Leaders for Life Promotes Professional Relationships, Networking

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Grabiec
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS, N.D. --  Friendship struck up in the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce "Leaders for Life" course has allowed two people to learn more about their community and each other's professions.

"I met Brian Pabst, an Amazon employee, before 'Leaders for Life' at a few military events and started forming a relationship with him," explained Senior Master Sgt. Brian Stone, 69th Reconnaissance Group first sergeant. "It wasn't until the course that we got to know each other better. I want to share jobs and have others see a working relationship of civilians and military members who have never worked together before."

"Leaders for Life" is seven one-day sessions held over the course of three months that gives local and regional participants an opportunity to develop and learn leadership skills that would help to achieve success in career, family, and community. Over the course participants cover topics including leadership, team building, and community history.

"After this course I have a better understanding of the local community and feel part of the community," said Stone.

Stone and Pabst hit it off so well that they are now doing a work swap to have a better understanding of what they each do, day to day.

"I want Brian to see how I take care of the Airmen and show him what the Airmen on the base are doing," said Stone.

"Leaders for Life" also is a great networking tool for 40 participants to get to know each other who all have different backgrounds. From cell phone store managers to farmers, all participants now have connections to different areas and professions around the community.

"It's been a blessing to know Brian Stone," said Pabst. "His attitude to me has been that the more challenging something is, the more welcoming it is, because it will get you better faster. It's a great reminder for me and a great standard for me."

The course has sown seeds of relationships, camaraderie, and the focus on partnerships it brought community members together who seemed dissimilar, but all common in the ways of leadership and interacting with people.

"I am very fortunate that I was given this opportunity to share my leadership beliefs and learn from others' leadership beliefs," said Stone.

For more information, log onto www.chamberorganizer.com