On behalf of the 
NWI Leaders we would like to thank everyone for their support this year on developing the next generation of leaders in our community. With the help of our community leaders we have successfully implemented free monthly professional development sessions this year, as well as The Young Professional of The Week highlights. We believe this great collaboration is a direct result of many organizations and businesses sharing a single vision for LaPorte County.We are proud to announce that the NWI Leaders also believe in this shared vision and plan on carrying it forward.
Vision for LaPorte County: We envision La Porte County to be a dynamic county, recognized for its investment in its people, economic vitality, and rich quality of life, and to be a model for innovative leadership and supportive citizenry.
2011 Accomplishments
1. NWI Leader's Young Professional of The Week is a series in the Michigan City News Dispatch highlighting young professionals in our community. We believe that it is vital for the future of our community to retain the talented youth we have. We see the need to show college bound students and other young leaders in LaPorte County that they can have successful careers here in their hometown. With this series we recognize the 20-39 year old leaders for their hard work in hopes that it will inspire other young professionals to be more. We do not believe that LaPorte County is a "brain drain" and are working towards changing that image. This paradigm shift would not be possible without the unbelievable support of Bill Hackney and the The News Dispatch. If you have a young professional or leaders you would like to nominate please send the nomination to nwileaders@gmail.com.
2. Professional Development Sessions are new opportunities for us to develop the local residents, as well as a great way to give back to the community. This year we began offering free lunch and learns and training sessions to the public presented by young experts in their field. The sessions vary from training on how to be a more effective board member to workshops on grant writing. These events have been made possible thanks to gracious support of multiple businesses and organizations including Purdue Extension, Horizon Bank, and the Unity Foundation. If you are interested in speaking at or sponsoring upcoming events you can contact us at nwileaders@gmail.com.
To close out 2011 we are having our last young professional mixer of the year on December 7th at the Shoreline Brewery. This is our best networking event!! The Annual Ugly Sweater Party which will take place from 6-8 p.m. If you have any young professionals/leaders in your organization we encourage you to pass the invitation on. More details can be found on www.nwileaders.org or on the NWI Leader facebook and Linked In page.
We want to thank you again for your time and continued support.