Chamber opens applications for local leadership program

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking to address what it sees as a growing void in leadership in volunteers and business with a new community development program.

“For a number of years now we have been hearing from our non-profit organizations and service clubs how difficult it is becoming to find new people willing to join and get involved, or to volunteer to work on committees or event task forces to make the things they do possible,” said Community Development Director Mark Wicks.

“It is becoming more difficult as well to find current volunteers willing to step up into a chair or leadership role. When that happens, those groups struggle to accomplish what they want to do, or worse yet, are unable to do,” he said.

“We are also hearing from our employers about how hard it is to find employees who are able to manage or supervise others. They don’t know how to work as a team or how to inspire others to do so,” said Wicks. “They may have the desire or potential to, but either lack the tools or self-confidence to lead. That is holding back both the employee and the employer from what they might be able to accomplish.”

To facilitate a greater participation in leadership roles across the community, the chamber is starting a leadership development program to help tap into the potential of selected candidates.

The nine-month program, meeting once a month for an all-day session, will include workshop sessions, speakers, panel discussion and tours, all designed to develop leadership skills and teach participants about the Charles City community.

“We will not only look at how things work in town, but why … and how you can influence them and make a difference,” said Wicks. “That difference could be as small as volunteering for a couple of hours or as big as affecting the outcome of a project or board/council vote. Either way, you can make a difference in something positive happening for the community.”

The cost of the program will be paid for by participating sponsors, who can either select somebody to take a seat in the course or donate funds for scholarships that can be used by people in the community.

Participants will not only have attendance requirements, but also be required to perform at least 10 hours of community service in an area of their choice.

The program, slated to start in September, will be capped at 20 participants. Those interested in either becoming or sponsoring a participant can contact Wicks at 641-228-4234 or mark@charlescitychamber.com.