says he’s a student of leadership styles and learns every day

Chuck is Vice President of Finance for Genex Cooperative, the largest subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International. Headquartered in Shawano, Genex is an $85 million cattle-breeding cooperative that markets products throughout the United States and the world. Besides nearly two decades with Genex and the Genex board of directors, Chuck is also very active in the Shawano area community, serving on the City of Shawano Plan Commission, CoVantage Credit Union board, Junior Achievement-Shawano County, Dollars for Scholars, Shawano Optimists, and Shawano Community Middle School football program. The Shawano County United Way and Chamber of Commerce have also benefited from his past leadership. Chuck will tell you that one of the most important community activities of which he has been a part, was as a founding member of Leadership Shawano County. Chuck knew after his WRLP experience that he could play a pivotal role in grooming emerging leaders for his area. And he has. Through his influence, new leaders are taking on leadership roles in organizations, public boards, and private concerns.

Chuck remains actively involved with Leadership Shawano County. “A big driver for me from a leadership standpoint,” Dallas says, “is that with everyone’s busy schedules nowadays, we’re finding fewer and fewer people who are able to step up and serve on school boards or whatever it might be. So, it’s important to try to prepare some of those individuals to take on positions down the road. And we’ve been able to do that. It’s been quite rewarding to see graduates of the Leadership Shawano County program who are involved in committees and boards.” He adds, it’s so important to try to get people motivated to give back to their community.” Chuck is straightforward in his approach to leadership stressing, “you really don’t need to be an expert in every area to step up and help out. Go out and get involved. Get your hands dirty, get your feet wet. Get into something you’re interested in or passionate about and just start working in it.

Apply your training. Just raise your hand, volunteer, and get involved.” When it comes to volunteering, Chuck admits, “I have a hard time saying ‘no’ because I do like to be involved in the community. I enjoy working with other people on projects that need to be accomplished.” Dallas sees networking as another crucial component. “Now I can connect with so many people on so many different issues, whether it’s work- or community-related. It’s been fun to develop a strong network of people that you can work with and get things done. That’s the joy of living in a smaller community.” Dallas concludes, “one of the most important things today you can be is a good leader. We’re committed to our support of WRLP because that’s what you learn to do.”