Daily Press file photo The Delta Force Class of 2019 is shown at the annual Delta County Chamber of Commerce dinner in this file photo. After being put on hold during the height of the pandemic, the local leadership program is active once again.

ESCANABA — After a year’s pause, Delta Force is back in session. Students met both on zoom and in person at the Delta County Commerce Center on April 22 for their first class since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

The theme of the class was “Economic Development Day,” and students were introduced to 10 different community leaders that shared their knowledge and expertise on the local economy, business development, talent attraction, and leadership. An entrepreneurial panel of local business owners also met to share their experience managing their business during a year of tremendous adversity.

The facilitator of the class and Executive Director of the Delta County Economic Development Alliance (EDA), Ed Legault, was extremely pleased with the interaction between the students and speakers. “The Delta Force Leadership Program continues to be one of the most effective courses our young business leaders can attend to develop their skills. If Delta County is to maximize its economic opportunities, it will be based on the next generation of leaders that give direction to our many organizations and boards,” said Legault.

The next class will be “History and Culture Day” on May 13. Students will get an opportunity to learn from several speakers how our communities past has influenced its current leaders. A series of nine full-day programs will follow and cover areas on education, social needs, personal skills, and key segments of our community.

Delta Force is a Leadership Program that is brought to you by the Delta County Chamber of Commerce and serves to introduce and orient new leaders to our community, identify individuals who have displayed a strong tendency toward civic involvement, and assist them in increasing their potential to become community leaders.