Fronnings selected for Emerging Leader program

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published 07:47 a.m., July 20, 2009

Ashlyn Fronning, 6, and her brother Jacob, 23 months, were early birds Saturday with their parents at 9 a.m. at the West Otter Tail County fairgrounds. That’s when Rob and Amy Fronning of Dalton were introduced as Emerging Leaders for 2010.

They will take over from Brian and Judy Johnson, who farm west of Pelican Rapids. The Johnsons are the Emerging Leaders for 2009.

The Emerging Leadership Program is part of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation and the University of Minnesota Extension Service. The program was founded on the idea that effective leadership can be learned.

“As people grow into positions of leadership, they’re motivated by a sense of responsibility for themselves and their communities,” said Brian Johnson.

As part of the upcoming leadership program, the Fronnings will join couples from other counties in northwestern Minnesota and attend four educational sessions between November 2009 and April 2010.

The Fronnings live in Dalton with their two children, Ashlyn, six, and Jacob, 23 months and their dog, Bailey.

Rob grew up on a farm south of Fergus Falls. He and Amy are graduates of Fergus Falls High School. Rob participated in many FFA and 4-H activities. Amy took part in speech and many fine arts activities.

“We plan continue to support these clubs and organizations as our kids grow up,” said Amy, “and become involved as adult volunteers.”

Rob received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. He currently works for AgCountry Farm Credit Services (FCS) as an insurance specialist. He structures comprehensive insurance packages and provides service and counsel to customers.

Amy received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications with an emphasis in advertising and public relations from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. She currently is the communications coordinator at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls. She’s responsible for providing leadership in connecting ministry goals with interested and gifted congregation members.

Rob is an avid outdoorsman and hunts and fishes whenever possible. Amy enjoys photography and scrapbooking. They both like spending time outside while camping, fishing, golfing and snowmobiling with their family and friends.

Brian and Judy Johnson, when looking back on their participation in the Emerging Leader program, said they were honored to represent Otter Tail County and bring back ideas for the betterment of Pelican Rapids and the surrounding area.

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.

Major financial contributions have come from the Red River Valley Development Association, West Central Initiative, the agricultural community and participating counties and alumni of the program.

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