Invest in Leadership. Strengthen Our Community.

Source: Taryn Crayton, Vice President

Just over two weeks ago, the First Community Partnership and the Community Giving Foundation’s Elevate2 conference wrapped up. It

was a jam-packed two days filled with sessions, fellowship, and reflection, exactly what a great conference should be.

Since then, I’ve been thinking a lot about change.

Any time you want to accomplish something meaningful, it requires change. It requires sacrifice. A letting go of what was, to make room for what could be. That idea isn’t just philosophical or reserved for self-improvement. It’s true in every area of business.

But how do you know what to change? What do you let go of? What actions should you take?

Today, you can turn to AI and quickly find step-by-step processes that promise direction. But are those paths the right fit for you? For your business? For your community?

For me, real change starts with awareness. Awareness of where you are now and where you want to go. That awareness isn’t always simple. Even a quick search will give you lists of ways to evaluate your business or build internal alignment. They all begin in the same place: understanding your current reality. Knowing what’s working, what isn’t, and being honest about both. A true reality audit.

This idea came early in my career; right out of college, I started working for the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation. One of my coworkers was going through Leadership Lehigh Valley. After hearing about the experience, I knew I wanted the same opportunity.

After a few years, a few moves, and career changes, I was working at the Press Enterprise. I finally had that chance to go through a community leadership program. It was Leadership Central Penn. That experience became a turning point. It gave me a deeper awareness of the community I call home. It prepared me for my role at the Chamber, not only as Vice President, but also as the program coordinator for LCP. It allowed me to step in with a clearer understanding of how the pieces of our community connect. I knew where the Chamber and I could make an impact.

That’s exactly what Leadership Central Penn provides: a reality audit of our community.

The program starts in August with orientation. From there, the class takes a deep dive into key parts of our region: local government, agriculture, economic development, healthcare, the judicial system, and more. Participants gain self-awareness through leadership training

in SMART goals, communication, active listening, conflict management, and leading change.

There’s a quote from Craig Groeschel, Founder and Pastor of Life Church: “When the leader gets better, everyone gets better.” I would add that a community gets better when its business leaders get better.

One of the most meaningful ways business leaders in Columbia and Montour Counties can get better is by sending team members to Leadership Central Penn.

So here we are, four years after my own LCP experience, preparing to welcome a new class into the program. I can say with confidence that the awareness gained through this experience doesn’t just stay in the classroom. It carries into workplaces, organizations, and the community.

If you’re ready to grow your leadership and make a lasting impact on our community, I encourage you to consider joining the Leadership Central Penn Class of 2027.