Capstone CLA MPA Report

&
CLA
Community Leadership Academy
MPA
Masters of Public Administration Capstone
Conference Assessment and
Recommendations to the CLA
Planning Committee
Sonya Arnold, MPA Candidate
Jessica Fowler, MPA Candidate
Paul LaMancusa, MPA Candidate
April 16, 2015

CLA and MPA: Conference Assessment 2
RESULTS IN BRIEF
WHY WE PERFORMED THIS ASSESSMENT
The purpose of this project is to make recommendations to the CLA Planning Committee
to ensure the effectiveness of CLA 2015. A need exists for CLA to collect feedback from
past participants to aid in planning CLA 2015 and future conferences. Feedback gathered
from participants concerns future topics of interest, as well as how they have
implemented skills obtained from past conferences in their community. Also, the CLA
planning committee requests suggestions for new models to implement the
“networking” session of its conference.
WHAT WE FOUND
CLA has positively impacted past participants and their communities. However, the impact
has been stronger on the individuals than their communities. Although participants stated
that they had learned and developed skills at CLA, implementation was found to be a
barrier. CLA has been effective in accomplishing its stated goals. Past participants are most
interested in the topic of Citizen Engagement, although topics of interest are diverse. We
found and explained four potential models for the networking session for CLA 2015. Of the
four models, we recommend two.
WHAT WE RECOMMEND
It is recommended future sessions aim to empower and encourage individuals to take
action in their communities. We highly recommend the topics of citizen engagement and
rural governmental challenges as CLA 2015 topics. Additionally, water issues,
entrepreneurial culture, food initiatives, drug impact on community, community attitudes,
generational change, and presentation skills are of interest.
For the CLA 2015 networking session we recommend that CLA apply the rotating stations
model as a first choice and the layered discussion model as a second choice. Both models
are creative, can be performed with a large number of participants, and promote valuable
and effective discussion among participants.

CLA and MPA Conference Assessment 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Page 1
Executive Summary 2
Table of Contents 3
Background 4
Project Information & Scope 6
Methodology 7
Survey Methodology 7
Networking Methodology 7
Limitations 8
Findings 9
Quantitative 9
Qualitative 10
Networking Models 13
Recommendations 17
References 19
Appendix 20-37
Session Topic Categories 20-21
Survey 22-23
Survey Responses 24-29
Email Messages 30-34
Memorandum of Agreement 35-36

BACKGROUND
WVU Extension Service Community Resources and Economic Development present the
Community Leadership Academy, in partnership with the W.Va. Community Development
Hub, West Virginia Association of Counties, and County Commissioners’ Association of
W.Va. 2013 marked the first year for the program since the Academy merged with the Local
Government Leadership Academy in late 2012.
The annual Community Leadership Academy helps emerging and established leaders
identify and build on their community’s assets to take advantage of development issues in
West Virginia and surrounding regions. The Academy provides local government officials
with a solid foundation in public organizational and financial management. Participants
include city and county officials, community volunteer leaders, Main Street program
participants, Chamber of Commerce representatives, local business owners and local
boards and commissions, or anyone else interested in helping their community grow.
Topics emphasize enhancing personal leadership skills and providing an understanding of
current, complex issues affecting communities.
The Conference has stated the following goals:
 To help emerging and established leaders understand, use, and
develop their community assets effectively.
 To support robust community engagement and further community
growth.
 To provide West Virginia’s local government officials and community
leaders with a solid foundation in public organizational and financial
management grounded in current complex issues affecting West
Virginia communities.
The Conference has taken place at two different locations in Morgantown WV. These
locations include the Waterfront Hotel (2013) and Lakeview Resort (2014). Many
participants travel from far distances to attend the conference and opt to stay in stay in
overnight accommodations provided.
CLA feature Keynote speakers at each of its events, which have included Ed Morrison and
Douglas Smith. In addition to the Keynote speakers, other speakers host more intimate
sessions and discuss more specific topics concerning the participants. All participants
attend the keynote speaker presentations, while they have the option to choose amongst
sessions offered during the breakout portions of the Conference. Breakout sessions cover
diverse topics and in the past have included “Creative Community Development”, “Heritage
Tourism in WV”, and “Developing Responsible Boards for Non-Profits”, just to name a few.

