leadershipBrownwood logoThe Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is now taking applications for the 2014/2015 class of Leadership Brownwood.

The program is dedicated to educating, developing and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable and business organizations. Spanning eight months starting in September, Leadership Brownwood is designed to increase individual and community leadership skills. The beginning retreat focuses on individual leadership styles and techniques and gives the participants and opportunity to get to know each other. Starting in October, the class then spends one day a month (typically 9 AM to 3 PM) examining specific aspects of the community such as education, area government, local business and economic development, health and human services, the criminal justice system and tourism.

Leadership Brownwood participants benefit from a broad-based education about the community in which they live and work, while developing valuable communications networks among civic, business and educational leaders. They also develop lasting friendships over the course of the year, and personal and professional skills that increase their effectiveness within their community and business environment. Businesses whose employees participate in Leadership Brownwood gain not only a knowledge of the inner workings of the city, but also personal skills that increase their effectiveness in their professional environment.

In the opening session, Dick Hammond, director of “Leadership on the Move,” will facilitate class discussion of the Five Characteristics of an Effective Leader (Based on the book: The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes & Posner).

 An interactive presentation based on the five characteristics of an effective leader:

a. Challenge the Process: Search for opportunities, experiment, take risks.

b. Inspire a Shared Vision: Envision the future, enlist others.

c. Enable Others to Act: Foster collaboration, strengthen others.

d. Model the Way: Set the example, plan small wins.

e. Encourage the Heart: Recognize individual contribution, celebrate accomplishments.

Dress for Leadership Brownwood is business casual but comfortable walking shoes are recommended as most sessions include facility tours. Some facilities have mandated dress codes or restrictions.

Classes are limited to 20 participants and are first-come, first-serve. Deadline for application is August 31st. Tuition is $450 per person and must be paid in full by the opening session.

Contact Ray Tipton at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce for an application or more information at 325-646-9535.

Leadership Classes – Curriculum

The order of session topics and content are tentative and may be rescheduled based upon presenter/facility availability)

                Sept 10, 2014 – OPENING RETREAT (Mandatory Attendance)

                Class members meet for the first time and begin their leadership adventure with an all-day retreat. Participants spend the day discovering their own leadership style and learning how to best utilize style differences. After lunch, members participate in activities involving team-building, problem-solving, trust and risk-taking.

                Oct 9, 2014 – SOCIAL SERVICES

                A community’s success is directly linked to its ability to meet the needs of its neediest citizens. The class will learn about the many social services available in the community and are encouraged to become personally involved through volunteerism. Facility tours will include Family Services Center, Salvation Army, Center for Life Resources and Good Samaritan.

                Nov 13, 2014 – EDUCATION

                Classroom visits and presentations by representatives from Brownwood, Early and other Brown County ISD’s, Howard Payne University, Ranger College and Texas State Technical College cover topics such as curriculum, career and technology, work force development, community partnerships and challengers facing educational institutes.

                Dec 11, 2014 – LOCAL GOVERNMENT

                The class gains insight into local government and explores the political process as elected and appointed officials address current issues and future challenges facing the city. Participants will tour city and county facilities.

                Jan 8, 2015 – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

                This session provides an overview of programs and services provided by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Brownwood Economic Development Corporation.  Tours of local companies and discussion points will examine issues affecting small, medium and large businesses.

                Feb 12, 2015 – HEALTH SERVICES

                Presentations by local healthcare providers and facility tours offer insight into local services including Ranger College School of Nursing Training Facility, Wound Care & Hyperbaric Chamber and Brownwood Regional Medical Center.

                March 5, 2015 – CRIMINAL JUSTICE

                Participants will take part in tours of the TR Havins State Prison, Texas Juvenile Justice Department Ron Jackson Unit, Brown County Law Enforcement Center and Jail. Representatives provide an overview of public safety issues and the criminal justice system.

                March 26, 2015 – BAD WEATHER DAY

                A session will be cancelled only if Brownwood schools are cancelled. This is our make-up date.

                April 7, 2015 – TOURISM

                The Chamber’s Tourism Director, Sunni Modawell, will lead the participants on tours of museums and sights of interest such as Brown County Museum, Lyric Theatre, Lehnis Railroad Museum and Rufus Hardin Museum. The class will learn about local efforts to promote and encourage tourism to our area.

                April 9, 2015 – Annual Banquet – Leadership Class Graduation.