Community Leadership School 2010
Click here to download the 2010 Class Schedule.
Click here to download a brochure for more information.
Click here to see a CLS volunteer interview about 2010 CLS.
CLS 2010 is sold out!
Since 1975, the Peoria Chamber has given thousands of Peoria area professionals the opportunity to develop, cultivate, and enhance their leadership abilities. From small business owners and corporate executives to child advocates and medical professionals, CLS has instilled the spirit of leadership in the hearts and minds of its graduates.
The mission of Community Leadership School is to strengthen the Peoria area by offering its participants education on the issues and challenges facing our community. To accomplish its mission, the program facilitates a learning process by putting motivated individuals together to gain a greater community knowledge and awareness. Providing valuable exposure to contacts within our community, CLS is designed to broaden leadership skills, promote community involvement and action, and most importantly, harness and shape the intellectual capital of Peoria’s leaders.
The CLS committee believes that this class should be seen as a right of passage - a staple in the Peoria business community. This program is not just for the young professional. It is for anyone who is interested in positioning themselves properly in this community today and most especially as we head towards economic recovery.
The class will begin on Wednesday, January 13 and continue to meet at various times until the graduation on Friday, March 19. During these weeks, participants will hear a first-hand, unfiltered perspective from area business, government and civic leaders who will speak candidly about their leadership experience in political, social, cultural, economic and healthcare issues. There are no cameras or press present, allowing an intimate setting for full engagement between the class participants and the key note speakers. Each two hour class session presents participants the opportunity to sharpen not only their leadership skills, but also their internal and external perspectives on business, community and relationships. In addition to the class sessions, each participant will complete a DISC behavioral assessment to inventory their preferred personal behavioral style as well as a Values assessment to understand which values drive their actions and decisions. On Friday, February 26, 2010 the class will participate in a one day service project for the Salvation Army.
2010 CLS Committee
Darrin Autry, Commerce Bank
Chairperson
Terry Best, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
Karen Cotton, Illinois American Water
Aloysia Mitchell, Peoria Police Dept.
Casey Johnson, Northwestern Mutual Financial
Mike Higgins, The Wyman Group
Cam Lahart, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois
Marianna LaHood, Caterpillar Inc.
Scott Marshall, Cybernautic
Alison Oaks, Peoria Ballet
Read what past graduates have said about CLS:
"As a young professional, I strongly recommend Community Leadership School (CLS) to anyone who is interested in becoming more involved in the community and seeking a leadership position. CLS provided me the opportunity to improve my leadership skills as well as network with community leaders and fellow peers. As a result, CLS has opened multiple doors for me personally and professionally. As Executive Director at Peoria Ballet, my leadership style includes reaching out to my network of peers in leadership positions for advice or guidance. This has served me well and I am thankful to have been part of CLS."
Alison Oaks
Executive Director
Peoria Ballet
"The Community Leadership School allowed me to understand the history and heritage of a city that I’ve been exposed to my entire life, but unaware of its amazing background. I forged relationships with individuals I would have otherwise not met, expanding my business and personal network. Through the participation in class sessions, as well as interaction with my classmates, I became a better leader, but more importantly a better person. I recommend this experience, without hesitation, to anyone who would like to step into a leadership role now or in the future."
Casey Johnson
Northwestern Mutual Financial Services
"Community Leadership School is truly a front row seat to Peoria's inner circle. As a 2006 graduate, I was greatly impressed by the topics, speakers, and interaction with Peoria's current corporate, political, and non-profit leadership. The personal connections I made during the course remain as strong today as they were two years ago. I would highly recommend individuals from all professions and backgrounds to attend this course. Community Leadership School is truly a staple in the Peoria professional community."
Darrin Autry, CTFA
Vice President & Trust Administrator
The Commerce Trust Company
Click here to download the 2010 Class Schedule.
Click here to download a brochure for more information.
Please contact Terry Best at (309) 495-5926 or tbest@chamber.h-p.org for more information.
September 18, 2009