Networking and Leadership
The goal of the Chamber's networking and leadership programs are to create awareness and encourage meaningful participation within the business community as well as providing networking opportunities for professionals at all levels that will ultimately equip them with effective leadership resources. Leadership development is one of the three major areas of focus for the One Vision Leadership Committee. The committee oversees the Chamber’s leadership programs, hosts an Annual Meeting, during which they reflect on chamber programs and milestones that occurred during the year and recognize outgoing board members, the incoming chairman and board members, and conduct political training seminars. Other honors given during the meeting include the Miss Athelyne C. Banks Citizen of the Year award and the “Rosie Hennessy” award for Commodore of the Year.
Excellence in Leadership
The Excellence in Leadership program is the Chamber’s premier leader development series. It began in 1987 as a way to develop and network existing and emerging leaders with the goal of creating community awareness and encourage community involvement. The class meets once a month for 10 months, with day-long sessions focusing on single topics including healthcare, economic development, education, tourism, city and county government, state government, law enforcement and social services. The class also includes a community service project, where members select an area non-profit to support. More than 1,200 professionals have graduated from the program since it was established.
Edge Student Leadership
Edge Student Leadership is open to all 10th and 11th-grade students in Morgan County. The program was created to expose students to leadership opportunities in a creative and challenging manner, providing the students with the tools necessary to develop individual leadership skills. The program also encourages students to be a positive influence in their schools and to serve in the community. Class participants in this program have been selected for the 2022-2023 year. For more information about being considered in future classes, please connect with your school principal or guidance counselor.
Equip Student Leadership
Equip is a leadership program for 8th-grade students from across Morgan County. The program was created to expose students to leadership training and career development. The students will be exposed to career and training opportunities that require less than a four-year degree. For more information about this program, please connect with your school principal or guidance counselor.
Emerging Leaders Series
The Chamber's Emerging Leaders Series are bi-monthly lunch programs that provide professionals under 40 a mid-day opportunity to connect and network, while providing a program focused on topics relative to professionals early in their careers. Subjects like leadership development, community engagement, career growth and philanthropy are covered with the hope of the audience being able to implement lessons learned in their own careers and workplaces.
How to Get Involved
Participation in leadership programs is open to all members and member businesses employees. Chamber members who have participated in years past are invited to share their leadership experience as volunteers during the leadership sessions. Restaurant owners are also invited to sponsor a leadership session, providing lunch for program attendees. If you are interested in participating in a program, speaking at or sponsoring one of the leadership sessions, contact Judy Brown at (256) 353-5312.