Marion Area 
Chamber of Commerce...


The Leadership Marion! Program...

The Marion Area Leadership Program was initiated in 1991 by a group of citizens concerned about the lack of new leadership in the community. As Marion continued to grow and develop, it was felt that there would be a need for a continuous pool of individuals to fill diverse leadership  needs throughout the community. Since it's inception, 200 individuals have participated in the Marion Area Leadership Program. Each of these individuals was sponsored by an organization in the community, typically the individuals' own employer. The diverse list of sponsors include businesses, industries, educational institutions, health care providers, social service agencies, and government entities.
    The Marion Area Leadership Program is managed by an advisory committee made up of community leaders who are past participants in the program. This group works to assure that the program content is relevant to the community's needs and useful to those who will assume leadership positions within the community. A program facilitator is provided by the Advisory Committee.
     In the years to come, Marion Area Leadership Program graduates will continue to be in the forefront of Marion's move toward a bright future.

Marion Area Leadership Program participants attend eight sessions beginning with an opening retreat in September and continuing with a one day-long sessions each month through May. During this time, they have the opportunity to develop and implement new leadership skills as well as learn about the community of Marion. Community topics include local history, educational issues, governmental structures, social service needs, economic development, leisure activities and local media. Participants not only learn about these areas, but also have the opportunity to explore leadership possibilities in each. The information is supplemented by tours to many of the community's most interesting locations, both well known and little known. By the end of the program, participants have learned more than they ever imagined then could about their community and the many areas of need. Also, many of the skills which have been developed carry over into the participants' own lives.  

   Benefits of Program Participation
           Benefits to the participant include:
  • develop leadership and management skills that are both personally and professionally beneficial
  • gain insights into the community of Marion
  • prepare for rewarding and stimulating community leadership positions

          Benefits to the sponsor include:

  • help to meet a community need
  • assist an employer or other individual in developing leadership skills
  • recognition for community involvement

Participating in the Program

Fifteen to twenty-five individuals are selected to participate in the program each year. Participants attend nine sessions beginning with an opening retreat in September and continuing with a one day-long session each month through May.  During this time, they have the opportunity to develop and implement new leadership skills as well as learn about the community of Marion.  The program fee for participation in the program is $700.

For more information on this program,
call the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce, (740)382.2181.

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Marion.Net

Marion Area Chamber of Commerce
 205 W. Center St.
Marion, Ohio  43302-3719
740.382.2181 Fax 740.387.7722

Email us at: phall@marionareachamber.org