Leadership Central Penn

 

A COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM FOR COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES

 

Sponsored by

The Foundation of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with The Berwick Area Chamber of Commerce

Mission

To identify, educate, and involve a diverse group of individuals for community leadership.

Goals

  • Identify men and women from a variety of backgrounds with current or emerging leadership abilities.
  • Provide a course of study designed to inform and expose participants to a variety of experiences culminating in a better understanding of the community and improved interpersonal communication and problem solving skills.
  • Provide participants with the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with each other and community resource people.
  • Establish an alumni program to maintain a network of established leaders.
  • Encourage and provide for participation in specific community organizations.

Why is LEADERSHIP CENTRAL PENN important?

There is a popular myth that leaders are born, not made. LEADERSHIP CENTRAL PENN, like many other community leadership programs throughout the country, rejects that myth and maintains that every individual has the capacity for leadership.

Who Can Participate?

The most important factor is identifying individuals most apt to utilize their leadership for the long-term benefit of the area. Participants, representing a cross-section of the area, will be selected on these criteria:

  • Past history of area involvement
  • Commitment to being a leader
  • Leadership potential and demonstrated skills
  • Willingness and desire to identify and address area issues

Corporations or organizations will sponsor most participants. Individual applications will be considered.

A limited number of scholarships are available. Candidates will be drawn from business and industry, utilities, social agencies, labor, education, professional groups, volunteer organizations, health care facilities, and area households.

Application forms are available from the Chamber of Commerce office. The deadline for submission is July 1, and candidates will be selected by July 31.

What topics will be included in the training program?

There are two specific training categories:
Knowledge of relevant issues and interpersonal skills.

Relevant issues will include:
The Law and Legal Issues, Regionalism, Economic/Community Development, Human Services/Heath Care, Government, Environment, Education, Community Trusteeship, and Cultural Diversity.

Interpersonal Skills will include:
Change Management, Group Dynamics, Consensus Building, Organizational Climate, Leadership Style Analysis, Creative Thinking, Communications, and Public Relations.

When will the program be held?

Classes begin with an orientation in early September followed up by a two-day retreat. Then, classes will be held on the third Thursday of each month through May. Each monthly session will be a full day in length and sessions are mandatory.

What will the program cost?

The tuition is $695. This covers all costs associated with the program, including the retreat, meals, and course materials, except travel. Sponsoring organizations usually pay the tuition, although an individual may pay his/her own tuition. Scholarship assistance is considered on the basis of demonstrated needs and availability.

For more information or an application request, click here, contact The Foundation of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce at (570) 784-2522 or send an e-mail to chamber@ColumbiaMontourChamber.com