CLA also includes an optional culinary tour of Morgantown and its surrounding community
to participants, which has taken place the evening following the first day of the Conference.
Also taking place during the evening for CLA is a networking session for participants where
participants can collaborate with one another and share ideas.

PROJECT INFORMATION
& SCOPE
The CLA Planning Committee is in the process of organizing the 2015 Conference. In doing
so, the CLA Planning Committee asked MPA students to complete this project as a
requirement of their Capstone course, during the Spring 2015 semester.
The goal of this project is to conduct a conference assessment to ensure future CLA
conferences are meeting the CLA goals and participants’ expectations. CLA is in its third
year and would like to assess the effectiveness of past programs and ensure that the future
programs are covering relevant topics using effective methods.
MPA Capstone students were asked to: 1) make recommendations on potential networking
models to implement during the evening networking session: and 2) develop and
implement a follow-up survey.
The project objectives include:
1. Become familiar with the CLA though information sources including, but not
limited to, the CLA website, past participant evaluations, survey results.
2. Review 2014 conference networking topics and make recommendations
(approximately two) for the 2015 networking session.
3. Provide a listing of table topics and session facilitation process/methods for
the CLA networking event.
4. Develop and implement a follow-up survey using Qualtrics software for 2013
and 2014 conference participants to identify the impact of CLA on the
participants and their community.
5. Identify future topics of interest through use of the survey method.

METHODOLOGY
Survey Methodology:
A survey was developed to determine whether or not the CLA Conference prompted
positive action in communities of participants, identify future breakout session topics, and
how attending CLA was of substantial benefit to participants (See Attachment A).
 Two open-ended questions were used to determine impact and future
session topics.
 Three questions that asked about personal information, including current
job title, what year the participant attended CLA, and follow up information.
 Four Likert-type questions were asked to determine the impact of CLA on
the participants and their community.
A warning email was sent on February 25 to introduce the survey to participants. The
survey was successfully delivered by email to 125 past CLA Conference participants via
personal email from the CLA account. The survey was then sent via email five times March
2, 5, 10, 13, and 16. Additionally, The WVU Community Resources & Economic
Development Facebook account was also utilized to send out the survey, with a potential
reach of 364 individuals on March 5, 10, 13, and 16.
Coding of Open-Ended Questions
Two MPA group members developed a coding sheet, in order to categorize open-ended
responses from the question “What future session topics would be of interest to you?”
Eleven categories were decided upon, including a category for “other”, and open-ended
responses were placed respectively.
Networking Methodology:
There lacks a comprehensive dataset specifically involving networking models and their
effectiveness. After extensive research, it was concluded that there are no evidence-based
practice methods for networking models. As a result, research was conducted targeting
creative discussion techniques and interactive group discussion approaches.
The group discussion techniques from two articles were examined and reviewed for
qualities best suited for CLA’s 2015 networking session. The techniques were measured for
creativity, uniqueness and activity level. They were also assessed for ease of facilitation.
Some other requirements were the ability to be performed with a large number of
participants as well as the likelihood of promoting valuable discussion among participants.
After this evaluation the techniques were altered in order to better suit CLA’s networking
session objectives. The goal of the research and alterations was to provide CLA with four

networking models tailored to their specific needs as well as two overall recommendations
for the 2015 networking session.
Limitations:
Validity
The survey was open for 15 days and response rate was low. Only 31 respondents
completed the entire survey. In circulating the survey, 125 emails were successfully
delivered and the Facebook post reached 364 people. 55 people eventually opened the
survey. Of those 55 possible respondents, only 36 completed first question and continued
forth. The sample was far from a census, therefore the recommendations and conclusions
drawn must not be overstated.
Because the respondents were self-selecting, data reported means lack reliability. A sample
of 36 other participants may yield different results.
Evidence-Based Networking Models
There exist a dearth of evidence-based practice regarding networking models. Although the
models discussed in the findings are specifically tailored to CLA, more research and data to
validate the effectiveness of each model included would be beneficial.

