Jeff and Taylor Borst of  Glenwood are Pope County’s participants in the 2023 Red River Valley Emerging Leadership Program. They, along with individuals from 15 other counties in northwestern and west central Minnesota, have taken part in educational sessions since October 2022. 

Jeff is a manager at Union Dairy in Sauk Centre. The farm milks 2000 cows and has 45 employees. Taylor is the Director of Marketing, Events & Public Relations at American Solutions for Business in Glenwood.

During the educational sessions, Jeff and Taylor have networked with leaders from across the region and gained insight on personal leadership styles, communication, rural issues and facilitating effective meetings. The group will gather once more in Crookston to focus on setting goals for how they will lead and follow in their work and community roles, and to celebrate their completion of the program. 

The theme for the Class of 2023, “Legacy” encouraged participants to think about what it takes to learn from, live with and grow their personal legacy. Jody Horntvedt, Extension Educator with the program, stated “I am so excited for these leaders to inspire everyone around them with the amazing legacies they are building.”

University of Minnesota Extension coordinates the Emerging Leadership Program and provides educational content. The program is funded by many donors from across the region including the Red River Valley Development Association, ag producer groups, electric cooperatives, community businesses, financial institutions and individuals in counties throughout northwest and west central Minnesota who contribute each year. A regional partner, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, has provided fund management for the program since 1998.

Jeff and Taylor will be recognized for their commitment to leadership and their community during the Emerging Leadership Program’s annual banquet on Saturday, March 25 in Crookston. Family and friends and are invited to join program alumni at the event.