Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Shown in the photo, seated, left to right:  Chris Janni, MBW Company; Julie Wilson, United Prairie Bank; Maggie Dake, New Ulm Medical Center; Sandy Mohr, Firmenich.  Standing middle row, left to right:  Suzy Schmidt, Bank Midwest; Sandy Bromley, City of New Ulm Park & Rec; Ryan Simonette, Kohls Weelborg Chevrolet;  Veleda Cordes, Ahrens Heating & AC;  Dale Bailey, Elkay; Erin Lafferty, Best Western Plus;  Deb Pierson, M R Paving. Standing back row, left to right: Selsa Castillo, 3M; Steve Eckstein, Neubauer Family Chiropractic; Craig Anderson, NU-Telecom; Eric Swenson, Gag Sheet Metal; Amanda Jensen, United Prairie Bank; Leigh Wendinger, August Schell Brewery; Steve Balza, Martin Luther College; Bryan Apitz, Design Home Center; Amy Pearson, Thrivent Financial.  Missing include:  Dan Baltramonas, Minnesota Valley Funeral Home; Nicole Briggs, Jensen Motors; Janell Chrobak, Turner Hall; Kris Hainke, Windings; Melissa Hudson, MRCI Work Source; Sarah Lee, United Way; Jason Mehring, Oakwood Church; and Ben Stabenow, Berens Law Office. 

SEARLES — The Network New Ulm Community Leadership Program graduated its 21st class this week. The group celebrated with a special lunch at Searles Bar & Grill Wednesday afternoon.

Earlier in the day the class had visited multiple agriculture-related sites, including Guggisberg Tree Farm, Hoffmann Dairy and Christensen Farms.

The program encourages and develops leadership skills among its participants, while providing opportunities to observe a variety of community resources and form working partnerships with other community members.

Its mission is “to build a stronger community by providing a diverse group of community leaders with opportunities to enhance community knowledge, civic network and leadership skills.” 

Stop in at the New Ulm Chamber if interested in participating in the 2018-2019 session. Information is also online at www.newulm.com.