With the completion of Education Day on January 8, this year’s class of Leadership Lakes Region is halfway through the Program Year. Thus far, the Class of 21 area professionals has spent three days in learning more about the History and Culture, Social Issues and Educational Issues impacting the Lakes Region. Still to come are Economic Issues Day in February followed by Health Day, Political issues Day and, finally, Lakes Day and Graduation in successive months. “Feedback from the students in the class has been most helpful”, stated Program Coordinator Marian Gill. “The class members provide us real-time suggestions for changes in upcoming program days and we have the flexibility to adjust and make modifications as we go along through the class year, “she added. An additional bonus to the class feedback is increased recruiting ideas for the next class. Board Chairman Don Morrissey pointed out that LLR seeks to keep some of the current class members on the Board of Directors for the upcoming year while encouraging all to recommend names of potential future students.

Congratulations to Board Member and alumnus Dr. Leo Sanfacon for recently being honored as the Lakes Region’s Unsung Hero Awardee from the Belknap County Coalition for Children, Youth and Families. Leo was selected for his vast volunteer efforts and, most especially, his efforts with the Boys and Girls Club of Laconia. Congratulations to class member John Malm of Meredith Village Savings Bank…..John recently completed his term as President of the Laconia-Weirs Beach Chamber of Commerce. During John’s term, numerous projects were completed, most notably the merger of the Franklin and L-WB Chambers and phenomenal growth in Chamber membership. Congratulations to class member Jon Shapleigh of Laconia Savings Bank…..Jon was honored at the recent Chamber of Commerce luncheon as Ambassador of the Year for the Laconia-Weirs Beach Chamber, now the merged Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. The spirit of volunteerism and leadership of Leo, John and Jon are what Leadership Lakes Region encourages.