History:

Program:

Who Will Benefit From the Institute

The Leadership Institute is an outgrowth of a program begun in 1972.   For the last 22 years, the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc. and Western New England College have co-sponsored the Leadership Institute to develop members of the business community for volunteer service in community organizations.  Our world, workplaces and community have changed considerably over those years.

Globalization and computer technology have affected all our lives, workplaces have been downsized, and the demographics of our community have changed.  Leadership 2002 recognizes these dynamic forces in our environment and incorporates these factors into the program sessions.

Classes will be held at the First Mass. Bank Center Conference room, 1441 Main Street, downtown Springfield (parking validated) on Thursday afternoons (1:00 - 4:30 p.m.).  The Opening Session will be held February 14, 2002 with a total of 7 working sessions, an optional trip to Boston and the State House, and culminating with a graduation banquet and ceremony where participants and their sponsors can be recognized publicly.  The banquet is scheduled for April 8, 2002 at the Colony Club.  This program is geared to preparing participants to be effective leaders in service to the community and their own workplace.   Community leaders and educators designed Leadership 2001 to focus on the critical role that civic-minded men and women play in community leadership.  Participants explore the practices of leaders, identify their own leadership, learning, and problem-solving styles, and learn the tools of effective leadership.  Constructive feedback, role-playing and group exercises help solidify necessary skill sets.   Active area community leaders serve as role models, inspiring participants to develop and assume effective community leadership roles.

Those sponsored for the Leadership Institute should be mid to upper-level managers with the potential to make an impact on their organization and the community.

Involvement And Service

Each participant makes the commitment to serve for at least one year either on a community service organization's Board of Directors or in some other leadership role.  The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc. will work toward matching the interests and talents of  Leadership 2002 graduates with those of  various civic, business and social service agencies with the anticipation of serving on their Boards of Directors.