Developing Leaders * Transforming Communities

Leadership Coles County, a successful leadership development course sponsored by the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mattoon Chamber or Commerce since 2000 is now partnering with EIU’s Business & Technology Institute, Lake Land College and Coles Connected to bring an even more dynamic and life changing experience to community leaders. The purpose of Leadership Coles County is to develop citizens’leadership and collaboration skills to strengthen and transform our communities.

The goals of the program are to:

• Expand the leadership potential of participants through highly participatory and experiential learning modules
• Develop individual leadership, communication, problem solving and team building skills
• Provide networking opportunities for individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Create an atmosphere for building collegial relationships
• Instill a sense of community to motivate participants to be change agents
• Foster a commitment to a life of community service

Topics

Each class will build upon the knowledge learned by the previous class and include the following topics: understanding and discovering the impact of thinking styles, systematic approaches to problem solving, collaborative problem solving, transformational leadership, action steps to transform communities, championing change, developing a Professional Growth Plan, and presenting action learning projects. A complete program outline is available on the web-sites listed in this brochure.

Dates

Identical curriculum will be presented to each class. Applicants will choose to participate in only one set of class dates.

Selection

Each class is intended to be a diverse group of 25 men and women, representing different professions, cultures, interests, and talents.

Participants will be selected by an anonymous selection committee. To achieve a representative cross-section of the community, individuals will be chosen from the 7 Community Pillars: Business, Clergy, Education, Government, Health Care, Media and Social Services.

Area businesses, public and private agencies, civic , university, nonprofits and other organizations are encouraged to identify and support candidates with leadership potential for this program.

Investment

Tuition for each participant is $525, payable before the first session and non-refundable and non-transferable once the program begins.

Traditionally, tuition is paid by the participant's employer or sponsoring organization. A limited number of partial tuition scholarships are available for applicants in need of financial assistance. Scholarship application forms are available from either Chamber office.

Selected participants in Leadership Coles County are expected to commit the necessary time needed to fully participate in the program. Attendance at all 5 sessions is expected and participation on a team project is required.

Benefits

Individual:
Enhanced skills in leadership and communication. Greater knowledge of the region. An informed network of diverse colleagues for individual, business and community problem solving.

Employer:
Increased leadership skills that can be used for greater organizational effectiveness. Networking connections that can assist with business-solutions.

An opportunity to be identified as a business or organization that is committed to community quality of life issues and to position your decision makers as committed community leaders.

Greater understanding of team building that can be applied at the place of employment.

Community:

Application

To download an application click here or to request an application or more information about the Leadership Coles County program contact:

Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 217-345-7041

Mattoon Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 235-5661

Eastern Illinois University Business & Technology Institute
Phone: 581-2913

Lake Land College
Phone: 234-5253

Coles Connected Committee
Ann Bacon, Gary Barnett, Angela Griffin, John Inyart, Larry Lilly, Dick Lumpkin, Bill Rowland, Bill Thallemer Carl Walworth, and Charlie White