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Leadership Chatham

Leadership Chatham, a signature program of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce, is designed to develop informed, skilled, and involved community leaders.  The Leadership Chatham program takes you on a journey through the social, cultural, and economic makeup of our community. Access to existing community experts yields firsthand knowledge of critical issues facing Chatham County.

More and more opportunities will arise with the growth in Chatham and surrounding counties. The demand for effective leaders is great. Through your hands-on experiences in the Leadership Chatham Program, you will gain indispensable knowledge that will help you to become one of those effective and influential leaders.

Registration
Deadline – September 19, 2023
Tuition – Chamber Members $550        Non-Members: $600

Join the Chamber and get the member rate.  Tuition is non-refundable once the class year begins.

When submitting a registration, you are confirming that you understand the concept of the Leadership Chatham Program and agree to the time commitment and resources necessary to complete the program. You are acknowledging that you are aware that you will not graduate with your class if you miss more than one (1) Leadership Chatham session during the Class Year and that you fully understand that taking an active role in the planning, development and presentation of a group project is a requirement of graduation. You are confirming that you have the full approval and support of your supervisor and will be allowed the time required to participate in the Leadership Chatham Program

Time Commitment
Educational sessions are daytime sessions that begin promptly between 8:00a – 8:30a and end by 5:00p. These full-day sessions are held one time a month, typically on the second Thursday of the month. Please reference the tentative schedule below. Participants may occasionally meet outside of scheduled sessions to discuss and work on their class project.

Acceptance into the Leadership Chatham Program
There is a maximum of 25 participants accepted.. Participants with diverse experience and involvement in the community are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Graduation Requirements
Participants missing more than one (1) session are not eligible to graduate with their class.  Missed sessions can be made up in the next class year at no additional cost. Participants are eligible to graduate once sessions are made up. ACTIVE participation in the group’s class project is a requirement of graduation.

Tentative Schedule
09/19/2023 – Opening Reception/Orientation (5:30p – 7:30p)
09/21/2023 – Focus on Team Building
10/12/2023 – Focus on Agriculture
11/09/2023 – Focus on Tourism
12/14/2023 – Focus on Government
01/11/2024 – Focus on Public Safety
02/08/2024 – Focus on History | Focus on the Legal System – Siler City
03/14/2024 – Focus on Health & Human Services
04/11/2024 – Focus on Education
05/09/2024 – Focus on Economic Development | Focus on Leadership
Early June    – Leadership Chatham Graduation (date to be determined)

Leadership Chatham Testtimonials

Leadership Chatham is the hidden gem of Chatham County! From the eye opening sessions to the ability to network and meet other individuals from different personal as well as professional backgrounds. Being a native of Chatham County, having the ability to learn about parts of Chatham I never knew of as well as how the county itself connects in various ways was a great experience. I not only grew personally but professionally as well from the connections made and sustained from the program.

–Traci Newby, Boys & Girls Club of Central Carolina: Pittsboro

I cannot recommend the Leadership Chatham program through Chatham County Chamber of Commerce enough! As a new leader of the only hospital in the county, this program provided me with an incredible amount of knowledge and insight into the county. However, the most rewarding, powerful, and impactful part of the program was the great connections made by other attendees and with our guest speakers and tours

- Eric Wolak, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Nursing Officer, Chatham Hospital UNC Health Care                

The Leadership Chatham program introduced me to an amazing variety of businesses, programs, and leaders in Chatham County that I may not have been exposed to otherwise. The in-depth tours and activities were not just fun and interesting, they widened my view of the county where I work and live. While I learned more about Chatham, I was also given the opportunity to build strong friendships and connections with others that strive to make a difference in this community!

- Jennie Knowlton, The Quiltmaker Café

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