FINDINGS
Quantitative Findings:
Thirty-six participants responded to each of the closed-
ended questions. Most respondents attended both CLA
2013 and 2014. 20 respondents indicated they attended
CLA 2013 and 27 indicated they attended CLA 2014 (see
chart on right). No respondents indicated that they
“strongly disagree” or “disagree” with any of the four
statements. Overall, CLA has been effective in
accomplishing its stated goals.
Dispersion was relatively steady across quantitative
questions. The variances were below .5 for all of the
statements except “The education obtained from CLA
has prompted positive action in my community”, which was a slightly
elevated at .64. Respondents did not agree with this statement as
strongly as the other statements. The measurement of standard deviation
also reflected this trend.
Likewise, the mean for the statement “The education obtained from CLA has prompted
positive action in my community” was the lowest at 3.86. All other statements were 4 or
above.
Fourteen respondents indicated that they “neither agree or disagree” with aforementioned
statement. This was double the next highest frequency.
Although only slightly, it can be suggested that respondents have derived greater
benefit from the CLA personally than have their communities. However, the survey
data indicates that CLA has had an overall positive impact on both the participants, as well
as their communities.
The knowledge
and skills learned
at the CLA have
been of
substantial
benefit to my
community.
I often use the
knowledge
and skills
learned at the
CLA in my
community.
The education
obtained from
CLA has
prompted
positive action
in my
community.
The knowledge
and skills
learned at the
CLA have been
of substantial
benefit to me.
Mean 4.06 4 3.86 4.14
Variance 0.45 0.4 0.64 0.41

The table below depicts the distribution of responses to question two, which asked
respondents if they agree with certain statements. As previously mentioned, no
respondents indicated they “Strongly Disagree” or “Disagree” with the statements in
question two, so they do not appear on the chart.
Qualitative Findings:
Question one had 33 total responses and asked, “What future session topics would be of
interest to you?” According to respondents, “citizen engagement” surpassed the other
session topics suggested with nine respondents requesting it as a session topic (See chart
below). Although the “Other” section had the most topics, the content of the topics varied
substantially. For example, one respondent stated,
“More on creating and harnessing capacity to build civic infrastructure. In
sparsely populated rural counties we have limited participation from people
with capacity for process. Therefore, it is difficult to engage in processes such
as planning, project implementation, seeking substantial grants, etc. It is no
secret that smaller counties often do not seek funding opportunities, etc. I
believe it is because they don't know the importance of preparing for them.”

Respondents indicated that Rural Governmental Challenges, Water Issues,
Entrepreneurial Culture, Food Initiatives, Drug Impact on Community, Community
Attitudes, Generational Change, and Presentation Skills. Overall, respondents were
generous in providing specific feedback on future session topics.
Question three had 31 total responses and asked, “Please describe how your participation
in the CLA has affected your community. Be sure to provide details.” Collaboration was an
emerging theme. A respondent stated,
“Specifically, it has allowed us to be more open-minded and inclusive of
everyone in our community. This has served to increase participation in
several functions and improve the number of volunteers helping with
activities in our community. Thanks to this, we have seen an increase in
awareness of the functions and activities of many of our community
development organizations.”
Along these lines, respondents commented on developing better working relationships
with others in the community. Another responded stated, “It has helped my community
to recognize the different resources available to it, both locally and statewide.” Overall, the
CLA Conference exposed participants to new ways of thinking and viewing communities
and has made a difference in the personal lives of participants; however, it can only be
assumed it has made an impact on the community. According to the data, there has not
been as significant of impact made on communities.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
2015 Future Session Topic Categories

