Leadership in Action Class Gives Back Through Tutoring Support, Diaper Drive

Members of the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 to 2026 Leadership in Action class are spending the year learning more about Mercer County while also giving back through community service projects.

During a recent appearance on Spectrum, Kyle Fortkamp of Armcorp Construction and Cassandra Osterholt of Wright State University Lake Campus said the class meets monthly from September through June and visits businesses and organizations across the county to learn more about local industries, leadership, and community resources.

Fortkamp said each class session focuses on a different topic, including communication, community resources, agriculture, elected officials, law, education, and history and tourism. He said the program helps participants better understand the people, businesses, and organizations that make Mercer County work while also building relationships among class members from different workplaces.

Osterholt said one of the group’s service projects this year was a Gold Card Blitz for MAV Youth Tutoring. She said the class sold 118 fundraising cards and raised $1,180 for the organization. Both said that project stood out because class members were moved by what they learned about local needs during a community resources day.

The class is now focusing on a diaper and formula drive for the Choosing Life Pregnancy Center. Fortkamp said the drive is underway and continues through April 10. Donations being accepted include newborn diapers, sizes six through eight, and any brand of formula.

Collection sites include Mercer County District Library locations in Celina, Mendon, St. Henry, and Chickasaw, along with the Fort Recovery and Coldwater libraries. Donations are also being accepted at Mercer Health Community Hospital, Wright State University Lake Campus, Mary Help of Christians, and Peoples Bank locations in Coldwater, Celina, Rockford, St. Marys, and Burkettsville. Fortkamp also thanked Salina Moving and Storage for providing the collection boxes.

Both guests said the class has been a valuable experience. Osterholt said each session leaves her even more grateful for the community, while Fortkamp said the networking opportunities and firsthand look at local industries have made the program especially worthwhile. They said those interested in future Leadership in Action classes should contact the chamber for more information, noting there is currently strong interest in the program.