Leadership Mitchell celebrates graduation

A class of Mitchell’s future leaders celebrated its graduation Thursday. The twelve members of Leadership Mitchell successfully completed their nine-month course.

Calli Williams of Fischer Rounds moved to Mitchell three years ago without knowing much about the community. She says Leadership Mitchell changed that. “This really opened my eyes to what Mitchell has to offer, and the amount of businesses that are here it’s incredible,” said Williams. “Driving through, I don’t know that I ever saw that until this class.”

Leadership Mitchell Class of 2019.

POET General Manager Becky Pitz was happy to sponsor plant engineer Heath Feistner. “With him being a young professional, it was nice to have a program to get him involved in the community and see what else is out there to meet other professional,” Pitz said. She’s also a Leadership Mitchell grad and says it’s a great fit for POET which is active in the community. “Having another member know how to do that is another asset.”, said Pitz.

One of the class assignments for Leadership Mitchell is a community service project. Abbey Guenthner of the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce says the class of 2019 decided to gather sponsors and donate 37 Chemo Kits for the patients at the Avera Cancer Center. “Cozy socks, a blanket, a reusable cup for tea or coffee, adult coloring books…so just kind of things to keep them busy during their treatments,” said Guenther. The group also donated a check for $1,400 from left-over funds. The twelve-member class personally delivered the Chemo kits and check to the Avera Cancer Center Thursday afternoon prior to their commencement.

Leadership Mitchell Class presents 37 Chemo Kits and a check to the Avera Cancer Center as its class project.

Leadership Mitchell’s mission is to identify and develop potential leaders, acquaint them with community matters and introduce them to resources, institutions, individuals, organizations and other entities available for addressing needs and solving problems.

A number of local businesses sponsor employees interested in attending.