Question five asked, “What
is your current job title?”
The majority of CLA
participants are involved in
local government with
dispersion amongst other
occupations (See Chart 2).
Director
17%
Coordinator
7%
Manager
10%
Student
7%
County
Administrator
28%
Entrepreneur
7%
Other
24%
Participant Job Titles

Networking Model/ Findings:
1) Rotating Stations
Description: The rotating
stations model begins with
placing stations around the
room in a circular formation.
Located at each station will be
flip chart with a specific topic
for discussion. The topics at
each station will be pre-
determined prior to the
networking event. The
participants are split up into
groups and gather at their
designated flip chart. After all
group members are positioned at
their designated flip chart they
may begin to discuss the designated topic. Groups are encouraged to write their ideas
and/or questions on the flip chart. Between ten to twenty minutes (this time is subject to
the number of people, topics and overall event time) each group will be prompted to rotate
to the next flip chart. At this time the groups may begin to discuss the new topic and add
additional ideas to the flip chart. As an alternative technique, groups can stay in place and
trade one or more members to rotate to the next flip chart. After each group has reached
every station the flip charts are gathered for a final discussion. Figure 1. Provides an
example of the model’s layout.
Pros: This model allows for topics to be analyzed by multiple people, therefore allowing for
a variety viewpoints and suggestions. It is very interactive, keeping participants active and
engaged. Additionally, the flip charts ensure ideas are already transcribed. Last, this model
allows all participants to be involved in several discussion topics.
Cons: Disadvantages to this model include not allowing much time to deeply discuss each
topic and therefore not allowing for discussions to be thoroughly developed. This model
could provoke too much activity and movement causing participants to be sidetracked and
taking away from the actual discussion. Finally, this model could run into time constraints
depending on amount of time allotted for the networking event and participants.
Figure 1. Rotating Stations Model Layout

2) Layered Discussion
Description: The layered
discussion model begins with
topics of discussion that are pre-
networking event. It is designed
to break down each topic into a
series of steps. To begin,
conference members should be
split up into three to four groups.
Furthermore, each of these
groups should be split up into
three to four sub-groups. The
group discussion will begin at
this phase. Participants will
gather with their sub-group and discuss the topic given. The sub-group should write down
their ideas and when they are prompted, all sub-groups will join their main group. At this
time each sub-group will share their discussion and ideas leading them to the main group
discussion. Figure 2. displays an example of how the breakdown should look.
The purpose is to break down the discussion topics so that smaller groups can focus on
specific steps leading to ideas for the overall discussion topic. After each main group is
finished discussing and writing down their ideas they may share with the other groups.
Figure 3. is an example of the layered discussion model with sample discussion topics.
Pros: The layered discussion
model may be valuable as a
networking model for the
reason that it allows
participants to work in smaller
groups. It is simple and allows
participants to focus on stages
rather than the entire
overarching theme. The broken
down sub-groups are able to
discuss more specific issues.
Additionally, it is highly
organized and structured which
can promote an effective and
efficient discussion
environment.
Cons: On the contrary, this model
may lack creativity and freedom for new ideas. Unlike the rotating stations model, it may
lack excitement and motivation for participants.
Figure 2. Layered Discussion Breakdown
Figure 3. Layered Discussion Sample Topics

3) Brainstorming
Description: For the
brainstorming model
participants are placed in
groups and given specific
duties. One member will serve
as the facilitator and one or two
members should serve as the
scribe. The rest of the group
aside from one or two members
will be the “brainstormers.” The
one or two remaining members
will be designated the “devil's
advocate.” This is someone
who, given an idea, takes a
position they do not necessarily
agree with, for the sake of debate or to explore the thought further. In taking this position,
the individual seeks to engage others in an argumentative discussion process. Figure 4.
Provides an example of the layout for one group within this model. The purpose of such a
process is to test the quality of the original idea, identify weaknesses in its structure and to
use such information to either improve or abandon the original idea. After members have
decided on their positions they may begin discussing the specified topic. The discussion
topics for each group will be pre-determined prior to the beginning of the networking
event.
Pros: This model gives group members responsibilities within the discussion. It allows
discussions to generate new ideas as well as challenge the strength of their ideas.
Cons: On the other hand, this model could lead to too much debate during the discussion
process. This model may limit members’ ability to contribute if given a specific duty.
Figure 4. Brainstorming Model, Group Layout

