January Leadership Program Delivers Surprises
SCIL Educator Morgan leads the group
Reedsburg, WI On January 11th the Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) opened the second half of its year with an agenda full of surprises. The class met in Reedsburg to learn about a variety of topics, ranging from factories, county economics, substance abuse and leadership synergy.
The SCIL class of 2023-2024 started the day at Seats, Inc. and later headed to Madison Area Technical College (MATC) in Reedsburg for presentations and group discussions in the afternoon.
Ryan Roers, Chief Operating Officer of the Nordic Group of Companies, discussed the importance of community and caring for employees at Seats, Inc., one of several Nordic enterprises. Seats has an on-site clinic, built specially for their employees and their families. He also spoke about the impact that the Nordic Group has on the Sauk County economy. The SCIL class toured the Seats facility and got a firsthand look at a large manufacturing operation. Seats, Inc. is a growing company, providing over 500 jobs in Reedsburg. Seats also has operations in other locations in the United States and Mexico.
The group relocated to MATC for the rest of the day. Dr. Steve Deller, UW-Madison Agriculture and Applied Economics professor, engaged the SCILsters with an open discussion regarding the county economy. He shared demographic data to give a closer insight as to what is occurring in Sauk County. “With a growing population communities need to stretch outside their comfort zones to welcome new members,” said Deller. He also explained that what’s happening in neighboring counties affects what’s happening in Sauk County, calling that an “open economy.” He shared examples: broadband, labor shortages, the housing market, and childcare. “Sauk County is not only a beautiful place to live, but with job opportunities and the cost of living, many new people enter our community every day.”
SCILsters participate in a gallery walk exerice
A panel consisting of Dr. Cheryl Goeckermann, a family Medicine Doctor practicing addiction medicine at SSM Health in Baraboo, Sara Jesse, Sauk County Community Health Strategist and Ben Miller, Sauk County Substance Use Diversion and Support (SUDS) Program Case Manager shined a light on the Opioid Crisis in Sauk County. The discussion began by stating they are here to offer support and give the people what they need to be healthy. They discussed the link between addiction and past traumas. Having good role models, connections with others, low stress, and finding joy are ways to help recover from addiction. These three leaders, along with many others, want the community to know they are there for support in whatever way someone may need. They strive for harm reduction strategies; how they can keep people safe and healthy in Sauk County.
Tim Becker, Reedsburg City Administrator, and Kurt Muchow, Community Development Consultant for Viebicher and Associates, discussed the current and future development of the Reedsburg community. As a team, they identify the needs and wants of the public and share a vision to accomplish those needs. The East Side Park, DRM, Saputo Cheese, and West Side Commercial Building Expansions are examples of current changes and future developments. They also provided insight on housing and population growth and how they are developing housing units and estates for young families as well as for the older community. The common council has focused on the quality of life of the public. Over the last three years they had five new city parks created and a splash pad, an all-abilities park, and multiple park shelters. Their collective vision and wisdom has helped develop the community wisely and effectively.
The conclusion of the day saw SCILsters reflecting on what they heard and how everyone has an effect on the community's growth. The class of 2023-2024 of the Sauk County Institute of Leadership will continue to meet monthly, until May 2024.
Written by: Allyson Hayes and Katie Burch
Photos by: Drop Frame Productions
