More than a dozen professionals from 10 Aroostook County businesses recently completed timelines, action items and milestones to boost workforce and economic development in the County.
The group completed the work as part of the second Leadership Aroostook class, a professional development initiative created by the Aroostook Partnership in conjunction with Husson University’s College of Business’s Institute for Strategic Leadership and Workforce Development.
Leadership Aroostook consists of nine in-person monthly training sessions, readings, online written discussions between sessions, and a culminating team project. This year, the training finished on June 1, when graduates presented the game plan for proposals created by last year’s graduates.
“Employees who have gone through the Leadership Aroostook program gain new leadership skills and knowledge that provide professional growth and higher levels of organizational engagement,” said Marie Hansen, dean of Husson University’s College of Business, who was honored as a Mainebiz Woman to Watch in 2021. “Employers are likely to see higher retention levels from their employees along with having grown their leaders.”
Investment in talent
Programs like Leadership Aroostook help new and developing talent grow and flourish in the County, said Paul Towle, president and CEO of Aroostook Partnership.
“When we invest in our people, we help create more success for existing businesses and, in turn, strengthen the economic underpinnings of our community,” Towle said. “If we want Aroostook County to continue to grow and prosper, we need to invest the time and resources needed to make our community attractive to both existing and new businesses.”
The project work from both classes has been incorporated into Aroostook Partnership’s workforce strategic plan, he added.
Leadership Aroostook’s goal is to help prepare high-potential managers for more responsibility, impact and effectiveness in leading their organizational teams and departments.
Aroostook Partnership is a nonprofit, private/public partnership dedicated to developing private sector leadership, talents, and resources that can ensure the economic survival and growth of Aroostook County. The organization is supported by over 20 private businesses.
The College of Business at Husson University offers undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and certificates that can be taken on campus, on-site or online.
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