McLeod For Tomorrow is extending the application deadline to Sept. 10 for its 2008-09 leadership development program.

According to program coordinator Mary Jo Wieseler, McLeod For Tomorrow wants more applicants for the program and can offer scholarships to defray the $300 class cost.

The program is sponsored by McLeod County and the University of Minnesota Extension Service, with the aid of a Blandin Foundation grant. It will run from September 2008 to May 2009 and include monthly daylong sessions, with tours of area communities, businesses, industry and natural resources. It will also cover such topics as building and sustaining successful teams, public participation strategies, managing conflict and developing an effective leadership support network.

For more information, call Wieseler at (320) 864-1320, or e-mail her at MaryJo.Wieseler@co.mcleod.mn.us [1]. Applications and additional information can be found online at www.mcleodfortomorrow.com [2].

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com [4])