Family has taken to heart LMH’s goal to “Inspire, Connect and Serve” in so many ways.

The Leadership Morgan Hill class of 2024. Photo courtesy Leadership Morgan Hill

By Susan Hannah

Susan Hannah

Although I moved to Morgan Hill at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to be near my family, commuting back to my retail ergonomic business on the Peninsula prevented me from connecting to our community. Once both of my buildings were sold, rather than retiring, I decided to join the “work from home” trend.  Obviously, no longer driving north reduced my gas use and pollution, but it also added two yummy hours to my days.

I realized that I had only one friend in town: my dogs’ besties’ mom!

Being an experienced networker, I quickly joined the nonprofit group  Leadership of Morgan Hill Class of 2024. I knew from their website www.leadershipmorganhill.com that I would learn about the nuts and bolts of our local government, services, and businesses.

What I couldn’t have predicted was the knowledge and relationships established from the start.

Beginning with a weekend retreat, I learned that our meetings would be purposeful, informative, and crisply run. By the end of the weekend, I knew 18 new names and faces and that we were like-minded and committed to Morgan Hill’s unique sense of community, friendliness, and professionalism.

We were diverse in age, backgrounds, and interests. The nine-month course includes two overnights, one Monday evening a month and 1 full Friday per month. Like me, you may find yourself looking forward to these sessions.

Together, we have taken to heart LMH’s goal to, “Inspire, Connect and Serve” in so many ways.

We have had evening classes led by leadership professionals; educational days that take us into fascinating venues; and we have come together to create and fund a project that will benefit Morgan Hill families for years to come.

Be on the lookout soon for five concrete picnic tables, a couple of shade trees, and a cool turtle at the Community and Cultural Center. Now we are 18 people who share hugs, goals and experiences.

Yes, there is a cost, time commitment and some energy involved. But the value is beyond measure! If you, your business or your family really want to know what’s going on in town and have a voice in it, a Leadership class is the perfect investment. If you too want to make a positive contribution to our common well-being, you can’t find a better vehicle.

Your experience will begin with a local social gathering where you meet the current class, board members and staff. You’ll get a sense of the friendliness, caliber, and diversity of LMH. All costs involved are covered by your membership as well as the generosity of the board and former classmates.

I can’t begin to describe the breadth of knowledge you will gain. Skill building, self-knowledge, facts increasing your understanding of how decisions are made and who makes them at what level of government are just a few.

We are inspired to be better co-citizens as we walk about town. We are inspired to take a greater role in our government and organizations.

We have become more enthusiastic about supporting local businesses. Heck, I’ve even enjoyed the surprise of recognizing people I know at the store — which tells me enrolling in LMH was the perfect decision.

No matter your motivation, this nine-month investment of time is sure to deliver benefits you can only imagine. For more information, reach out to Leadership Morgan Hill at [email protected] and attend a complimentary social gathering in town.

Cheers to all!

Susan Hannah is the owner/president of Arranged4Comfort Ergonomics and a member of the Morgan Hill Leadership Class of 2024.