Next Leadership Belleville class now being formed

The Leadership Belleville program, a unique executive training program coordinated through the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, is now accepting applications for the 2017-2018 Class.

The program is designed to provide a foundation of skills and knowledge to emerging local leaders. The program seeks to foster a commitment to community service and provide opportunities for economic growth for local businesses and organizations.

Each Leadership Belleville Class is comprised of up to 25 professionals from diverse career, political, social and cultural backgrounds who demonstrate the highest leadership qualities. The classmates create a valuable network of resources, benefiting both alumni and their business sponsors. (The most recent class is shown.)

The course begins with a kick-off breakfast at the end of August. Then, in September, all participants attend a two-day overnight retreat to focus on team building, leadership and communication skills. The retreat provides the participants with the opportunity to bond and develop significant relationships that will be useful in their professional, civic and personal endeavors.

Application for the program may be made by the individual or the employer. All leadership candidates chosen to participate in the program by a selection committee.

The nine-month program dedicates one day each month to a specific issue or subject pertaining to the Belleville area, such as history, arts, religion, government, business and industry, education, healthcare, community and aging, economic development, law enforcement and justice. Participants will be given the chance to meet and engage a large number of business, community and political leaders during each session.

In May a graduation dinner is held. Participants must meet certain criteria to graduate and join the Leadership Belleville Alumni Association.

Course schedule:

Two-Day Overnight Retreat: Leadership and Team Building
September 14 & 15, 2017
Spend two days exploring effective personal leadership skills. Acquire powerful tools to meet the day-to-day demands of a leader, which will be explored in each monthly session.

History, Culture & Religion Day
October 20, 2017
Learn about the history of Belleville while touring the Labor & Industry Museum, the Emma Kunz House, and the Historic District. Also, learn more about the cultural aspect of Belleville, specifically the Belleville Philharmonic and Art on the Square. Gain an understanding of the diverse religious organizations in our community and their current issues and challenges.

Law Enforcement Day
Nov. 17, 2017
Participants will be given an overview of the city and county law enforcement agencies serving the Belleville area. The session will include a tour of the St. Clair County Jail as well as a K-9 demonstration. Participants will also learn more about our judicial system and participate in a panel discussion with local attorneys.

Education Day
Dec. 8, 2017
Participants will hear from a panel of educators regarding the educational system in Belleville and current key issues. The day also includes a tour of one of the elementary schools and high schools and hearing from local students.

Healthcare, Aging & Community Services Day
Jan. 19, 2018
Participants will appreciate an opportunity for a behind-the-scenes tour of one of Belleville’s hospitals. Current and future trends of healthcare and aging will be explored as they relate to leadership roles in our community. Participants will learn what our community needs to do to prepare for the exploding aging population and what services are currently being offered.

Government Day & Mini Retreat
Feb. 16, 2018
Interact with state, county and city government officials to gain an in-depth understanding of the current issues facing our leaders and our community. Also included is a tour of the St. Clair County building.

Business Day
March 16, 2018
This session will explore the current business mix in our area and inform participants of key local businesses and the issues they face. An understanding of past and present challenges and business trends in Belleville will be gained. An insider’s tour of several prominent Belleville business facilities will be included.

Regional Growth Day
April 20, 2018
Participants will gain an understanding of the key challenges and goals for the economic development of the community.The day includes a tour of Scott Air Force Base, which contributes greatly to our local economy.

Reflection Day & Graduation
May 4, 2018
Participants will give a presentation reflecting on what they have learned over the past 9 months. A graduation dinner will be held in the evening for all participants, their guests, employers and alumni.

Applications for the 2017-2018 Class are due by July 17. Go here for the application:
http://bellevillechamber.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/application-2017-2018.pdf

PHOTO: The Class of 2017