CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Vision
Before 2030, Polk
County will have
leadership that drives
the partnership with
government and
citizens to ensure
that Polk County is a
premier place to live,
learn, work and play.
Leadership Polk Class IX
LEADERSHIP POLK
Leadership Polk is a Polk Vision program started in 2007 that brings together
current and emerging leaders from across Polk County to develop a diverse
network of resourceful, informed and proactive leaders who will contribute to
building a more vibrant community.
Leadership Polk Class I graduated in May 2008 and Leadership Polk Class X will
convene in August 2016. The ten-month program immerses participants in an
inspiring and enlightening curriculum that examines critical issues that impact Polk
County. Leadership Polk is topically relevant, dynamic, and exposes participants to
a broad range of perspectives through location tours, facilitated conversation and
experiential learning.
LEADERSHIP POLK QUICK FACTS
• 243 participants have graduated program
• 12 of the 17 municipalities have been represented
• 20 business categories have been represented
• 13% of participants represent a diverse group of minority population
• 44% of program participants have been female
“As an active Polk County resident since 1998, I was unsure of what “new” information
or experiences would come from joining a Leadership Polk class. I can now attest that
the “journey” exceeded my wildest expectations after being immersed in a great variety
of wonderfully planned day trips. My eyes have now been opened to the special variety of
services, communities and most importantly - people - that reside and serve with us in our
Polk County home.”
– Phil Wegman, Furr and Wegman , Class VIII
24
“For me, the Leadership Polk experience was about two things – building awareness of
challenges and successes across the county and building relationships with leaders that I
would otherwise never have the opportunity to meet. It is the one organization that brings
concerned people together from every part of the county to begin meaningful conversations
that lead to making Polk County a better place.”
– Jerry Miller, Government and Community Relations Manager, Duke Energy, Class I