4) Drawing Discussion
Description: The drawing
discussion model begins by
breaking up the conference
members into groups. Group
members will report to their
designated station. Located at
every station is a specific
discussion topic. The topics at
each station will be pre-
networking event. In addition,
the stations are supplied with
poster board, pens/markers,
rulers, scissors and tape. Group
members are asked to provide a
visual representation of the important themes in their discussion. They are encouraged
to be creative and playful while maintaining an underlying seriousness. Figure 5. Provides
an example of supplies that should be available to each group. There are no rules on what
they are to create for their visual representation. The idea is to allow each group to discuss
their topic as well as create a tangible interpretation of their discussion.
Pros: This model requires participants to be creative not only in their thinking but also in
their presenting of ideas. It engages participants, keeps them actively involved in
discussing their topic and also making a visual. It can also promote a fun and entertaining
way of deliberating wand discussing the topic specified.
Cons: In contrast, participants may become too consumed in their drawing, which could
decrease the value of the discussion. They may not feel comfortable with their ability to
create a drawing reflecting their discussion, which may also take away from the discussion.
Finally, the actual labor of the drawing may take away from valuable time to discuss the
topic specified.
Figure 5. Drawing Discussion Supply Example

RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are made to the CLA Planning Committee on behalf of the
MPA Capstone Group.
 The dip in agreeability with the statement “The education obtained from CLA has
prompted positive action in my community” indicates an additional challenge.
Although that they have learned/developed skills at CLA, implementation is an
additional barrier they must overcome. It is recommended future sessions concern
empowering and encouraging individuals to positively impact their community.
 It should not ignore that respondents overwhelmingly reported a positive impact of
past CLA conferences. Even among a voluntary sample, some negative responses
are to be expected. Yet, no respondents were critical. Much variation from past
conference plans could disrupt the positive trend. It is recommended that past topics
and techniques be reused.
 The rotating stations model includes creativity, uniqueness and interaction.
Facilitation of this model is feasible and can be performed with a large number of
participants. Additionally, this model promotes valuable and effective discussion
among participants. After reviewing the 2014 networking session and considering
the possible improvements, it is recommended that CLA apply the rotating stations
model for the 2015 networking session.
 The layered discussion model also includes creativity, uniqueness and interaction.
Although the model is slightly more difficult to coordinate, it promotes a very
organized and efficient discussion approach. This model ensures that all avenues of
desired discussion topics are emphasized. Therefore, it is recommended that CLA
apply the layered discussion model in the event that the rotating stations model is
not chosen.

Major contributors to this report include Paul LaMancusa Jr., Jessica Fowler and Sonya
Arnold. The report was done as a requirement and in conjunction with Public
Administration Capstone Experience PUBA 700.
If you have questions about this report or wish to comment on the quality or usefulness of
this report, contact Maja Holmes Department Chair of Public Administration at West
Virginia University.
______________________________________________________ Sonya Arnold, MPA Candidate
______________________________________________________ Jessica Fowler, MPA Candidate
______________________________________________________ Paul LaMancusa Jr, MPA Candidate

REFERENCES
Dunne, D. (n.d.). Some Creative Techniques for Discussion Teaching. Retrieved from:
http://www.teaching.utoronto.ca/Assets/Teaching+Digital+Assets/CTSI+1/CTSI+Digital+
Assets/PDFs/Discussion+Teaching.pdf
Discussions: Facilitiation Techniques. Teaching Tips Educational Development Centre.
Retrieved from: http://carleton.ca/edc/wp-content/uploads/Discussions-Facilitation-
Techniques1.pdf
WVU Extension Service. (2015). Community Leadership Academy. Retrieved from:
http://cla.ext.wvu.edu/

APPENDIX
Session Topic Categories:

