July 13, 2005 - Estrella Mountain Community College has been selected to provide leadership training programs for the City of Surprise. With projections that Surprise's population could reach 300,000 by 2020, City leaders are taking a proactive approach to planning, which includes providing advanced training and professional development opportunities for City employees. "The City of Surprise has taken a leadership role in preparing its skilled and experienced employees for the increased opportunities that will come with the phenomenal growth of the City," said Clay Goodman, Vice President of Occupational Education at Estrella Mountain. "Estrella Mountain's custom workforce training provides leadership development that is relevant to the City's needs and contributes to overall employee success."One of numerous organizations submitting plans to the City, Estrella Mountain delivered a proposal that addressed Surprise's immediate training needs and long-term assessment goals. "Estrella Mountain's proposal was reviewed by representatives from the City of Surprise, as well as from the cities of Avondale and Goodyear," said Sintra Hoffman, Director of Intergovernmental Relations for Surprise. "The college's representatives not only listened to us, but heard us, and delivered a program that addressed our needs."The leadership development program represents the City's first steps toward developing a full succession management plan. "We recognize and value our employees, and want to keep them" Hoffman said."I'm excited to be involved with such a forward-thinking organization," said Kirsten Hall, Custom Workforce Program Manager. "The City's leaders are committed to employee success and this type of program not only develops a strong workforce, but enhances the quality of life for the entire West Valley."The leadership program began this summer when the college conducted a focus group with the City's senior, middle and front-line managers to gather citywide input. That research will be used to design a one-year management training program, including topics such as leading change, decision modeling and strategic planning. Following that, the college will continue to serve as the custom training arm of the City's assessment center, providing additional custom training programs as needs emerge.Estrella Mountain Community College is located at Dysart and Thomas Roads in Avondale and is part of the Maricopa Community College District. Estrella Mountain offers university transfer courses, workforce training and personal enrichment courses. For more information, visit www.estrellamountain.edu or call (623) 935-8000.
