BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 November 18, Monday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook

Sixteen of Blair’s emerging community leaders will be honored Tuesday at a special Business After Hours event hosted by RVR Bank.

“RVR Bank of Blair will be hosting a Business After Hours celebration for the 16 graduates of Class X of Leadership Washington County on Tuesday, November 19th. The event will be held from 4-6 p.m. at RVR Bank, 555 South 19th Street in Blair,” announces Cindy Slykhuis, RVR Bank’s Vice President of Marketing & Community Engagement.

The graduates represent a who’s who of local organizations, including Memorial Community Hospital, Cargill, Great Plains Communications, and several municipal offices throughout Washington County.

Blair’s Next Generation of Leaders Takes Center Stage at RVR Bank

Among those being honored are some of Blair’s most active emerging leaders: Steph Beckman and Angie Hodson from Memorial Community Hospital & Health System; Ryan Dugdale and Mark Listenberger of RVR Bank; Josh Grabbe, Ashleigh Harvey, and Justin Klitzke from Cargill; and Kimberly O’Neill of Blair Housing Authority. The class also includes representatives from neighboring communities: Abranda Andersen (Great Plains Communication), Corban Helmendollar (City of Fort Calhoun), Amanda Kessler (WCB), Gina Landsperger (Hill Creek Insurance), Sarah Jensen (The Briley Team BHHS Ambassador), Reggie McCollough (Cox Communication), Kate Robertson (Village of Arlington), and Brenda Soltesz (Cappel Auto Supply-NAPA).

“Leadership Washington County is a program designed to meet the community’s need for active participation of informed and dedicated community leaders,” Slykhuis explains. “The 9-month program is designed to promote a better understanding of this community, build and enhance leadership skills, and develop a strong network of community leaders.”

During the program, participants get hands-on experience throughout the area. “Leadership Washington County uses the community as its classroom,” says Slykhuis. “Sessions are held at various locations throughout the county. The program strives to provide leadership development training focused on building strong teams, supportive relationships, and a cooperative work environment.”

Looking ahead to future classes, Brad Earley, Washington County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, shares, “Our next class will be held in 2026. There is an application that will go out in Dec. of 2025. We usually take between 15-17 class members.”

For more information about Tuesday’s celebration, contact Cindy Slykhuis at 402.753.4214.