PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
DEVELOPING LEADERS … Dave Lersch (right), the director of Fulton Leadership University, told Archbold Rotarians how the program has helped Fulton County businesses develop leadership potential within their own companies for the last eight years. A program of the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation, Fulton Leadership University meets one day a month at different county businesses from September through May to teach real-life aspects of leadership. The program was arranged by Rotarian Bill Rufenacht (left).
This fall, the ninth class of Fulton Leadership University will meet for nine consecutive months to help Fulton County companies develop the next group of 20 to 25 workforce leaders.
Dave Lersch, the program director, recently explained the curriculum to Archbold Rotarians, noting in particular how the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation is able to guarantee a return on investment for every enterprise that enrolls participants.
The class is held the third Tuesday of every month from September to May at a different Fulton County company.
Each class focuses on a different core skill of leadership in the morning with an afternoon tour of the host company.
Some of this year’s monthly topics include styles of leadership, common problem-solving tools, high-performing teams, business ethics, change management and artificial intelligence in business.

By the final class in May, participants will have developed a plan to solve a real-life issue where they work by using what they have learned through the class as well as the connections they have made with others in the class.
Fulton County Economic Development Corporation created Fulton Leadership University in 2018.