Troy, MI -- On Thursday, March 18, 2010 “A Taste of Leadership Oakland” will offer individuals a unique opportunity to meet Leadership Oakland participants and businesses that have been involved in the Leadership Oakland Cornerstone Program.  The event marks the 20th Anniversary of Leadership Oakland and will be held at the Detroit Marriott Troy, 200 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI. Oakland County Executive, L. Brooks Patterson will once again serve as Honorary Chair and Chuck Stokes, Editorial/Public Affairs Director for WXYZ-TV/Channel 7, as Celebrity Host.  

"Successful economies and communities are built by informed, inspired and committed leaders who possess a shared vision,” said Patterson. “Leadership Oakland creates an arena where leaders meet, interact, collaborate and facilitate achievement."  

Through “A Taste of Leadership Oakland”, meet LO graduates and alumni and discover how the LO Cornerstone Program has connected them to key resources in their business, community and the Southeast Michigan Region. Participants of the event will have the opportunity to network with past graduates and speak to some of the businesses that have been represented through participation in Leadership Oakland.  Last year’s event attracted over 400 participants from all over the region.

The event will address the importance of leaders who commit to a shared vision of the future and contribute to the success of their communities and the regional economy. Highlights for this year, include a silent auction, multimedia presentations, music, and networking stations designed to allow ease in meeting past program participants and learn about the program.  Special anniversary highlights and activities are built into the evening.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm on Thursday, March 18, at the Detroit Marriott Troy, 200 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48084.  Hors d’oeuvres will be served and a cash bar available for beverages.  Tickets are $23 per person.  To purchase tickets, register online at www.leadershipoakland.com or call (248) 952-6880.

A Taste of Leadership Oakland is sponsored by Hap, BizNet, Corp!, Daimler Financial Services, DTE, HealthPlus of Michigan, Humana, Easter Seals-MI, and Patriot Services Corporation.

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Established in 1990, Leadership Oakland is a 501 (c)(3) organization focused on business and community leadership development. Leadership Oakland is a member of The Community Leadership Association. The organization provides a nine-month community leadership Cornerstone Program to participants from businesses, organizations and governmental agencies that are selected based on an application process. The organization continues to provide educational and networking opportunities to alumni after graduation from the Cornerstone Program. Leadership Oakland graduates are key business and community leaders serving as catalysts on boards of various organizations throughout the region.

More discussion!  How often have you asked for that first as a class member and now as an alum wanting to stay on top of current issues?  We heard you.  LO is launching the first of our Alumni discussion gatherings called "LO-More."  The first topic we will explore and discuss is Medical Marijuana.  Auburn Hills Police Chief and LO grad, Doreen Olko will present some interesting questions that the new law puts before Michigan citizens.  For example, how do you feel about Marijuana being grown in the lot next to your home?  How about co-workers who are users?  Will traffic safety be impacted?  How do you feel about employees coming to work after using marijuana or using it on their break during the work day?  Participants will review the language of the law and explore this interesting topic.  Please join us for a fun and informative evening!

Open to LO Alums and Current Class only.

Medical Marijuana Discussion
Thursday, February 18, 5:30-7:00 pm
(or as late as you care to stay-this is a good atmosphere for hanging out!)
Centerpoint Marriott, 3600 Centerpoint Parkway, Auburn Hills, 48341
$8
Light snacks will be served. Cash Bar available.

Dr. Jacqueline Stavros, co-author of the recently released book SOAR-Building Strengths-Based Strategy, will share concepts from her book at the Leadership Oakland Breakfast of Champions on February 17.  Meet the author and her colleague Clarence Rivette who both teach SOAR to their students at Lawrence Technological University and apply it within their client systems.

Today’s environment demands innovation, global perspective, collaboration and growth. Why do some organizations create and sustain positive momentum in leading strategic change while others make a great start, but fail to execute? Hint: It starts with a highly engaged approach and inspirational leadership team. 
 
Masterful in its simplicity, this book captures the essence of strengths-based planning in a way that any business could readily adopt. SOAR is a whole system approach to strategic thinking, planning, and executing.  (www.thinbook.com). It harnesses the positive energy and desire embedded in every organization and  provides a flexible framework for strategic planning that has universal application to any business dilemma.  At this dynamic breakfast event, you will learn techniques that can be applied to your work immediately.

Throughout the year, Leadership Oakland holds breakfast meetings featuring experts on a variety of topics.  These breakfast seminars are open to the public and offer the opportunity to hear the latest updates on issues and topics impacting our region.

The Breakfast of Champions event will be held Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., at the Management Education Center, 811 W Square Lake Rd., Troy, MI. The cost is $32 for LO alumni members and $36 for non-members and guests and includes a complete plated breakfast. The public is welcome. Pre-registration required. To register, contact 248.952.6880 or visit http://www.leadershipoakland.com/index.php/breakfast-of-champions

The Leadership Oakland Breakfast of Champions Series is Sponsored by: HAP, BizNet, Corp!, Daimler Financial Services, DTE, and Henry Ford Health System
 

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Established in 1990, Leadership Oakland is a 501 (c)(3) organization focused on business and community leadership development. Leadership Oakland is a member of The Community Leadership Association. The organization provides a nine-month community leadership Cornerstone Program to participants from businesses, organizations and governmental agencies that are selected based on an application process. The organization continues to provide educational and networking opportunities to alumni after graduation from the Cornerstone Program. Leadership Oakland graduates are key business and community leaders serving as catalysts on boards of various organizations throughout the region.

Wall Street Journal columnist Jeffrey Zaslow is renowned for his sensitivity when it comes to writing about life
lessons that have the power to change a person forever. On January 19, 2010, he will share lessons he has learned from
The Last Lecture and from interviewing dozens of ordinary people who make extraordinary differences through the
choices they make.

Prior to writing the best seller, The Girls from Ames, Zaslow was co‐author of the international bestseller The Last
Lecture. Recently, he co‐authored Highest Duty, the autobiography of Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, which was
released in October 2009.

While The Wall Street Journal covers the heart of the financial world, Zaslow tends to the hearts of its readers. There are
many emotionally charged transitions that people face in their lives, and most come without a roadmap. That's the
territory of his column ‐ from finding a spouse to losing a job, from a child's first crush to an old person's last wishes. His
presentation promises to be impactful, touching and thought provoking.

Throughout the year, Leadership Oakland holds breakfast meetings featuring experts on a variety of topics. These
breakfast seminars are open to the public and offer the opportunity to hear the latest updates on issues and topics
impacting our region.

“The series features outstanding individuals that are leaders themselves and will both challenge and inspire others to
become better leaders personally, professionally and through service to others” stated Carla Gribbs, Regional Manager
for DTE and President of the Leadership Oakland Board.

The second Breakfast of Champions event will be held Tuesday, January 19, 2010, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., at the
Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. The cost is $32 for LO alumni members and $36 for non
members and guests and includes a complete breakfast. The public is welcome. Pre‐registration required. To register,
contact Wendy Weiss at 248.952.6880 or visit our Leader Shop.

The Leadership Oakland Breakfast of Champions Series is Sponsored by: HAP, BizNet, Corp!, Daimler Financial Services, DTE, and Henry Ford Health System.