Applications are being accepted for the Leadership Columbus 2021 program. Leadership Columbus is a program designed to develop a corps of informed, committed and qualified citizens capable of providing dynamic leadership for Columbus County. The program is offered through the coordinating efforts of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and Southeastern Community College.
Jennifer Holcomb, president of the chamber, strongly encourages people in all stages of their careers to consider the program. “As a past participant of Leadership Columbus, I can give personal testimony to how beneficial the program is,” she said. “Not only did it strengthen the leadership skills I already possessed, it introduced me to facets of our community that I was unaware of. I was able to network and foster relationships with other community and business leaders that I may not have otherwise had an opportunity to come in contact with.”
The objectives of the program are: (1) to develop informed, trained and committed leaders who understand the issues and needs of Columbus County, (2) to create the opportunity for leaders to interact and build professional relationships, (3) to ensure that participants involve themselves in greater roles in our communities through volunteerism and public service, (4) to create the opportunity for future leaders to continue to identify and study local issues, (5) to enhance the skills necessary to become effective leaders, and (6) to communicate the benefits of the program to others in the county.
Brenda Orders, director of continuing education at Southeastern Community College and chair of Leadership Columbus, said that the program is beneficial to “anyone who wants to make a difference in the community, anyone new to the area who wants to build a strong network within the community or workplace or anyone in a leadership role that is looking to increase their skills.”
Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2020. There is a $350 fee for chamber members ($500 for non-chamber members) to participate in the program. Once the applications have been received, a review committee will select the participants for the upcoming class.
This year’s participants will be afforded an opportunity to increase their leadership capacity through the following interactive components of Leadership Columbus: a kick-off retreat, seminars conducted by professional trainers addressing social networking, negotiation, and conflict management; tours; and panel discussions addressing educational, governmental, business and industry, effective communication, and health and wellness issues relevant to Columbus County.
“ In this new COVID-19 environment, changes may be made to the schedule,” a chamber press release stated. “Should we not be able to hold in-person activities, the program will be canceled until the following year and all monies will be refunded.”
Applications may be obtained from the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s website www.TheColumbusChamber.com. For questions, call 910-642-3171.