 The program is designed to develop leadership skills through educational sessions in art, culture and finance. Dodge, assistant branch manager in the Litchfield office, spent one day a month from September 2008 through June 2009 learning about the local community, its organizations and how leadership styles differ in various industries.
During monthly sessions, the group met with local bankers including Litchfield Bancorp President and CEO Mark Macomber, local media, the state legislature, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and local entertainment venues such as the Warner Theatre in Torrington and Infinity Hall in Norfolk. Activities focus on team building, leadership skills and community involvement.
“Leadership Northwest is an excellent opportunity to network with future business leaders, gather the skills to advance your career and give back to the community in the process.” according to Paul McLaughlin of Litchfield Bancorp. Both McLaughlin and Litchfield Bancorp colleague Margret Warner are past participants who have remained involved with the program long after their own graduations. McLaughlin co-chairs the program with Karen Lopardo of Torrington Savings Bank. Margret Warner serves as a group advisor, “I enjoy continuing to be part of the program since I got so much out of it myself.”
Melissa Dodge’s project team included Laura Kirk of the Warner Theatre, Joe Danjovits of Northwest Connecticut Community College, and Tom Craig of Paychecks. To satisfy the program's requirements of creating a community involvement project, the group created Youth Link a website that helps teens find volunteer work with local community organizations. Dodge explains, ““We found there it was a challenge for students to find local volunteer opportunities so we created an online resource that helps both students and local organizations.”
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