Applicants sought for next Leadership McMinnville class

The Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Leadership McMinnville class of 2007 is currently accepting applications, according to Chamber president Lea Chrisawn.

Leadership McMinnville is a personal development program designed to motivate participants to enhance the quality of their leadership skills and learn how to address pertinent community needs.

?They find out what it takes for a community to run,? Chrisawn said. ?It?s a great networking opportunity for people who want to get out and get involved in the community.?

The 2007 Leadership McMinnville class will be the 21st. The program began in 1986 when Don Collett became aware of similar programs in the region and introduced the idea here.

?We have theme days,? Chrisawn said. ?Like education day where they will look at local public and private schools. They also go to Motlow and the Tennessee Technology Center. We have a judicial day, where judges come in and talk about the legal and judicial system in Warren County. They visit the jail as well as other government buildings, both county and city.?

Participants also find out about local charities and service organizations during human services day.

?They will take a day to serve Meals on Wheels,? Chrisawn said. ?They visit the Senior Center, RSVP, which is the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, Families in Crisis, so they get a chance to see the organizations that are out there working to help individuals in the community.

?We talk about the history of our community, community development, economic development, tourism, all the different aspects of what it takes to make our community a better place to live,? Chrisawn added.

In order to participate, class members must be residents of Warren County, employed in Warren County, or actively involved in the Warren County community. In order to be selected, potential participants must be willing to utilize their leadership ability for the long-term benefit of the county and to further the objectives of the program. Each class of Leadership McMinnville will be responsible for planning and conducting a class project. This project is designed to help develop and use the leadership skills of the class as a whole.

Leadership McMinnville is a year-long program, beginning with a retreat in January and full day sessions on the second Wednesday of each month. This year?s retreat is scheduled for Jan. 19-20. The retreat is mandatory and consists of full days Friday and Saturday at Rock Island. Members are also expected to attend all monthly sessions. Graduation is in November.

The Chamber is accepting applications now, and the deadline will be next Wednesday, Jan. 10, according to Chrisawn. Class space is limited to around 20 members, so those interested are encouraged to register early.

Tuition is $450, which includes all expenses for meals, speakers, class materials and travel. Tuition may be paid by employers, sponsors or individuals, and full tuition must be received prior to the retreat. Tuition is non-refundable if members withdraw or are dropped from the course.

For more information on Leadership McMinnville, or to obtain an application, visit the Chamber or call 473-6611.