; Mandi Jasso, Embers Credit Union; Patricia West, City of Gladstone; Olivia Fix, Engineered Machined Products (EMP); Matt Valiquette, U.P. State Fair; Julie Lambert, Leigh’s Garden Winery; Heidi Haeusler, Mr. Bike and Ski; Brandy Schwartz, North Woods Place/Enlivant; Amber Hanson, GreenStone Farm Credit Services; Derek Light, Baybank; Liz McCall, Delta-Schoolcraft ISD; Nick Chenier, Chenier’s Greenhouse; Kaili Murray, Tony Lambert; Amy Reddinger, Bay College; Ashley Edwardsen, Peninsula Federal Credit Union; Emily Noblet, OSF St. Francis Hospital; Lacey Crabb, OSF St. Francis Hospital; Jessica Beaver, Bay College; Joshua Racine, Gladstone Area Public High School; Paige Jacobs, Richards Printing; Desiree Calouette, Upper Peninsula State Bank; and Ashley Davidson, Delta Abstract & Title Agency, a member of Lighthouse Title.

Throughout the coming year, these Delta Force students will learn from area business owners and entrepreneurs, community and healthcare leaders, along with law enforcement, government and education officials, members of the media, and environmental experts about the inner workings of our local economy. Students will also enjoy breakfast and lunch during each session, thanks to the generosity of the sponsoring businesses and organizations.

One of the underlying themes in the Delta Force sessions focuses on the importance of service in helping develop the economy, and how each student can get involved in growing and revitalizing their community.

They will also learn about the challenges and rewards that local business and community leaders face on a daily basis in running their businesses and organizations.

Mark Ammel, who was one of the presenters during Delta Force’s 2022 sessions, shared his business knowledge on Economic Development Day. Ammel, who is mayor of Escanaba and owner of Bobaloon’s, a popular local restaurant, summed up one of his principles in running a successful business: “If you focus on building your community first, eventually it will take care of you. Most of the successful business people around here are also heavily involved in their community.”

Delta Force students will celebrate their graduation from this tremendous leadership program at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 12. Created and sponsored by the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, which currently serves over 700 members, Delta Force encompasses a series of ten full-day sessions covering key segments of our community.

— — —

Victoria LaFave is with the Delta County Chamber of Commerce.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today