Jamestown Business College’s Leadership Launch program recently hosted its final program for the 2018-19 school year.

Area high school students are nominated by counselors and teachers to participate in the leadership program and visit Jamestown Business College weekly, for five weeks, to participate in activities and trainings. On the first night the students heard from Brandon Wade, general manager of the Doubletree by Hilton in Jamestown. He spoke about his work experiences and how leadership played a role in his success. The students learned that hard-work and great leadership can make a difference for career growth and advancement. The students all completed DISC assessments to learn more about their personality traits and how that relates to leadership. The students discussed how their different personality traits could affect them as leaders and team members.

Denise Jones, president and CEO of The Resource Center, spoke to the students on servant leadership and what that means to her and her company. She shared examples of how leadership can influence a situation and create a positive outcome. Vicki McGraw, owner of Elegant Edibles Catering, spoke on business ownership and the type of leadership needed to build a successful business. Brenda Salemme, director of career development at Jamestown Business College, spoke to the students on professionalism and did trainings on proper introductions.

The students concluded the program with a celebration of their accomplishments.

County Executive George Borello spoke to the students about leadership and what it means. Keith Piper, a senior at Fredonia Central School, spoke on behalf of his Leadership Launch team, “The Tri-County, Try-Hards.” Piper shared things that he learned during his time at Jamestown Business College and how he now views leadership.