What is Leadership Portage County?
Leadership Portage County (LPC) challenges participants to broaden their understanding of Portage County and develop their leadership skills through network development, education, and community engagement.

The 10-month curriculum is an intensive leadership development program designed to give all leaders the skills, knowledge, and on-going support they need to succeed. LPC is not only for new or young professionals, but instead for leaders of all ages and titles. Participants in LPC will grow professionally and personally from the variety of leadership, team-building, communication and self-awareness exercises that are part of the curriculum.
Session Schedule

Leadership Portage County sessions are typically held the third Thursday of each month (*exceptions are noted below). Sessions are for the full day, beginning at 7:45 AM and concluding at 4:30 PM. Attendance and participation are expected at each session. Please review and save these dates before applying.  

Class of 2022-2023 Sessions:
  • *Thursday, August 18 AND Friday, August 19: Opening Retreat (this is the only two day session, it is 7:45-4:30 PM each day, not overnight)
  • Thursday, September 15, 2022
  • Thursday, October 20, 2022
  • Thursday, November 17, 2022
  • Thursday, December 15, 2022
  • Thursday, January 19, 2023
  • Thursday, February 16, 2023
  • *Thursday, March 9 (moved due to Spring Breaks)
  • Thursday, April 20, 2023
  • Thursday, May 18, 2023
  • 5:00-7:00 PM on May 25: Graduation Program
Program Components & Goals
Each full-day LPC session combines leadership skill development and character building with exploration of community programs and challenges. Sessions are held in varying locations providing a diverse, inside look at Portage County. As an LPC graduate you will have had opportunities to:
  • Enhance, develop and practice leadership skills;
  • Expand business and community networks;
  • Identify and explore community challenges;
  • Learn about involvement opportunities in the community;
  • And promote an appreciation of Portage County’s resources, institutions, cultures and concerns.
Program outcomes are achieved through -
  • Leadership Skill Building: LPC participants identify and practice their leadership skills in a safe environment through interactive sessions. Participants learn about personal leadership styles, active listening, conflict management, public speaking, consensus building, and other skills valuable in any workplace. 
  • Community Tours & Speakers: Get behind the scenes tours of businesses, hear from experts, and learn what makes our quality of life exceptional. Experiences include agri-business/farm tour, courthouse and jail tour (and lunch!), and a photo scavenger hunt throughout Portage County!
  • Network Development: Not only are participants given ample opportunity to network with their classmates, but being in LPC connects you to an alumni network of 500 past participants. You will also connect with civic leaders, CEOs and other business and community innovators.
  • Session Themes: Each of the monthly sessions is packed with information related to a community theme. Themes include; history of Portage County, Agribusiness, Human and Public Services, Legal System, Wellness, Economic Development, and others.
Program Commitment
Participants spend approximately 150 hours on LPC related activities during this program. Attendance is expected at each of the monthly sessions. Outside of the sessions, participants are asked to participate in interim assignments, tours and community building experiences. Options are offered to provide flexibility and choice so that participants can select the option that best fits their schedule.
  • Absences: Failure to attend at least nine (9) sessions will result in dismissal from the program without refund of tuition. Supervisors will be notified of participant attendance.
  • Session Make-up Activity: In the event of a class absence, participants will be required to meet with a fellow LPC participant to determine what was missed from the session day, and follow up with at least one of the agenda presenters to gain one-to-one support based on the missed session.
Program Tuition
LPC tuition is $1,100 per participant. This is an average of $100 per day. Program tuition covers all course expenses including; program materials, meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks) and graduation expenses. Participants will be notified of program acceptance upon submitting an application. Tuition in full is due by Friday, September 30, 2022. Payment plans can be accommodated for those organizations/individuals wishing to split payments into two calendar years or make alternate arrangements.   
 
Scholarships
All scholarships are currently filled.
Application Process
  1. Confirm availability for session dates and review all program information
  2. Complete this application in full.
  3. Have your supervisor or sponsoring organization complete the Employer Consent & Recommendation Form. *If self-employed or retired this form is not needed.
  4. (If completing via .pdf or printout) Return all application materials to Holly Fox at HollyF@portagecountybiz.com.
  5. Send tuition payment of $1,100 to the Portage County Business Council, 5501 Vern Holmes Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482. *Checks can be made payable to PCBC Foundation.
Applicants must have full support of the organization or corporation they represent. Those who are unable to fulfill the attendance requirement will be asked to withdraw with no refund of tuition. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance and, if applicable, any scholarship funds awarded. The program is limited to 25 participants each year. A waiting list will be established if applications exceed program space.

T