Survey:
Default Question BlockThank you for your participation. Your input is extremely
This survey is about the impact that past CLA conferences have had in the
communities of their participants. Also, we would like to know what future topics
are of interest to our participants. You input is extremely valuable and helps
ensure that we are meeting our mission. This survey should take less than 5
minutes. Thank you for your participation.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neither Agree or Disagree
Agree Strongly Agree
The knowledge and skills learned at the CLA have been of substantial benefit to my community.
The education obtained from CLA has prompted positive action in my community.
I often use the knowledge and skills learned at the CLA in my community.
The knowledge and skills learned at the CLA have been of substantial benefit to me.

Please describe how your participation in the CLA has affected your community. Be sure
to provide details.
Which CLA did you attend? (Select all that apply).
2013 2014
What is your current job title?
Your input is extremely valuable to the CLA. Would it be okay for the CLA to follow-up with
you, in order to elaborate on your survey response?
Yes No
If yes, please provide us with a phone number and a good time to reach you.
Your input is greatly appreciated and helps ensure the success of future CLA
conferences. If you have indicated it is okay, a CLA representative may contact you
to understand responses in greater depth. Thank you for your time.
Survey Powered By Qualtrics
What future session topics would be of interest to you?

Survey:
What future session topics would be of interest to you?
Topics concerning everyday working with small Class IV towns. Much of the topic discussion is on the level of larger organizations
or on a county level.
Grants. I really learned a lot form last years panel. I'd like to see it again. Local agriculture initiatives
Ways to engage the public or volunteers in civic involvement Projects to impact youth leadership Helping your small businesses
grow (addressing store front issues/displays, signage, merchant associations etc.)
Time management
Property Development in the County How to succeed at passing county codes for proper development.
Public Private Partnerships, TIFFS, County Government and Community Development, Ethics-I know we had this once before but
it is always educational, etc
finding and motivating volunteer board/committee members
Marketing, how to sell your community. How to figure out what you have to offer. When you live there you take things for granted
and need to look at things in a new way.
MS4- Storm water issues and regulations with WVDEP and US EPA Establishing Storm water Fees in municipalities and in areas
in the county that impact watersheds in municipalities
Increasing citizen engagement
Dealing with difficult people and transitioning from staff to supervisor.
Increasing community interest and involvement Involving both local and state elected officials in community development activities
Staying in Touch with Revolving Corporate Executives (I stole the title from a session that I was unable to attend at another
conference, but thought it relevant to our work) Developing an Entrepreneurial Culture (Think along the lines of this year's
farming/agribusiness sessions) Building Community Enthusiasm
More on creating and harnessing capacity to build civic infrastructure. In sparsely populated rural counties we have limited
participation from people with capacity for process. Therefore, it is difficult to engage in processes such as planning, project
implementation, seeking substantial grants, etc. It is no secret that smaller counties often do not seek funding opportunities, etc. I
believe it is because they don't know the importance of preparing for them.
More local food initiative projects.
Small Towns, many organizations, increasing communication;
The team building, defining relationships and how to handle them at the work place. The session on drug abuse and how it has an
affect on our communities and economics. How to develop better leadership skills.
Tourism and CVB outreach to prospective retirees or those with ties to WV who don't currently live in WV
How to develop infrastructure in our county. We have been working on a Comprehensive Plan for the county.
Anything not already covered
Building/Best Practices in Community-Campus partnerships Engagement techniques when working with the community (how to
make accessible, etc) Effective Networking Effective writing/publishing/presentation skills for higher ed professionals Strategic
"Action" techniques (Ed Morrison was GREAT in 2013!)
Building consensus in a community.

