Strong leadership is an essential ingredient in the continuing development of a community. Leadership Coweta, a program sponsored by the Newnan-Coweta Chamber, provides existing and emerging leaders with unique opportunities to enhance their civic knowledge of Coweta County, to sharpen their leadership skills and to network with leaders from across the community. For more than 20 years, the program has provided participants a better understanding of how this community works, opportunity to build relationships with the region’s leaders, and inspiration to use their talents to serve the community. Applications for the 2016 – 2017 class are now being accepted through March 30.
How does Leadership Coweta benefit participants? Through its unique 11-month program, Leadership Coweta prepares future community leaders by allowing them to engage in both the formal and informal exchange of ideas and experiences; enhance their personal leadership skills awareness and development; gain knowledge from an in-depth view of community issues; have access to opportunities for community involvement; understand more about the interdependencies between sectors of the local economy as well as the interrelationships of local issues; and receive knowledge on numerous subjects that prepare them for a more active leadership role in the community.
Leadership Coweta desires to select a diverse group in terms of race, gender and occupation. Individuals represent areas such as business, social services, government, and cultural and educational organizations. Class members must live and/or work in Coweta County at the time they submit their application. No more than two representatives from any one organization can be selected to participate in a class.
The application process is governed by the Leadership Coweta Executive Team, which reviews all applications and determines finalists. Criteria considered during the process include demonstrated leadership abilities, community interest and involvement, desire to assume expanded leadership responsibility, and class representation of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Nine sessions will be held between September 2016 and May 2017, generally on the second Tuesday of the month. A kickoff cookout will be hosted by the alumni in August 2016, and a graduation luncheon in June 2017 will close out the program. Attendance at all activities is mandatory.
Tuition for Leadership Coweta is $795 for Chamber members and $975 for non-Chamber members. (Non-Chamber member tuition includes a $200 credit toward Chamber membership.) Tuition covers all expenses for the nine monthly sessions, an overnight Leadership Retreat, meals, limited transportation, graduation, honorariums for speakers, and miscellaneous administrative costs. The costs of any optional enrichment opportunities, if any, are not included. Tuition must be paid in full or payment arrangements made by Aug. 1, 2016. A very limited number of partial scholarships for demonstrated financial need may be available upon request and submission of additional financial information.
Leadership Coweta applications may be downloaded at www.newnancowetachamber.org. Completed applications may be submitted by fax (770.253.2271, Attn: Leadership Coweta Executive Team), by email (scanned copies may be sent to valerie@newnancowetachamber.org, with the subject line: Leadership Coweta Application Submission), and mailed to or dropped off in person at the Chamber office, 23 Bullsboro Dr. in Newnan.
For more information about Leadership Coweta, contact Valerie Ward by calling 770.253.2270 or emailing valerie@newnancowetachamber.org.
