TESTIMONIALS

Gilbert Leadership is the best thing I’ve done in my life since moving to Gilbert in 2004!

Great job showing me a Gilbert I had no idea existed. I thought the tours were the best part

Now I know everyone in town and know everything about the town…Impressive. I wouldn’t have believed it before I went through the program. I’m a believer now.

I am reminded of the reasons I joined Gilbert Leadership, including my desire to be more involved, and now I feel empowered to make some choices and do just that.

I think I would say that Gilbert Leadership gives participants ownership in the town. Where most of us have moved to Gilbert from somewhere else, and may not know that many people, Leadership introduces you to everyone in town, makes it feels like you’ve lived here 10-20 years and develops ownership and pride of place. It is ‘my town’ now!

This was the best adult learning experience I have had so far.

I LOVE being part of the Gilbert Leadership. I feel so much more connected to my community and as a business owner, that is very important to me. Thank you sooooo much for the opportunity to participate. Looking forward to participating in the class project as well. Thanks a lot!

Every classmate was changed, challenged, encouraged and inspired by Gilbert Leadership in different ways. Our class have all come to mean a lot to one another.

Class XIX is an amazing, supportive group of people. I CAN conquer my fears. I can trust strangers to get me through difficult situations. I learned I need to clarify my/our goals before we can work toward them.

I was very impressed at the quality of the facilitators and the material they covered. Obviously a lot of thought and planning went into each of these days. Thank you! Thank you!…A great year surrounded by great people. Excellent issue days. A fantastic experience. Thanks!

Wally Delecki and his handout – “10 Mistakes Leaders Make” was phenomenal timing.

The information is so very pertinent to my business at the current time. I wish I could take classes from Wally. He’s brilliant and I get so energized by being around him.

I learned that the beginning of our leadership starts after this class, and that leadership never ends.

It’s exciting to hear how some of the alum have used the experience to their advantage and to give back to the community.

The stories (about Gilbert’s history) filled me with such joy and appreciation for our community. I knew that I lived in a wonderful town, but thank you again for reminding me of how rich our history truly is.

I can’t tell you how excited I am to have been included with such a group of unbelievably awesome leaders!

The program is comprehensive and I really liked learning about all the different areas in local government – planning, commerce, etc. I also learned more about myself, and how others have a different perspective than I.

The Gilbert Leadership program has helped me gain a better understanding of the community and has introduced me to many interesting people, whom I now call friends.

I have a better idea of the need for economic development and planning and I learned that there are many businesses in Gilbert that I was unaware of.

I want those in charge to know how much I appreciate all their efforts. Another absolutely informative and wonderful day. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of the Gilbert Leadership. I am enjoying this opportunity immensely.

I’m so glad I’m part of this incredible group of people.

“Thank you for the adventure! I’ve been beaming telling everyone about the day and the ropes course. What a thrill! I’m excited for our next class! “

ECONOMIC DAY TESTIMONIALS

“I now have a better idea of the need for economic development and planning. “
“I learned so much about land use and the future for Gilbert. It was exciting to hear the Business Development for the city. There was so much enthusiasm for economic growth now and in the future from the developers and the businesses we toured.”
“I learned that there are many businesses in Gilbert that I was unaware of.”
“One of the best days. Great information, not to deep and just the right level. “
“I was impressed with the overall view of economic development. Everything tied together so well. “
“This issue day was very important and timely for me. I am very interested in understanding the full impact of the recession on the town and what we can do to help versus just ‘Shop Gilbert.’”
“I loved learning about Gilbert’s Business Plan, and hearing the special MD Anderson (Cancer Center) update as well as stem cell research and exclusive tour of the Echo Star satellite farm on Guadalupe.”
“What I found most interesting were the stats on who lives in Gilbert and what our town is doing to attract new businesses/what types of companies we go after. “

FINE ARTS DAY TESTIMONIALS

“I had never heard the case for a connection between the Arts and Economic Development made as strongly. I think that is a message that more people need to hear.”

“I discovered how important the arts are to living our lives as human beings.”

“Gilbert and Higley have many things to offer in the Arts, we just need to get people more involved.”

“I learned about the Higley Performing Arts Center. I had not been there before! And it’s in Gilbert! Who knew?”

