For more than 33 years The Leadership Lycoming program, which was designed to motivate and develop leaders for the betterment of our community, has had a rich history and tradition, has s taken on new avenues to learn about Lycoming County.

This program has provided opportunities for leaders to become invested
and involved in their community. Each month, a program day focuses on the diverse elements that make Lycoming County, such as history, government, art, human services, economics, energy, etc. Typically the class would receive in-person instruction and tour a number of facilities to learn about each of the focus areas. With over 750 Leadership alumni, the program has proven itself successful in creating professional relationships while educating and engaging leaders to give back to the community.

With the advent of social distancing restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Leadership Lycoming had had to “think outside the box.” They have created virtual days to continue the monthly educational sessions. With health and safety being a top concern, online platforms have provided an alternative learning experience for class members. While in-person meetings and educational sessions are preferred, virtual class days have allowed businesses and community leaders to connect with the current class in innovative ways, as well as recording of class days for those who are unable to attend, with public gatherings and tours on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is the first time in the history of the Leadership Lycoming program that
we have temporarily shifted to virtual programming. I want to thank the Class of 2020 for their patience and understanding while we navigate through this change,”

Chairman, Sherry Paulhamus, told “Webb Weekly.” “All of our sub-committees continue to suggest alternative ways to bring quality programming, while being mindful that class participants are often working from home, juggling home schooling, childcare, and other responsibilities.”

On Thursday, May 14 the class took to virtual learning for environment and energy, and history and the arts. The virtual platform Zoom will be used to facilitate speakers from PPL, several community organizations such as Family Promise, Sojourner Truth Ministries, James V. Brown Library, Office of Aging, the New Love Center Food Pantry, and the Lycoming County United Way in their traditional service projects.

Yet recently the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce leaders have created virtual days to continue the monthly educational sessions.

With health and safety being a top concern, online platforms have provided an alternative learning experience for class members. While in-person meetings and educational sessions are preferred, virtual class days have allowed businesses and community leaders to connect with the current class in innovative ways, as well as recording of class days for those who are unable to attend, with public gatherings and tours on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The May 14 class will took to virtual learning for environment and energy, and
history and the arts. The virtual platform Zoom was used to facilitate speakers from PPL, the Marcellus Shale Coalition, and the Community Theatre League.

“We are confident we can continue to provide meaningful sessions until we can resume a more traditional in-person program,” states Sherry Paulhamus.
Until then, the members of Leadership Lycoming look forward to what the future holds,” Paulhamus said

Planning has continued for the Final 3, to be hosted on Friday, July 31 and the 2020 Class Graduation on Thursday, August 13. Applications for the class of 2021 have been extended to June 15 to give employers additional time.

The Leadership Lycoming program is a staple to businesses, to the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, and to our community. We look forward to creating new opportunities for the betterment of tomorrow. Learn more at leadershiplycoming.org.