JULY 2, 2009 ISSUE
2009 Watauga Leadership Challenge Accepting Applications
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2009 Watauga Leadership Challenge now through Friday, July 17. Applicants must reside in Watauga County.
“The purpose and mission of the Watauga Leadership Challenge is to identify and then educate [those] who we hope will take a leadership role in our community,” said Dan Meyer, president/CEO of Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Challenge coordinator.
The four-month-long program focuses on how the community works and provides participants with an awareness of our community’s current issues and interests. It begins with a two-day retreat on Wednesday and Thursday, August 12 and 13, and then involves eight full-day sessions every other Wednesday through December.
“Because of the intensity of the program, Watauga Leadership participants and their employers are asked to make a major time commitment,” Meyer said.
The sessions cover topics including tourism development, business and economy, media relations and communications, infrastructure/environmental issues, education, local and state government, community health care and the local impact of Appalachian State University.
Leadership Challenge graduates are challenged to apply their talents in the community through participation in organizations, such as public and private boards, nonprofit groups, civic clubs and the chamber.
The sessions are planned by experts and leaders in the topic area and will offer information and thoughtful analysis. Sessions are designed to stimulate interest and awareness and will include an opportunity to interact with the speakers and discussion leaders.
“Participants gain a realistic understanding of how our community works,” said Jeff Parlier, chair of the chamber’s Watauga Leadership Challenge Committee and area vice president at First Citizens Bank.
“They learn from the movers and shakers—the people who have a vision for the future,” Parlier said. “The program benefits the community as well, because Watauga Leadership identifies potential leaders and gives them the encouragement needed to spur them on to local action and involvement. First Citizens believes in the Watauga Leadership Challenge so strongly that we have committed to be the Signature Sponsor of this leadership development program.”
The 2009 Leadership class will consist of 16 to 18 participants who will be notified of acceptance by the end of July, Meyer said.
“We want to be sure we have a good mix, [so participants] are not all bankers or all realtors,” he added.
Leadership Challenge tuition is $395 and includes program materials, luncheons, refreshments and graduation certificates. For more information or to request an enrollment application, call the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce at 828-264-2225.
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