“Once again, great job you have taught me some and given me lots more about the wonderful town of Gilbert.”

PUBLIC SAFETY DAY TESTIMONIALS

“I loved learning about the inner workings/operations of the police and fire/courts. So far this has been my favorite day!”

“I enjoyed the day, I always do. I feel every citizen of Gilbert should have the opportunity to see what I am able to see as a member of the Gilbert Leadership program.”

“For me, the shooting range, and the mock trial were my favorite parts. Chatting with Police Chief Dorn was a special treat.”

“I was in awe of all the complicated arrangements and scheduling involved! I’m so grateful to the dozens (hundreds?) of people who gave their time to arrange for such a great day for us!”

“I really enjoyed learning more about the CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team) program. I really think that would be a great way for GL participants to follow up with our service and what we have learned.”
“I learned how the police and fire departments are so vital to a safe community. Also, the importance of how each division within the public safety realm is so intertwined to make an outstanding public safety arena within the Town of Gilbert.”

EDUCATION DAY TESTIMONIALS

I am amazed at how innovative our institutions of higher learning are in Gilbert; how creative the teaching is at Highland High (and most likely in other schools in the district as well); and esp. the ASU Polytechnic campus and A.T. Stillman”

“Our school administrators really have a passion for what they do and we need as parents to get the word out about the great job they are doing.”

“I learned you can trade stock on the weather!!! There is more to ASU Polytechnic than I ever thought. I didn’t realize how much new development they had done there and was quite impressed.”

“Playing the game “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader” with the rest of the class was fun.”

“Joining Leadership was the best decision I ever made, we are growing closer as a class, and every leadership day gets more informative and I realize what a great town we live in!”
“I LOVE being part of the Gilbert Leadership. I feel so much more connected to my community and as a business owner, that is very important to me. Thank you sooooo much for the opportunity with which to participate. Looking forward to participating in the class project as well. Thanks a lot!”

“I thought this was one of the better issues days to date. It was on time, well organized, fun, informative. Just very well done. “

“The presenters made me realize more about the connections between elementary, high school and college. It also reminded me that we need to speak up and take time to contact legislators so they know how important education issues are. “

TEAM BUILDING DAY TESTIMONIALS

“I learned how to work with other personality types both within Gilbert Leadership and at work and other situations. I learned much more about the specific people in the class and how to work with them. That was priceless!”

“The variety of team building activities was great. I will be able to use many of them in my own job. “

“How quickly a group of individual people can become a team. Really quite amazing~”

“Team. Work. Cooperation. Non-judgemental.”

“Gilbert Leadership really helped me understand some things about myself. And the Team Building exercises reinforced that. Much more complete than other methods I’ve seen.”

“I learned how to work with different personalities. The way we think and the way we process information is very different, so knowing this I was able to get through the tasks a little less stressed.”

“I discovered my personality temperament and those of my peers in class. It helps to better recognize, accept and value the differences in others.”

“It was a good opportunity to get to know the other class members. We’re beginning early to build a good team.”

“I learned that we are a very diverse group that has jumped into participation right away and genuinely wish to help and learn from each other.”

“I learned so much! One was to trust more. Another was communication. Determining a common goal before starting any project is a core piece. Without it – there is a good chance the project will not be completed. And learning how to communicate that goal is equally important.”

“I really enjoyed the day and learned a lot about myself and team building. As a business owner with little or no employees it is tough to do these kind of programs (to learn about myself, work with others,…) I appreciate this program and look forward to embracing all the lessons I will be learning!”

“Thank you for the adventure! I’ve been beaming telling everyone about the day and the ropes course. What a thrill! I’m excited for our next class! “

“I learned that you don’t necessarily have to be directing things in order to be a leader. I also have never seen myself so quiet. I didn’t acquiesce or withdraw, I just was in awe to be surrounded by so many great people all with terrific leadership skills.”

HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES DAY TESTIMONIALS

“I loved the incredible facilities at Gilbert Mercy and the amazing research that they have going. Learned about stem cells. The session regarding the senior center and CSA (community services of Arizona) provided good information for volunteering!”

“I learned how much is going on behind the scenes in our own community and found it very interesting and exciting. I also learned how important communication is.”

