Leadership Academy

• Leadership Academy Brochure

• Leadership Academy Application Form 

The Goshen Leadership Academy meets monthly throughout the course of the year.  The Goshen, Nappanee and Middlebury Chambers of Commerce have brought their classes together to discuss issues of importance to the larger community. Together, we look at issues like County and State government, health care, economic development, tourism, social services, the arts, and leadership skills development. 

About half of the classes focuses on the individual communities as we work to make sure that each community reaches its potential. Class members will learn about the history of the community, meet with and learn about local government, education, community development, and other issues impacting the quality of life of their community. 

Of course, the primary purpose of the Leadership Academy is to provide an expanded pool of individuals that are better able to step into leadership positions in our community. Those positions include serving on boards of directors for non-profits, public boards and commissions, as well as running for public office. 

As many of us know from our community involvement, we need to get more people involved in various aspects of community leadership. Jerry Trolz said it very well a few years ago when he received the Legacy Award from the Chamber at our Annual meeting. He noted that many of those serving in leadership capacities are getting older and we need to have the younger generations stepping up and filling community leadership positions. 

In the past, the leaders developed their own networks and skills. In recent years, it was learned that that this was not happening fast enough to fill the need for community leadership positions. The Leadership Academy is designed to expedite the process and expand the pool of qualified individuals that can feel the leadership gap that has developed over time. 

In addition to learning more about the community and building connections with the current community leadership base, members of the class also develop a support group with other members of the class. These are people that they can go to and ask to participate on a board, work on a project, or even help run a campaign. 

For an employer who sends someone to the Leadership Academy, you get back a person that has learned new leadership skills they can apply to the work place. You have someone who can help free some of your time by taking a leadership position in the community that may have fallen on your shoulders. You help build a better community - a community where you, your family, your employees and future employees will want to live and raise a family. 

Consider becoming a member of the Leadership Academy Class. Evaluate your staff: Is there someone that you would like to see become more of a leader in your organization and in the community? We need your help to continue building a better community. 

Class begins with orientation in August. Classes after that will be on the third Wednesday of the month from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. 

As always, we are “Together, Growing Goshen.”