Leadership Blackstone Valley graduates ready
to create the future.

Leadership Blackstone Valley Program Director Beckley Alley can't promise that everyone who enrolls in the program will get elected to public office. But it might not be entirely coincidental that Douglas resident Paula Brouillette, who was a member of the first Leadership Blackstone Valley class this winter, won an upset victory recently on her first try for a seat on the Board of Selectmen.

Leadership Blackstone Valley is an intensive, hands-on program whose goal is to cultivate emerging leaders in the Blackstone River Valley towns of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It is run through a partnership among the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, and the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce. Twenty new leaders graduated from the first class on May 9 in a ceremony at the Millbury Senior Center.

Graduate Paula Brouillette, Douglas

Brouillette, 50, enrolled in Leadership Blackstone Valley last January to address regional issues, network and learn from others' experience. Having worked in high tech for 25 years, she thrived in a team environment and was looking for the same approach to tackling community problems. Much of the nine sessions dealt with issues such as protecting the natural environment, economic development, and educating a growing population. The topics were balanced with practice in leadership skills, ranging from team-building exercises to dealing with uncomfortable situations to participating in a mock town meeting.

Brouillette said one of the program's speakers, Harold Langlois, from Harvard Business School, made a significant impact on her by forcing her to work outside her comfort zone. She found this experience similar to public service. "In public service you have to be able to deal with things that get thrown at you, which can be good in the end even if it's uncomfortable in the middle."

The importance of long-range planning and the interrelationship among different communities struggling with the same issues also became clear to Brouillette. "In New England we have such a town spirit and focus. But there is so much more power and more to be gained when we act as a region. Douglas borders four other communities that also have water and sewer issues, for example. We should keep our minds open to opportunities to work together, and at least start the conversation."

Graduate Matt Salmon, Northbridge

Matthew Salmon, 31, executive director of Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Northbridge enrolled in Leadership Blackstone Valley to gain a better understanding of the community, to network, and to learn skills that could help him at work. Salmon grew up in Northbridge but was less familiar with other areas of the Valley. Now, Salmon said his eyes are opened to what the community is trying to accomplish region-wide. He would like to get more involved with the National Heritage Corridor efforts, particularly in promoting recreation and tourism along the Blackstone.

Langlois' session on leadership benefited Salmon the most in his daily work. "I find myself thinking about what the audience needs to know, not what I think, in how I write memos and speak to staff."

Alumni of Leadership Blackstone Valley become members of the Blackstone Valley Leadership Network. The network will have educational sessions in which they can delve deeper into the topics addressed in the program, and continue working on community development projects that came out of the class' visions for the Blackstone Valley.

"Leadership Blackstone Valley definitely creates a regional network of leaders, and supports individual leaders," commented Alley. "By giving people support, it gives them motivation and permission - some would say empowerment - to step up to leadership roles." The next Leadership Blackstone Valley class begins September 11, 2002. For more information contact Beckley Alley at 508-234-9090.

Read previous Focus on Education articles...

Six years of focusing on education. (November 2006)
Teachers apply lessons to the workplace in externships. (October 2006)
Teachers tour growing Blackstone Valley industries. (November 2005)
Summer learning abounds in Blackstone Valley. (July 2005)
Teachers tour growing Blackstone Valley industries. (April 2005)
Preparing for the future while living in the present. (March 2005)
Local hero gives charge to youth leadership class. (December 2004)
Externships provide on-the-job training. (September 2004)
Interns reflect on career experiences. (May 2004)
Creative programs thrive with support from Education Foundation grants. (May 2003)
Business mentors see their shadow on job shadow day. (February 2003)
Teacher learns on the job in business externship. (August 2002)
Summer program teaches math through arts. (July 2002)
Junior Rangers learn nature know-how in area parks. (June 2002)
Leadership Blackstone Valley graduates ready to create the future. (May 2002)
State's schools face looming teacher shortage. (April 2002)
Art program bridges subjects, learning styles, and community. (March 2002)
Students shadow career mentors on Groundhog Job Shadow Day. (February 2002)
Parent involvement the key to student success. (October 2001)

Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
110 Church St.
Whitinsville, MA 01588-1442
Phone: 508.234.9090
Fax: 508.234.5152
administrator@blackstonevalley.org
An Affiliate of the Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce
© All Rights Reserved. 1999-