The Marinette-Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to helping those who aspire to be community leaders get the training they may need to help accomplish that goal.
Community Leadership Academy, the Marinette-Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce's seven-month program that begins in October, is in its eighth year. The program trains participants to volunteer, serve on boards of directors and initiate community projects. Nearly 150 area residents have participated in the program to date.
"These are both exciting and challenging times for communities like ours," says Mary Johns, executive director of the Marinette-Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce. "Our businesses, schools and organizations are coping with the ramifications of a slow economy and an uneven recovery. We need trained leaders to help us navigate the future."
The chamber's program introduces business, educators and non-profit organization volunteers to area leaders and takes them behind the scenes of government, education, industry and healthcare through field trips, hands-on activities and a group project. Many of the graduates from the chamber's program have successfully moved into leadership roles in several different arenas, including at their place of employment, as community volunteers, as board members and as elected officials.
The academy starts with an Oct. 18 icebreaker and runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Dec. 13, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 21 and April 19. Graduation will be held in May at an awards ceremony. Sessions are held at different locations; field trips are included. Breakfast, lunch and course materials are included. Cost is $400 for members of the Marinette-Menominee Area and Peshtigo chambers of commerce and $500 for non chamber members. Scholarships are available.
To learn more about Chamber Leadership Academy or to download an application, visit the chamber's
website.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Mary Johns, Marinette-Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce
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