by Herb Carpenter
Traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power for profit. Servant leadership focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and communities. In this issue of Strictly Business, we examine several of the groups/agencies whose purpose is to assure North Country resident’s priority needs are met.
Our cover article features the United Way of the Adirondack Region and its president and CEO John Bernardi. The United Way is the umbrella organization for 35 partner agencies that form the network to help to meet the needs of almost half the population of Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties. It connects with partner and government agencies to determine the greatest needs of our area, strategize how to meet them and then raises money to fund them.
There has been change in leadership at the Clinton County Social Services Department. Christine Peters, formerly the county’s Director of Legal and Social Services, assumed the position of Commissioner in March of this year. Her background – which includes education and experience in psychology, law and administration– serves as a solid foundation for her work in a department that has over 150 employees and accounts for the majority of expenditures in Clinton County.
While not a service provider, the Algonquin Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club offers opportunities for the kind of personal grow and development that enhances the lives of newcomers to the area and old timers as well. Joining the group’s activities is a great way to enjoy fellowship and learn about the unique natural environment of our region from experts in ornithology, geology, botany, wildflowers, animal tracking, and natural history.
The Center for Student Involvement at SUNY Plattsburgh works with groups across the campus to develop and promote community service programs and traditions that build character, provide life enriching experiences and benefit the community. Projects include fundraisers and charitable events for local not-for-profit agencies and community organizations as well as hands on work cleaning/building, tutoring at local school, supporting food banks and homeless shelters.
Next, we offer a look at Healing Grace, a not-for-profit whose mission is to provide support, guidance, love, and community to families that have suffered (or will suffer) the death of an infant at any stage of pregnancy and within the first year of life. The center’s goal is to foster hope and provide the necessary support for the healing journey after loss.
Our Insight feature for July is Scottie Ginn, an amazing woman who rose to the height of power at IBM as a Vice President of Electrical Engineering. Since much of her career was spent in Essex Junction Vermont, Scottie developed a great love for Lake Champlain and when it was time to retire, she chose to remain in the North Country and settle in Essex, New York.
And then Alyssa Senecal, Assistant Director of Tourism & Marketing at the North Country Chamber of Commerce, wraps up this issue of SB with a look at the area’s many fishing tournaments and their economic impact on the region.
Groups that operate on the principles of service leadership embody the best of America. They help individuals and families and they play an important role in creating strong communities.
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