Emporia, like other communities across the state, faces critical social, economic and technical realities. We need leaders who can work together to create a shared vision so that long-term solutions for the health of the community can be implemented. We need leaders who can build consensus on comprehensive public policy to improve our quality of life. Finally, we need leaders who can build bridges and energize the citizens to act on critical issues that affect the well-being of all Emporia citizens.
This is what Leadership Emporia is all about. Established in 1988, Leadership Emporia was designed as an educational program to nurture and enhance the leadership skills of individuals from all segments of our community who wish to become involved in shaping the area’s future. Leadership Emporia offers rare opportunities in which to interact with community leaders and delve into issues, concerns and activities of Emporia.
Steve Brosemer of GeoTech, Inc., and a graduate from the 19th class of Leadership Emporia, says this about Leadership Emporia: “The Leadership Emporia experience produced instant dividends by my being a more effective manager of my employees. It also helped me to better understand the needs of my clients and the community. The relationships developed with my classmates have proven to be invaluable”
Applications are now being accepted for the 23rd Class of Leadership Emporia. Leadership Emporia has been fortunate to continually transform its program offering the latest in leadership development. Leadership Emporia has been working closely with the newly formed Kansas Leadership Center and through this training have developed programs and initiatives which teach four competencies for civic engagement. This kind of civic leadership is learning through powerful experiences that provide conceptual frameworks, skills, tools and ways of being consistent with a more purposeful and collaborative leadership approach.
This year’s program begins with an opening retreat on Thursday, September 16 and Friday, September 17. The additional five sessions are held on Thursday, September, 23; October 7 and 21; and November 4 and 18. The Celebration Luncheon will be held on Friday, December 10. Class members must be present at all seven sessions to successfully complete the course. Each class completes a class project to improve the Emporia community. Members of the 22nd Class of Leadership Emporia compiled three different videos on different segments of Emporia in conjunction with the Building Futures Campaign. These videos may be viewed on the Chamber and Building Futures website.
Tuition for Leadership Emporia is $300 and may be paid by the participant or a sponsoring employer or organization. Tuition must be paid in full prior to the first session and is non-refundable. The fee includes all program costs, meals and refreshments associated with the sessions. A maximum of three (3) $100 scholarships will be awarded from the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce. Leadership Emporia Alumni Association also provides a scholarship. The Selection Committee will attempt to award these scholarship based on need. If you feel you need a scholarship, please include a letter of explanation with your application.
Applications can be filled out by going to www.emporiakschamber.org. At the top of the home page, select the Chamber tab, then under Application and Forms, you will find the application for Leadership Emporia. You may also pick up an application at the Chamber office located at 719 Commercial. If you would like to nominate someone for the class, call the Chamber office with their name and mailing address and request an application be sent to them. Selection will be announced within two weeks of the deadline.
Applications must be returned to the Chamber of Commerce office by Friday, August 13.
