Inside Mesa

Don’t miss the panel discussion TODAY, at 6:30 PM between Councilmember Janie Thom and Mesa City Council candidate Scott Somers, District 6.Sunland Village at Greenfield Road and Diamond Avenue, will be hosting a discussion at 6:30 PM this evening, Wednesday, March 8 in the auditorium. This ought to be good! The media is scheduled to appear for this timely event just before the election next week, Tuesday, March 14.

I first learned of the Mesa Chamber Leadership, Training, and Development Program in 2002, from someone that I admire very much and look up to as a respected leader. For me, a mentor and a person of impeccable character. Mary Jo Vecchiarelli, Ph.Ed, a 1999 graduate of Mesa LTD, and who has made a place in Mesa’s history as the first female high school principal. I enrolled in the Chamber’s Program in 2004 and graduated in 2005. It was an incredible experience. I learned more than I thought I would. To become familiar with the many aspects of Mesa we would not ordinarily experience or become so keen in learning, was a bonus and gave much depth to the understanding of our community. It is a plus for your business, non-profit organizations, and for personal knowledge.The open house held on March 7, was provided for those in our community curious about the program and who wanted to learn more before enrolling. It was an opportunity to hear from those that have gone through the program, to talk to those coming in to learn about this opportunity, and to meet and converse with current class members that will be graduating in May, 2006. Irene Frklich, Recruitment Chair, with the Mesa LTD Alumni Association Board planned the open house with a complimentary buffet provided, set up, and served by Rigatony’s. Irene has worked throughout the year in bringing in potential candidates for LTD. She facilitated the evening by welcoming everyone and introducing speakers: Charlie Deaton, CEO and President of the Mesa Chamber , Mayor Keno Hawker, Vice Mayor Claudia Walters, and Councilmember Kyle Jones joined us as well.It was a great time as we met new people looking to connect to a great program that enhances one’s job, business, and personally, as we have the opportunity to get involved in our community. Seeing friends attend like Judy Bowden, Vice President of Finance, Mesa United Way, Steve Ikeda, Community Leader, David Wier, Well Fargo Bank/CVB, and Mesa Chamber Board Liaison, 1986 Mesa LTD graduate, and others.Mesa LTD Alumni Association Board members that were present and supporting this yearly event were: Pat Esparza, Chair, Maria Mancinas, Chair-Elect, Kay Henry, Social Chair, and myself as Placement Chair. There is still time to sign up for the Mesa Chamber Leadership, Training, and Deveopment graduating class of 2007 that begins in August, 2006. April 7 is the deadline!