Area chambers of commerce work in various ways to improve the communities where they operate.
And one way they do that is to help operate and support classes for future leaders to acquaint them with community issues and also to acquaint them with each other.
The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce is about to start another of its Leadership Florence programs and is looking for individuals interested in participating.
In Darlington County, the Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce operates a Leadership Darlington County program that is run in conjunction with the Hartsville Chamber of Commerce.
They just finished a class in June and won’t have another until September 2009. The program runs every other year.
The June class was the second one both chambers have done together.
In an interview with the Morning News, program director Gerry Madison at the Florence chamber said their program, which runs for nine months, works to help develop and motivate new community leaders.
“It’s worthwhile, especially for people not from (Florence) because the participants get an inside look at Florence and the inner working of the Pee Dee,” she said. “I’ve been in charge of it for 10 years. Each year it grows, and it’s a great way for the participants to network with each other and other industries.
“If the people graduate and come out more knowledgeable about the community they are successful. If they are able to get into the community and if they get a better understanding of how they and their company can help the community they’ve done a better than good.”
Madison said the Florence program has been in operation since the 1970s.
A big benefit is to help new people who have come to the community get involved.
We need to keep developing “new talent” to make sure we take advantage of new and natives.
That’s what will keep our community growing and thriving.
The tuition is $1,200 and is due before Aug. 15. Madison said the chamber is still accepting applications up until the class fills. For more information, call Madison at (843) 665-0515.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement