Emerge Owensboro, the community leadership program co-sponsored by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation is returning to its original name.
Leadership Owensboro has name recognition and a tradition of excellence in building and encouraging Owensboro leaders since 1982. The program, boasting an alumni base of more than one thousand, is the premier local professional development and community learning opportunity.
Executive Director Jessica Kirk explained the need for the change, “We felt like it was time to restore the Leadership Owensboro name, which has a proven brand and strong tradition that is recognized not only in our community, but across the state.”
“Leadership Owensboro was the most rewarding professional experience I’ve had since returning to Owensboro three years ago, after 10 years of Active Army service,” said Lonnie Gentry, First Security Bank AVP/HR Manager and 2015 Leadership Owensboro alumnus. “Through awareness, education, but most importantly ‘immersion’ into our Community, I have learned where I can best assert myself to make a positive impact and ultimately give back to my hometown,” he said.
Leadership Owensboro classes consist of nine full-day sessions and will include topics such as education, human needs and services, local government issues, crime, arts, tourism, healthcare and more. In addition to the once monthly classes from September through April, the class members will be required to participate in local civic leadership meetings, and will work in a team to present a solution to an identified community challenge. A trip to Frankfort in February will allow class members to meet state legislators and lobby for Owensboro priorities.
The tuition cost for Leadership Owensboro is $500. Applications are due by July 31st. Class acceptance will be made by August 17 – there is a limit of 25 in the class. The 2015-2016 schedule begins in September at Rooster Booster and concludes with graduation in May 2016.
To learn more about Leadership Owensboro and download an application, visit http://chamber.owensboro.com/pages/LeadershipOwensboro/.
