Staff Leadership: Cindy Lantz

Every year, the Chamber takes up-and-coming and new businesspeople and send them back to school. The classroom and the subject is the greater Shawnee area: its economy, resources and challenges. Upon graduation, the programs send a new batch of leaders - a diverse group of individuals with a renewed commitment - into their local community, and the skills, contacts and information to turn commitment into action.

The program is open to all Chamber members, whether business owner or employee, nonprofit, or government officials.

Classes typically are made up of between 25 and 30 participants. Topics are designed to familiarize our participants with local organizations which include community development, economic development, tourism, media, city, state and tribal government, education, health and community services and heritage. Participants also complete a class project selected by the class.

Leadership classes benefit the individuals who take them, their employers and the community as a whole. Graduates of Leadership Shawnee, now in its 24th year, sit on committees and boards and have served in the elected positions of city commissioner. state legislator, mayor and governor.