Are you interested in growing as a leader? Or maybe you are new to Richmond County and want to learn all you can. If so, Leadership Richmond might be for you.
Leadership Richmond, a program designed to develop and enhance the leadership skills of Richmond County residents, was established in 1991 and is now accepting applications for the 2013 year.
“We usually have about 20 to 30 people that participate,” said Kristie Long, executive assistant of the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce. “It teaches people about the county and how to be a leader.”
Long, who participated in the program when she first began working with the Chamber, said she really enjoyed each session and was able to meet several lifelong friends throughout the six-month period.
According to Long, the group will get to hear various speakers and will take tours of the county. They will do team building exercises and learn customer service and diversity as well as public policy. The team will be introduced to city halls and police departments and the courthouse. Participants will undergo personality tests and learn about social media, Long said.
The program is accepting applications for the January class, which will consist of 10 sessions and culminates with a graduation in June.
“They (participants) always enjoy going to Big Pine for the team building exercises,” said Long.
Some sessions allow the participants to learn confidence building skills, as well as historical tours.The sessions allow participants to see inside Richmond County’s facilities and get a professional view of what the businesses are all about.
“Even though I’ve lived in Richmond County most of my life, Leadership Richmond provided the opportunity for me to learn more about local government, education system, industries and meet new people,” said Jimmy McDonald of Rockingham. “The industry tours are my favorite sessions. Being able to view process and understand what takes place in various businesses is interesting to me. I still eat chicken after a thorough tour of the Perdue facility.”
McDonald participated in Leadership Richmond in 2000, and said it can lead to opportunities in the future.
“Leadership Richmond also offers some self evaluation and provides opportunities to participate in additional programs and organizations upon completion,” said McDonald.
Those interested in attending the 2013 sessions can pick up an application form at the Chamber, or email Kristie Long at kristie@richmondcountychamber.com.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.
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