2010–2011 schedule announced
The schedule of WDMLA sessions, topics and speakers are now online.
WDMLA 2008–2009 Sessions
This is a recap of sessions during the inaugural year.
Part 3 of 3.
Session 6: Pomeranz and Gaer Teach WDM Government to WDMLA
City government was the topic of the February session and City Manager Jeff Pomeranz and Mayor Steven Gaer were on hand to share information about the inner workings of the city, its elected and appointed officials, and the organizations involved in keeping West Des Moines city government running smoothly.
Pomeranz explained that West Des Moines is structured with a council-manager form of government, which has become relatively common and is often associated with small cities. Its structure is borrowed from the CEO-board model found in the private sector. The Office of the City Manager links and coordinates the elected City Council with a variety of departments such as the Fire and Police Departments, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Library and other city-run departments. The Mayor handles appointed, non-administrative boards such as the Board of Adjustment, Human Rights Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission and other committees and commissions appointed as needed.
The discussion also turned to the Comprehensive Plan developed and adopted by the city in 1993, which set the policy & vision for the community's future and is still helping to guide the city today. The plan included goals to direct how growth would occur in West Des Moines and also included the steps needed to execute the goals and policies. From an operational standpoint, the Comprehensive Plan helped city workers and departments share ideas and tackle challenges together, streamline training and become more efficient. The result is that West Des Moines has a reputation for quality services and support for its citizens due to an operational model that is highly regarded around the nation.
At this meeting, the West Des Moines Leadership Academy announced its class project: a local educational program designed to provide West Des Moines youth with opportunities to attend educational and community events. These include sporting events and meeting local athletes; touring community landmarks and getting involved with community events; visiting educational institutions; and attending plays and concerts in Greater Des Moines. This will all be done with the support of West Des Moines Human Services and developed by Academy members.
A reception followed at Phat Chef’s. It was attended by Academy members, board members and city staff.
Session 7: The Next Generation Gap
In March, WDMLA members studied one of the more polarizing issues facing business leaders today: emerging generational differences in the workforce.
Christine Meggison, certified business coach and generational consultant, presented a lecture, "Generation Gap 2.0™" that offered strategies for leading next-generation workforces, leveraging their unique talents and understanding the ways each generation approachs work differently. Several Academy members had experienced first-hand the strengths and weaknesses of Millennials and Generation X'ers. The session also looked at the performance and behavioral tendencies of Baby Boomers and the Greatest Generation, both groups that will have smaller workforce roles in the future.
The remainder of the evening was spent at the Fire Creek Grill, where the group enjoyed a great meal and listened to a few members deliver their "Time to Shine," a short opportunity for Academy members to share a little bit about their work and family life. Every Academy member had a "Time to Shine" which helped the group get to know one another on a more personal level.
Session 8: Learning About West Des Moines' Explosive Growth
The Academy met at the Drury Inn on Thursday, April 9 and the class photo was taken prior to the beginning of the program. Lynn Janssen, Board member and leadership developer, presented applicable learning tools and introduced interactive exercises designed to help leaders learn to lead to gain consensus.
The remainder of the session was devoted to learning about economic development in West Des Moines. Clyde Evans, the city's Director of Community and Economic Development, gave Academy members an hour-long presentation on the city's economic development from its days of railroading and coal-mining to today's retail and commercial success.
Academy member Michael Schneider presented an update of the recent class project when several Academy members organized and chaperoned a trip for 30 kids to a performance of Sideways Stories from Wayside School at the Des Moines Playhouse. The children enjoyed a lunch, the performance and afterwards got to tour backstage and meet members of the cast and crew. Many children thought the day was an amazing experience!
Dinner was served at Graze Restaurant in West Glen Town Center.
