VALPARAISO | In an intimate setting at the Valparaiso Country Club, the Valpo Chamber kicked off its new program "Insights - Candid Conversations with Successful Leaders" with region leader Leigh Morris.

The Valpo Chamber Leadership Development/Community Engagement Committee developed the new programming.

"Insights is an exciting new program series designed to give business professionals a unique ‘up close and personal' look into the personality, skills, and a knowledge of high-impact leaders," said Joe Ubben, President of BreakAway Performance Group and committee member.

"Exploring the traits and characteristics of the most interesting and successful people allows participants a unique opportunity to learn the process of how they make decisions," said attendee Todd Leeth of Hoeppner Wagner & Evans. "This is far different from simply learning the answer to the tough questions. Participants look into how to make decisions in the future."

"I was very much impressed with Mr. Morris," said Terrie Colosino, of Vogelsang Asset Management. "As a professional who just made a career change, I found his insightfulness and direction to be inspiring. One thing he said really made an impact on me was, ‘If you don't develop your own vision, someone will develop it for you.' Encouraging all of us to keep our eyes on our vision by staying focused is good business sense and has obviously served him well in his career."

John Seibert, Vice President of Opportunity Enterprises, Inc., served as moderator for the event.

"The Insights sub-committee did an outstanding job of choosing a leader of significant accomplishment and integrity who was generous and open with his personal and professional story," said Seibert. "The interplay of questions and responses between the audience and Leigh Morris contributed to a great informal learning environment."

Morris, the former LaPorte Mayor, past hospital CEO and manufacturing manager, shared experiences and lessons that have sculpted his career and life. Commenting on starting his fifth career at age 73, Morris explained that "each [career] gave new opportunities, new experiences, and new enlightenment." In January, Governor Mitch Daniels appointed Morris to two of the region's top economic development posts: Chair of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and Executive Director of the Indiana Toll Road.

Morris shared his philosophy with open dialogue and casual conversation. "Leadership has to have a vision, a sense of values, and must have a plan. Having a plan is very important." Driven to leave a greater positive impact in the world, Morris encourages everyone to get involved and work on "what can be."

Defining success as "having made a positive difference in the lives of others," Morris proves this throughout his lifetime of community advocacy.

Two additional "Insights" programs are planned for 2008: May 13, with guest John Zeglis, former CEO of AT&T, and Oct. 14, with guest Dane Miller, founder of Biomet Inc. Persons interested in attending future Insights programs may contact the Valpo Chamber at (219) 462-1105 or visit www.valparaisochamber.org.

--The Times