Last Modified: 04/01/2015
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement.
Question Strongly SDisagree
Neither Agree
or Disagree
Agree
Strongly
Agree
Total
Responses
Mean
The knowledge and skills learned at the CLA have been of
substantial benefit to my community.
0 0 7 20 9 36 4.06
I often use the knowledge and skills learned at the CLA in my
community.
0 0 7 22 7 36 4.00
The education obtained from CLA has prompted positive action
in my community.
0 0 14 13 9 36 3.86
The knowledge and skills learned at the CLA have been of
substantial benefit to me.
0 0 5
21
10 36 4.14
improving local economy
Something about What's Next, WV (or the program in general). A program focused on Community Attitudes (dissecting,
approaching, and changing). A session on Asset Based Development. Something about Capacity Building (within people).
n/a
What is community?
Something regarding the impact of generational change in WV. It seems like our state is getting older. What's going on? What's the
deal with generations?
tourism development, recreational and parks development, attracting small businesses
Leadership in the workplace.
how to bring existing businesses together to help boost econonmy
Using social media to farther promoting your purpose How to attract more participation
Utilizing community resources such as artisans and coops.
Storm Water issues
public speaking
Statistic Value
Total Responses 33

Please describe how your participation in the CLA has affected your community. Be sure
to provide details.
I try to personally use what I learn, but some of it does not apply to my municipality
It brought myself and my County Commissioners closer as we attended classes of interests together.
I enjoyed the session regarding restaurant tours with Norm; gave me some great ideas for my communities
Made me look and my community and county in a different was. Seeing the value of other organizations.
I am not in the decision process to know this. I am more active in learning about my community.
Working closely with other branches to develop a relationship.
Better public relations and media control.
One of the ways this has helped our community is thru collaboration. Allowing me to step back and create an open
mind in desire of working and understanding each other. This is with community leaders and the public. Seems that
everyone has such a diverse opinion even if it is wrong.
Through positive leadership practices and networking and learning about various ordinances that could have positive
impacts on our community.
NA
Knowledge gained at the CLA has been essential in shaping my county's comprehensive plan. Also got us
connected with the WVU College of Law Land Use Clinic.
Specifically, it has allowed us to be more open-minded and inclusive of everyone in our community. This has served
to increase participation in several functions and improve the number of volunteers helping with activities in our
community. Thanks to this, we have seen an increase in awareness of the functions and activities of many of our
community development organizations.
Last year, through the networking opportunities, we have been able to access resources for a regional development
effort. Other networking opportunities have provided great ideas on other projects.
I can't say that it has affected my community. I found some sessions good and interesting, but did I bring anything
back to my community? No.
I am only one, I think impact would be greater with more participation, but I am doing my best.
Interaction with individuals and how to allow and encourage participation in meetings. Dealing with employees and
co workers in difficult circumstances. Enhancing overall abilities to govern and serve.
SC 9-1-1 has implemented a robust emergency plan to include increased shelter plans; Additional shelter and
emergency backup locations discussion with city of Hinton
I have shared the information I received with my county commission. The Director of the EDA here in Doddridge has
also attended the meetings and we are working together.
More knowledgeable leader
I attended one day in 2013 only, but any opportunity for networking and learning best practice in community
partnerships is always positive for me and I do apply to the work I do every day. Mr. Morrison's presentation stuck
with me and I have caught myself quoting some things he said when discussing civic engagement activities with all
stakeholders... "strategic action" instead of "strategic planning"; "space and time" for engagement, as well as his
research indicating the crucial connections between communities and institutions of higher ed. Taking this
knowledge and sharing with others has (I hope) improved the quality of partnerships as well as engagement
opportunities for WVU students, faculty, and community partners.
n/a

Which CLA did you attend?
2013 20
2014 27
Total 47
5. What is your current job title?
Text Response
Town Recorder
Executive Director
community develpment
Economic Development Director
Sr. Scientist
Assessor
CLA provides me with general Community Development based information that I can slowly use when working with
community partners.
We have brought back ideas for our farmers market.
Opening dialog between leaders and citizens.
The guest speaker (athlectic director) on leadership got me thiking of the points he listed. I now look for these in
community leaders.
It has given me different perspectives on how other communities address the same issues I have.
Team work pays off.
I was able to bring back some new ideas that have been accepted
I share the stories of success I have heard and use them to show how working together makes a difference.
It has helped my community to recognize the different resources available to it, both localy and statewide.
Bring knowledge back to my community and networking
V
a
l
u
e
Total Responses 31