“On this day I learned quite a bit about Mercy Gilbert and its operations as well as the amazing research going on there, as well as what non-profits are doing for our community.”

Stem cells, Dr. Dib, MD Anderson Cancer Center,… We have such a ‘small town’ feel, but we are making a huge difference. In health and people’s lives!”

“I was very impressed by Mercy Hospital, having never seen a hospital from the inside like we did. What a beautiful, state of the art hospital we have in our community.”

“What Would I Do To Improve This Issue Day? – Nothing, nearly a flawless day, thoroughly enjoyed it!”

LEADERSHIP AND CURRICULUM DAY TESTIMONIALS

“I was really impressed with the chapter re-caps done by our fellow classmates.”

“The power of civic engagement begins with you and me. If we want to effect change or improve quality of life, it is up to each of us to play a part in doing so.”

“The day reminded me about Civic Engagement and the opportunities I have to serve. Way too many to list them all.”

” I learned to appreciate how hard it is to be a Town leader. And learned how the town council works.”

“Dr. Wally Delecki made the day. I only wish his teachings were recorded, as I would love to have a copy.”

“Our success as leaders depends on our relationships and how well we can play together in the sand box.”

“Priceless – Put your people before your programs. And it’s often better to be kind than it is to be right”

The mock council session in the actual Council Chambers was a fantastic experience that we could never receive anywhere else! Councilman Les Presmyk was great and a very valuable resource to have on-hand.”

“The Conflict Resolution portion was interesting. I learned more about my fellow team members and how to work toward consensus. – I love the hands on application and discussion immensely.”

“The Civic Engagement/Town Meeting simulation was a lot of fun. We had a great open discussion with the Panel representing the Town Council. Lots of good questions/answers about Parliamentary Procedure, Council functions and roles, neighbor involvement, etc.”

“I really appreciate the kind words that the Gilbert Leadership board members and class members shared with me after our Council Meeting Simulation. I would never have allowed anyone to put me in the mayor’s position, but since I was the “lucky” one I had to try to do my best. I feel that I came out a winner because I learned more than anyone else about “courage”. “

“Thank you so much to the many people involved in preparing this day! I thought about it all weekend — it was a fantastic and unique experience.”

HISTORY DAY TESTIMONIALS (traditionally a favorite of each year’s class)

“I’m from here and enjoyed learning more about my heritage. I liked learning more about the people who started the area. Several of the stories shared were simply fantastic! Wonderful Panel discussion as well. Thank you for such an exciting, enjoyable day.”

“I knew that I lived in a wonderful town, but thank you again for reminding me of how rich our history truly is. Well done, as always.!”

The walking tour, the original homesteader’s panel, the growth and future of Gilbert,…It makes me both humbled and proud to carry on the legacy that has been handed to us and has made Gilbert such a wonderful place. The hard-work ethic, helping and relying on neighbors, making the most of opportunities, the value of family and honesty, as we own those values, Gilbert will continue to be unique.”

“I realized that there was more segregation in the town at least in the schools, than I knew.”

“I learned today how blessed my wife and I are to live in such a great community. What a wonderful day and what a great bunch of presenters. The history is very rich in Gilbert and it was great to learn so much. I’m surprised to see how fast this town grew from an alfalfa hay, cotton and dairy-bearing town. Amazing… simply amazing!”

“I never really thought about it but I loved to hear stories from the older generation. Very insightful.”

“I now have a new role models!!!”

GOVERNMENT DAY TESTIMONIALS

“I learned a lot about public works – never really thought about what goes on behind the scenes. Who figured trash would be so interesting to so many people!?”

“The critical need for sustainable water supplies, vision and people like Councilperson Linda Abbott, who had the vision to create the Riparian – Glad to know we have such wonderful public servants – She is an inspiration!”

“I didn’t know how important the Riparian was to the town and the newer facility to the south that we are developing.”

“There sure is a lot to learn about what makes a town or city function! “

“Did not know before where “traffic central” was or how stop lights were coordinated.”
“The Panel Discussion on ‘Current & Future Issues’ was great. Possibly the best panel I have seen in the program. Good questions, great answers and discussion from the panel members…Linda Abbott really knows her stuff!”