Thormodsons to be honored for leadership

For The Journal

Published Thursday, January 31, 2008

Bob & Susie Thormodson, Underwood, will receive special recognition for their commitment to leadership and their community at the Agassiz Leaders Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 29 at the University of Minnesota Crookston. They, along with individuals from sixteen other counties in northwestern and west central Minnesota will be recognized for their involvement.

The Thormodson’s are in partnership with Bob's brother, Gaylan and his wife, Marcia. They are presently milking 160 cows and also farm 900 acres; crops are corn, alfalfa, soybeans and wheat. They also raise Holstein steers. Susie also works off the farm, in the kitchen at the Underwood School.

Bob & Susie have been West Otter Tail County’s representatives in the Red River Valley Emerging Leadership Program where they have been taking part in educational sessions along with other rural leaders since November 2007. Those sessions are focused on personal leadership styles, communication, community leadership, legislative issues, and personal vision and goal setting.

The Emerging Leadership Program grew out of the King Agassiz Program of the Red River Valley Winter Shows and was developed in 1985 by a small group of people who felt there was a need to help individuals develop their leadership potential. The program was founded on the idea that effective leadership can be learned and those leaders grow into positions of leadership, motivated by a sense of responsibility for themselves and their communities.

The Emerging Leadership Program is currently a program of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation and the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Major financial contributions for the program are made available through the Red River Valley Development Association and the West Central Initiative Fund. Additional support for the program comes from ag producer groups, electric cooperatives, and community businesses and individuals in counties throughout northwest and west central Minnesota who contribute financially to the program each year.

Family and friends of Bob & Susie and program alumni, are invited to attend the Crookston banquet. Tickets can be ordered from the Extension Regional Center~Roseau by calling 218-463-0291 -or- toll free 1-888-241-4546 until March 26.