Leadership Charlotte is an innovative program designed to provide vital information about our community in order to enhance our leaders' knowledge and vision for Charlotte County. It brings together experienced leaders and those seeking to increase their leadership skills, by pursuing a fuller understanding of the challenges faced by our community. The program began in 1988 and now has approximately 450 graduates who, together as alumni, continue to lead many of the community service efforts in Charlotte County.
Participants in Leadership Charlotte commit to attend monthly day-long classes, as well as an evening session. Leadership Charlotte begins with an evening orientation followed by a full day workshop entitled "Simulated Society," an extremely enlightening experience conducted by Dr. Larry Peppers of Clemson University. Course requirements for graduation include mandatory attendance at the "Simulated Society" session, and attendance is expected at each of the monthly sessions, unless one is excused for special circumstances. In the past, Leadership Charlotte classes have chosen to participate in a class project, for which additional time may be necessary.
Selection of Leadership Charlotte participants is highly confidential and is based solely upon the answers to the questions on the application. There is special emphasis on seating a representative group of persons involved in a variety of businesses, professions, government and community service. Class size is limited. The cost of the program is $545 and is payable at the time of acceptance. Partial scholarships may be available. If needed, please submit the scholarship application when applying. Applications for the Class of 2009 will be available in June, 2008.
Here's some of what people have to say about their experience with the program:
"Leadership Charlotte is the most rewarding program that I have ever been associated with. The new friends, the camaraderie, the honor of being part of this has really given me a more defined reason for being in Charlotte County. I wish it could go on forever." Matt Nemec, '04
"After living in Charlotte County for over 40 years I thought I knew everything about our community. What I learned from Leadership Charlotte was that I only knew the big picture. Leadership exposed me to the important details about our community -- those details that include the people of our community, the resources of our community and the absolute beauty of our community that we tend to take for granted. It was truly an eye opening experience that I will always remember." Lane Diedrick, '00
"I only wish I had participated sooner. I kept putting it off thinking I would have more time when I wasn’t so new and so busy. Little did I know that the time spent learning about Charlotte County and developing relationships with classmates and other Leadership Charlotte graduates would be returned to me many times over." Lola Casey, '93
"Kudos to the Chamber for its ongoing commitment to a leadership program, one that gave me the opportunity to learn so much about the community and its people. The importance of this education was made even clearer in the post-hurricane climate in Charlotte County." Connie Thrasher, '05
"I was actually quite amazed at the quality of the programs for each Leadership Charlotte Day event. The local dignitaries and community leaders who gave up their time to share their experiences and knowledge of our County were truly impressive!" Mary A. Byrski, '05
"This program provided me the unique opportunity to gain exposure to the industries and people that make Charlotte County THE up-and-coming community of Florida." Trent Lind, '04
"Leadership Charlotte is a fantastic experience that showcases all that is good about Charlotte County. I have learned so much about our wonderful community and made many lasting friendships." Lee Stein, '05
"Leadership Charlotte is more than a series of classes you experience, more than an excellent program put on by the Chamber of Commerce. Leadership Charlotte is a portal to becoming a vital part of Charlotte County. I’ve seen our future and I am excited!" Diana Finnegan, '01
 |
|
|