Class of 2006

Leadership Cattaraugus Quotes - Class of 2006

"The genius of this leadership training is that each monthly day-long session is presented on a certain topic by a small team of classmates, who work together and develop the agenda for the day. In fact, each small team presents twice over the course of the program. Filling an eight-hour day and making arrangements for facilities, food, breaks, along with speakers and dignitaries from all walks of life is an education in itself. The fact that you are working with your peers to prepare a day’s worth of material for peers is somehow very special. But that is just the framework – the real meat of the course is the incredible presentations that we get to enjoy each month. After practically every single session, I would think to myself, “Wow, how else would I have ever learned all that stuff?"
Darell Klute
Manager, Communications and Development
The ReHabilitation Center

"I spent my time growing up here never knowing much outside of my parents experiences at work. Having been out of the area for 16 years and re-locating back, Leadership Cattaraugus provided me with a rapid learning opportunity that allowed me to re-orient myself to Catt County as well as learn about the many different programs of the area. This experience will allow me to contribute in ways that I never thought possible in a much faster timeframe."
Bob Forness
Process Innovations Engineer
Olean General Hospital

"Much more than I even could have expected! A great experience, very worthwhile!"
Jeanne Finch
Business Manager
Jamestown Community College

"My experience with Leadership Cattaraugus 2006 was a delightful one. I was able to meet business professionals who I would have otherwise never had the chance to meet in the normal day's business. Leadership is about building relationships with others and that is what Leadership Cattaraugus was able to do for me. It is something I will cherish for many years to come."
Dan Antonioli
Business Unit Manager
Cutco Cutlery Corporation

"I can say because of Leadership Cattaraugus, I am a better and more informed citizen. It's not only what you learn during the program, but more importantly, how you are ableto learn so much more afterwards, about the things that affect us and our families. It motivates you to become involved and do what you can to make this area a better place to live and work."
Ryan Hunt
Upgrade Application Specialist
Dresser-Rand Company

"I am a life-long resident of Cattaraugus County, a tax-payer, a mother, and a neighbor. I graduated from college, work hard at my career, and follow local news. I thought I understood the workings of our community very well. Leadership Cattaraugus took my thinking to the next level. It equipped me with important leadership skills, provided me with a growing network of professional contacts, and educated me on underlying issues facing our region. Leadership Cattaraugus instilled in me an appreciation for my peers and a powerful sense of civic duty. If we are going to leave a productive and positive legacy for our children, we must move forward as a team. Leadership Cattaraugus put me on that team. It addressed my unanswered questions, allowing me to walk away with a clear vision of my role in the future of Cattaraugus County."
Pam Witter
HomeCare and Hospice

"I was hesitant at first about what I had obligated myself for almost a whole year, but I can't say it enough, IT WAS A FANTASTIC YEAR. Lucky me!!!!! I am very grateful that my agency sent me."
Melody Zampogna
RN, Education and Training Manager
HomeCare and Hospice

This was an incredible learning experience. I'm not sure it can be adequately summed up. Having the opportunity to get an inside view from the major players of the systems and institutions of the county. To hear from them about the problems they've struggled with and their successes. To share these experiences with 20 other class members trying to understand the same things and to hear their viewpoints. But probably for me, the best part was the hands-on aspect of working with a team that started out as strangers and learned from and supported each other. This forced me to connect with the process in a way I might not have, otherwise."
Nancy Phillips
Director of Human Resources
Cattaraugus County Council on Alcoholism

• LC was a great way to meet and get to know professionals from different walks of life. (Manufacturing, Health related, Government, Non-Profit, etc)
• LC was a great way to “discover” the issues in Catt. County. I learned a lot in the past year about an area that I’ve lived in for over 40 years.
• LC was yet another way to work closely with a diverse set of personalities and learn from those experiences. Everyone doesn’t "tick" the same way
• LC was a way to gain contacts in Catt. County. I’ve met individuals who I’ve read about in the paper and now I’ve had a chance to meet them in person.
• LC is a way to “learn” the Catt County system and how things really work. I had no idea what all the agencies were or even how they all interacted.
• LC helped improve my leadership skills!

"It was a great experience for me. I was able to meet and work with a number of individuals from different backgrounds and work experiences. Organizing a day around a topic was very educational. It taught everyone how to work with personalities that are different than their own as well as taking broad subjects and deciding which aspects of the subject to present. I would make one suggestion. That would be to let different service organizations present so that people who wanted to get involved with one of them would know how to go about joining and getting involved."
Risa Michienzi
Manager of Benefits and HR Administration
Alcas Corporation

"I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in LC '06. The topics, presenters, and panel discussions were intellectually stimulating, cutting edge, and first class. The group dynamics, networking, and friendships that evolved with fellow and past participants and the Leadership Cattaraugus Board is invaluable. Thanks again."
Rob Hurlburt
Assistant Director of Maintenance
St. Bonaventure University

"Leadership Cattaraugus was a great learning experience, offering participants a holistic view of our area’s strengths and challenges. I found it well worth the time and appreciated the chance to expand my horizons."
Jodi Fuller
Director of Homeless Services
Cattaraugus Community Action, Inc.

"Leadership Cattaraugus ’06 reinforced with our cohort the importance of cultivating relationships among individuals and organizations, empowered us with increased community awareness and involvement, and motivated us to commit to collaborative efforts that address the challenges and strengthen the assets of our county/communities. And on a lighter note…it was tons of fun."
Jill Gray

"I loved my Leadership Cattaraugus experience! It was a ten month journey consisting of personal growth, development of new friendships, education on critical elements within our area, and most importantly- it left us all eager to help make a difference within our community!"
Jill Ballard
Director of Development
Jamestown Community College

"Leadership Cattaraugus shattered several preconceived notions and replaced them with a firm understanding of how our county works, the networks in place to serve county residents and a clear picture of what I can do foster improvements in the system."
Jackie Norton
Meridian Professional Services

"First let me say that it was truly an honor to be involved not only with the Leadership Cattaraugus program itself but also with the rest of my 2006 Cohort and previous alumni. I can honestly say that after each session was complete that I walked away with things I did not know and even sometimes a different perspective than what I had going into it. The whole program truly enlightens all of us to the many ongoing issues we face daily by living and working in Cattaraugus County. Lastly, the diversity of the group, the fun we had and the ongoing and future networking opportunities that the program affords all of us is absolutely something that can not be quantified or under-estimated."
Scott Brechbuehl
Vice President, Commercial Lending Officer
Community Bank