commissioner
Business owner
Town Superintendent (city Manager)
Student
Deputy Planning Director
Entrepreneur
Executive Director
Graduate Student
Tourism Director
County Commissioner
Planning Official
Doddridge County Clerk
sheriff
Program Coordinator, AP
Extension Agent
County Administrator
Community Development Administrator
public servant
County Administrator
Revitalize Communities Program Coordinator
General Manager
WVU Extension Service, Porgam Assistant
City manager
Statistic Value
Total Responses 29
6. Your input is extremely valuable to the CLA. Would it be okay for the CLA to follow-up with you, in order to
elaborate on your survey response?

7. If yes, please provide us with a phone number and a good time to reach you.
#
1 2
Ans
wer
Yes
No
Bar
Response
19
10
%
66%
34%
Text Response
304-406-4749
304-788-2233,Regular Business Hours
304-643-2505 M-F 8-4 ??
304-225-2245
304-296-0330 and probably evening
1-304-771-1664
304-574-0101
(304) 847-5477 (Day and Evening)
304-873-1652
304-573-9943. If I am not available, I will return the call as soon as possible.
304-309-6879 during business hours or at SummersPlanningOfficial@gmail.com.
304-873-2631 During the weekdays, especially afternoons.
304 481 8969
3042938344, anytime 9-5pm M-F
304-684-1127 anytime
304-284-7508 10 am
304 574-4228
3046950488 after 2pm
304-574-0101
Statistic Value
Total Responses 19

Email Messages:
Please complete the CLA survey View this email in your browser
Dear Past Community Leadership Academy (CLA) Participant,
CLA is asking for your help. Please spare a moment to help WVU Extension Service
and the CLA Planning Committee learn how you have implemented the skills
obtained at past CLA events, as well as what topic(s) you would like to see as part of
CLA in 2015. The survey should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.
Click this link now to access the survey. Please complete the survey by Tuesday,
March 17 at 11:59 p.m.!
Your participation in this survey is necessary to ensure CLA is responsive to the
needs of our local West Virginia communities.
Thank you again,
The CLA Planning Committee
Copyright © 2015 WVU Extension Service - Community Resources & Economic Development, All rights reserved.
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WVU Extension Service and the CLA Planning Committee is requesting your
participation in this brief survey to assess how you have implemented the skills
obtained at past CLA events as well as what topic(s) you would like to see as part of
CLA 2015. Please let us know by participating in the survey included in the link
below. The survey should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.
Click this link now to access the survey. The survey will be available through March
9, 2015.
This is your opportunity to be a part of our planning process, which ensures CLA
remains responsive to the needs of our local West Virginia communities. We thank
you in advance for your participation in this survey and sincerely appreciate your
time and effort. It is because of you that we are able to advance our CLA.
Thank you,

If you have not done so already, WVU Extension Service and the CLA Planning
Committee request your participation in this brief survey to assess how you have
implemented the skills obtained at past CLA events, as well as what topic(s) you
would like to see as part of CLA 2015. The survey should take no longer than 5
minutes to complete.
Click this link now to access the survey. Do so now, as it will close Wednesday,
March 11 at 11:59 p.m.!
Your participation survey ensures CLA remains responsive to the needs of our local
West Virginia communities. It is because of you that we are able to advance our
CLA.
Thank you again,

CLA is asking for your help. Please spare a moment to help WVU Extension Service
and the CLA Planning Committee learn how you have implemented the skills
obtained at past CLA events, as well as what topic(s) you would like to see as part of
CLA in 2015. The survey should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.
Click this link now to access the survey. Please complete the survey by Tuesday,
March 17 at 11:59 p.m.!
Your participation in this survey is necessary to ensure CLA is responsive to the
needs of our local West Virginia communities.
Thank you again,

Memorandum of Agreement:

Capstone CLA MPA Report

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