We know the old adage “It takes a village to raise a child.” MCLP has learned it also takes a village to develop diverse leaders and sustain a high quality leadership program.
Sponsors are critical to helping MCLP meet annual program expenses. This month we wish to highlight and thank an MCLP “Gold” Sponsor: Nicor Gas.
As a Gold Sponsor, Nicor Gas provides important financial support to MCLP, as well as the time and personal generosity of the Nicor Gas Community Relations and Economic Development Manager for Illinois, Bernie Anderson.
Bernie Anderson has been member of the MCLP Advisory Council since the earliest days of MCLP. He is a also frequent volunteer for the poverty simulation, an important part of the MCLP class experience, and an annual graduation table sponsor.
Anderson sees MCLP as a training ground for future diverse leaders, who can bring multiple viewpoints to both the community and to employers.
Anderson says his company “proudly supports MCLP and its commitment to develop and foster diverse leaders in the community. Nicor Gas is committed to recruiting and retaining a workforce and a contractor base that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
“Cultivating and embracing emerging leaders with a wide range of viewpoints through programs like MCLP allows us to forge better business relationships with diverse groups of customers and suppliers.” Anderson added that companies that foster a diverse workforce are generally more successful.
Anderson has served on the Bloomington City Council and is a familiar face among local non-profit and civic organizations—always ready with an ever-present smile and willingness to lend a hand to enhance the communities in central Illinois.
MCLP Executive Director Sonya Mau noted, “Generous individuals like Bernie Anderson not only help bring financial support to MCLP, but also bring their personal expertise and community commitment to guide MCLP and open doors. So much of the success of MCLP happens quietly, thanks to people like Bernie Anderson and sponsors like Nicor Gas.”