OVERVIEW
For more than 30 years, the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce has been identifying and preparing future leaders through its Greater Shreveport Leadership Program.

VISION
An inclusive region with a strong economy stimulated by progressive leadership.

MISSION
Foster a commitment to a life of community service through leadership.

GOALS

• Identify, motivate and develop community leaders.
• Expand the leadership abilities of participants through educational programs, exposure to existing leadership and civic organizations, and in-depth discussions of relevant issues.

• Improve communication among leaders.
• Provide a channel for participants to gain access to leadership opportunities and become involved in the development of solutions for community challenges.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Participation is open to all citizens residing and/or doing business in Northwest Louisiana. The program targets individuals with diverse socio-economic backgrounds and seeks a racial and gender mix reflective of the population at large. The recruitment process ensures a varied group representative of: business and professions, government, neighborhoods, and the community at large. Participation in the program is limited and applicants are encouraged to reapply to subsequent programs if not initially accepted.

SELECTION COMMITTEE
Applications will be reviewed by the Leadership Advisory Council and applicants will be selected to participate in the program. The Leadership Advisory Council consists of:

• Greater Shreveport Leadership Program Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Past Chairman
• Greater Shreveport Leadership Program Senior Coordinator and Junior Coordinator
• Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee’s Vice Chairman of Membership & Marketing
• Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice-President of Membership & Marketing

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
The program commences in February and ends with a graduation ceremony in November. The program begins with an orientation reception and includes a mandatory, overnight, two-day retreat in February. Participants meet once each month and travel as a group to various locations throughout the community. Sessions are usually held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. The May session is also a mandatory, overnight, two-day visit to the Legislature. The program curriculum includes:

Community History
Education
Economic Development & Transportation
Healthcare & Welfare
Legislative Affairs
Local Government & Community Development
Media/Communications

All sessions begin at 8:00 am and end at 5:00 pm.

PROGRAM TUITION
Greater Shreveport Leadership Program tuition is $1,250 and covers all program costs, meeting rooms, transportation during sessions and meals. Each year, one scholarship will be awarded to a representative from the community at large.

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITES
The Greater Shreveport Leadership Program consists of nine sessions, scheduled in advance, beginning in February. Attendance at all sessions is expected. Participation at the opening retreat is mandatory with no more than two absences in the remaining sessions. The mandatory two-day session in Baton Rouge is scheduled to coincide with the Louisiana Legislative Session. Participants not adhering to the attendance requirements will be automatically dropped from the program with no portion of the tuition refunded.

Involvement in the Greater Shreveport Leadership Program does not end upon completion of the program. As part of an alumni organization, graduates of the Greater Shreveport Leadership Program are invited to join the Leadership Council supported by LSU- Shreveport College of Business. Leadership graduates are expected to assume active roles in the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and contribute to future Greater Shreveport Leadership Programs. Throughout the Leadership Program participants will be introduced to a variety of opportunities for involvement, leading to leadership roles within the Chamber’s scope of work. Each participant enters into a 3-year commitment to serve as a Chamber volunteer with participation in the Leadership Program counting as the first year of service.

SELECTION NOTIFICATION
Participants selected to participate in the program will be notified in writing by December 15.

RECOGNITION
Throughout the program, participants will be listed in news releases and articles, which may appear in electronic and printed brochures and reports highlighting the Greater Shreveport Leadership Program.

Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Leadership Application (Adobe PDF format)