A Joint Initiative Between     Heart of Wisconsin     Business & Economic Alliance and     Community Foundation of     South Wood County

Home About Us B2B Club Breaking News Contact Donate Events / Programs Feedback Ideas Incubator Industry Clusters Links / Resources Progess Funds Progress Teams Public Art / Murals Publications		Breaking News June 5, 2004 - Professor to open Ideas speaker series By Antoinette Rahn, Daily Tribune Staff C.Y. Allen, a professor of communication at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for 35 years, will kick off the Community Progress Initiative's New Ideas Speakers Series Tuesday. The Community Progress Initiative is a collaboration between the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance and the Community Foundation of South Wood County and is intended to stimulate business and leadership in south Wood County and the town of Rome. Allen, founder of Professional Communication Services, has more than two decades working with leaders in business, education and nonprofit organizations on a national and international level. The presentation he will bring to Wisconsin Rapids is "How to Drive Change in Your Community." With wit and wisdom that motivates and educates, Allen is the perfect choice to start the series, said Kelly Lucas, CEO and president of the Community Foundation of South Wood County. "It's a great way to start the series, by having an expert on communications and leadership who is recognized nationally for his work and just happens to live in our area," Lucas said. "He has observed (and) experienced the changes in central Wisconsin firsthand. "The New Ideas Speaker Series is an important element of the initiative, because the topics addressed can apply to everyone. Attendees may also personalize the message and think about how a topic impacts their own life in addition to the community as a whole." Allen has written and produced radio and television programs and co-authored a script for a health education film on alcohol abuse which won an award at the Film Festival in New York City. In addition, he's served on several boards and volunteers with many local nonprofit agencies. While some elements of the progress initiative have a specific audience, such as the entrepreneurial boot camps and industry clusters, the speaker series taps into personal motivation and community attitude, organizers said. Allen's persuasive and compelling presence lends itself to that focus, said Jake Close, president of the Community Foundation's board of directors. "He brings something worthwhile to everyone in his audiences," said Close, who has heard Allen speak previously. "He can inspire any audience. He does his homework and presents a topic that is thoroughly researched and, at the same time, engaging and motivating for his listeners." It's been a few years since Allen spoke to a management group that included Bruce Trimble, but Allen's presentation had a lasting impact. "He's a very dynamic and fun speaker," said Trimble, executive director of the United Way of South Wood County. "Hopefully the community will take advantage of this opportunity, because it's definitely worth it, and we're fortunate to have him here." You can reach Antoinette Rahn at 422-6726 or arahn@wisconsinrapidstribune.com
		Copyright © 2005, Community Progress Initiative, South Wood County & Town of Rome