A Greencastle native and a 2017 graduate of Wabash College, Brand Selvia is passionate about history, conversation and classic cars. Nicknamed "Brando" by family and friends, Selvia loves chatting over a cup of coffee or glass of bourbon, as well as joyriding in his 1974 Volkswagen Beetle.

Leadership 'reunion' more than a get-together

Posted Friday, February 5, 2021, at 11:40 AM

When we wrapped up the 2020 Putnam County Leadership Academy in December, I thought maybe the last column in my series would be the last real mention of it here.

However, this was as fellow PCLA 2020 graduate Melissa Ensor became serious about establishing an alumni group on Facebook. During "detention" after our last class, we also decided on a plan where we could meet once a month to check up on each other.

Well, the plan came to fruition — even though a few of us couldn't make it for this one.

Our "reunion" at TapHouse Burgers last Wednesday was something to look forward to during what's been an otherwise quiet week. Like our after-class detentions, it was an opportunity to have a drink and network. Only this time was more about catching up.

I was joined by Ensor, PCLA Director Lynn Ringis, the Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center's Kristin Clary, Melissa Patton and our class clown Jared Grable.

To be honest, I don't remember any specifics to the discussions we had. But, without reading too much into it, this first reunion was not about business, but about a group of friends. Building such relationships drives just about everything connected with sustaining a thriving community. These interactions are examples of this in action.

As Kristin and Lynn continue to look toward establishing the 2021 group, I think it is important for people not to look at us as some elite club. We are fellow community members who were given valuable tools to better ourselves as such, as well as to be better professionals. We want other serious individuals to have this same opportunity.

These things don't have to be about "schmoozing" the boss or one-upping others. You do this with your friends and co-workers alike. This is like #Small-TownPR. These conversations are how ideas are created and implemented. It starts with being open.

I am looking forward to seeing more of our group at our March reunion. I am sure they'd have stories to tell. After all, aren't stories part of how we make connections?