"I’m Charlie Cook, from the Leadership Genesee class of 2003. I applied for the class at the urging of friends from the two classes preceding mine. I was a little hesitant. At the time I was the CEO of Liberty Pumps, so I thought I had the “leadership” gig pretty well figured out. I was also quite involved with community activities – mostly associated with business and economic development. As such I thought I had a pretty good grasp of what was going on in Genesee County. How wrong I was on all counts.

For me, the year was one of learning and discovery. There is an incredible depth of activity – fueled by talent, energy and caring – that makes up a thriving community and society – things that you would never know existed if not given the opportunity to learn of them. That’s the education that Leadership Genesee provides – underpinned with a foundation of pertinent learning contributing to individual leadership development. Equally valuable were the lasting relationships built with my classmates and other graduates over the years of LG’s existence.

Liberty Pumps has had participants in every class in LG’s existence except one. We see the value in both the evolution of their individual development and in their potential to benefit our community. (We actually have a waiting list for future classes.) I regularly suggest to both business acquaintances and community leaders that they consider applying or sponsoring an applicant. It’s an invaluable and unforgettable experience."

Charlie Cook '03, Chairman, Liberty Pumps