Locals in industry take media training

Flathead Valley residents Shauna Dunn, Shelby George, Brian Hogue, and Cameron Wohlschlegel just returned from three days in Billings as part of REAL Montana (Resource Education and Agriculture Leadership). For REAL Montana Class V, this was the second seminar in their two-year educational program.

The focus of the seminar was media and communications. While in Billings, class members received individual training on vocal control and how to effectively communicate in a media interview, followed by twelve live television and radio interviews across the city. They took part in editorial meetings at KULR-8 and KTVQ-2 news and learned about print and online communication at the Billings Gazette. The class received tips for engaging the media and telling their story through social media, followed by a crisis management panel led by professionals from ExxonMobil, the CHS Laurel Refinery, and NorthWestern Energy. Program alums, sponsors, and industry leaders attended a networking banquet at the Billings Depot. The session concluded with a team-building exercise at a local escape room, followed by a discussion on developing a transformational leadership style and how to manage conflict.

Shauna Dunn, Whitefish resident and corporate safety manager for Weyerhaeuser, was elected as Class President during the Billings seminar. “I’m honored to be elected as the President of REAL Montana Class V. I’m looking forward to this 2-year journey with the most amazing team. I know we can positively impact the natural resource industries in this great state we call home.” – Shauna Dunn.

Twenty of Montana’s top natural resource industry leaders from across the state were competitively selected to take part in REAL Montana Class V. The program’s mission is to build a network of informed and engaged leaders to advance the natural resource industries in Montana. The two-year leadership program features eight in-state seminars, a five-day national study tour in Washington D.C., and a 10-day international trip. Seminars include training in natural resource development, agriculture institutions and agencies, public speaking/media, economics, state and federal policy, international trade, urban/rural relationships, water issues, and other current industry topics.

REAL Montana is funded through a partnership with Montana State University Extension and private industry. An advisory board of industry leaders provides oversight.

Complete program information is available at www.realmontana.org.