Published: November 20, 2008 10:30 pm      

LEADERSHIP: Students meet business leaders, learn about careers

The leaders of tomorrow met with local leaders of today to see and hear about the different career opportunities in the area.

Students from the Leadership for the Youth of Niagara County program and class members of the Leadership Niagara adult program met Thursday at the Fairways Banquet Center of the Deerwood Golf Course in North Tonawanda. Leadership Niagara Executive Director Richard Laskowski said this was the first time the two community leadership programs have met up. It offered the students a chance to see what kind of careers are available in the area and hear stories from local business people. It could motivate the young people to find a career here.

“For LYNC, it’s a chance to match them up with folks already in careers,” he said. “It puts a positive spin on a career in Niagara County and being a future community leader.”

Laskowski said Thursday was “Career Development Day” for LYNC and “Small Business Day” for Leadership Niagara. The LYNC group begin their day at the new Ridge Road Express location in Lockport to hear a presentation from CEO Tom Weeks.

Other presenters included Deanna Alterio-Brennen from the Niagara USA Chamber, Stephanie Newman from Niagara University’s Center for Career Development, Jack Martin the CEO of the J. Fitzgerald Advertising Group, Karen Renzi co-owner of Beyondus, a Web site and advertising company, and Mike Licata of Frey Electric. Grace Stumberg, a young singer who graduated in 2007 from the Music in Action Program, performed her original song, “Change the World.”

“She’s young, so the kids can relate to her,” Laskowski said.

Leadership Niagara was founded in 1984 and LYNC was founded in 2001. The youth program averages about 35 high school students a year, with students coming from all 10 public school districts in Niagara County and Niagara Catholic. Students are selected by their districts, and those who are picked must have shown some kind of desire to learn more about the area and some leadership qualities while in school.

Some of the LYNC students thought the program was beneficial in a number of ways.

“It’s good to meet younger people who are into similar things,” said Wilson High School junior Nick Halleran. “It’s a good way to learn.”

Halleran said he enjoyed when the group went to Community Missions in Niagara Falls to help serve. He said he also liked the presentation by Weeks.

Interacting with others was something Royalton-Hartland junior Juan Broyles liked, too. He added that the program also offered a look into different charities and businesses.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to understand what to do in the future to help,” Broyles said.

Leadership Niagara runs from January to December, while LYNC runs with the school year. Laskowski said the two programs will be meeting together in January, when the adult program begins.

Contact reporter Joe Olenick at 439-9222, ext. 6241.