"I feel honored
and privileged to be a part of such a wonderful program. The RLND
mission statement is right on--I am developing my leadership
skills. The biggest and most pleasant surprise, however, is
visiting and touring different areas of our great state and
discovering interesting and progressive businesses and
enterprises--in agriculture and other industries. I always believed
North Dakota to be a great state, but my appreciation for our state
and our people has grown. I'm impressed by what I've seen."
Lynae Sims
"The
opportunity to be a participant in Rural Leadership North Dakota
came along at a time when I was struggling to move forward with the
vision of a proposed Wisdom Center Complex. My experiences in this
first year have laid a foundation that is invaluable. I have truly
benefited from meeting others who model the way, gathered
inspiration, had my heart encouraged and been strengthened in my
ability to act. With the skills I am learning and using though RLND,
it is my intention to promote a tourism venue that can take
advantage of the economic and social potential of our graying
population. The "age wave" currently taking place is the most
significant demographic trend we will experience over the next 60
years. Seen through a new lens, a maturing population can provide
the catalyst for economic growth and productivity. RLND provides
the springboard for innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership
development from all corners of the state. North Dakota stands to
benefit immeasurably from this fine program and I am very proud to
be part of it." Sandy
Arends
"RLND has made a huge impact on my life, my family, my work and my
community. It has given me the tools to be an effective leader, as
well as boosting my confidence in my abilities and talents. The
first year of RLND has been a wonderful journey with a wonderful new
"family".
Mary Schmitt
"Rural Leadership of North Dakota has been a
fantastic learning experience. It has taught me the importance of
how we look at a situation and the paths we choose to take in
regards to those situations in leadership roles. RLND is a great
vehicle for fostering a system of networking between all of the
participating students and individuals in many communities,
consequently bringing us all a bit closer as one community in North
Dakota!" Jan Dodge
"RLND is a
gateway to connect people across North Dakota and a wonderful
opportunity to explore our state and ourselves."
Candice Hall
"RLND gave me
experiences that I never would have otherwise had, such as climbing
through a grain elevator or touring a feedlot."
Catherine Dalzell
"Year one of
RLND has been a great experience. It's going to fun and rewarding to
see how this group of talented people harnesses the resources and
knowledge gained from the program to better their communities and
enroll others into community service."
Rich Blahut
"I feel that
the RLND experience is probably the best learning experience I have
had to date, with the inspiring speakers, hands on training,
colleague interaction and visual experiences of other programs in
the state." Jim
Hennessy
"We're all from rural North Dakota
and we realize if we do not do something, our populations will keep
dwindling. This is a good opportunity to network, to gain an
understanding of our situation and an opportunity to network with
the whole state." Heather Feiring
"The seminars are eye opening; you
walk away from there with a new tank of gas. You are ready to go and
you are ready to go out and hit the world, or, at least North
Dakota. And, you are willing to do a few of the things."
Jeff Klemetsrud
