Leadership

The Leadership Hopkinsville-Christian County Program wants to keep you informed of upcoming information and leadership opportunities here in Christian County. 

We will send you occasional alerts keeping you 'in the know' regarding board commissions, programs and news of interest to help you further your leadership skills. If you are interested in receiving these alerts please fill out a short form and we will get you signed up.

Mark Lindsey Chair, Leadership Committee

Leadership Hopkinsville-Christian County develops the leadership potential within our community. The program brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, who have a demonstrated talent and commitment for leadership.

The program includes:

• One full day of class each month (2-day retreat in August) in various locations throughout the area.
• Classroom study and homework.
• Small group discussions.
• Facility tours.
• Extensive program, class, and community related group projects.
• Community service events.
• Training in leadership skills.

Purpose
It is the goal of Leadership Hopkinsville-Christian County to develop a source of informed, civic-oriented volunteer leaders who are interested in helping direct the future of Hopkinsville and Christian County.

The program will:

• Provide a systematic educational program to familiarize participants with the community's opportunities, needs, problems and resources.
• Establish an effective dialogue and peer-relationship arena among participants and program alumni, as a common ground for present and future communication.
• Provide a rapport among participants and individuals currently in leadership positions within the community.
• Identify individuals who have demonstrated leadership qualities and concern for the community's future.

Selection Criteria
Participation in Leadership is a competitive process open to people living or working in Christian County. The Selection Committee seeks representation from a cross-selection of the community. Applicants must have the full support of the organization or business they represent in order to commit the time and effort required by the program. It is an honor to be chosen for Leadership and program graduates are expected to remain involved in Hopkinsville-Christian County for at least the near future.

Selection is based on an application that may be obtained from and returned to the Commerce Center by the published deadline. Applications are subject to a confidential evaluation by the Selection Committee, and pending the review, all applicants will be notified of their acceptance or nonacceptance.  Admission is expected to be highly competitive and those not chosen are encouraged to reapply the following year.

Attendance Requirements
It is an honor to be chosen for the LEADERSHIP program and, as such, attendance at each and every session, class, and activity is mandatory. This includes the opening and closing retreats, the monthly class days, and any other time that is required to fulfill the programs, projects, and community service events.

If (only for extenuating circumstances) a class member misses a monthly class session, that individual may stay in the class; however, in order to graduate from the program, the missed day must be completed during the following class year. If more than one class day is missed, the participant will no longer be eligible for graduation but may reapply for future classes. Anything less than a full day’s attendance is considered an absence. Absence from the opening retreat may not be made up, and anyone who misses the retreat may reapply for a future class. The Leadership board will contact a participant’s employer or sponsor in the event of any absence and/or of ineligibility for graduation.

If you or your employer are unable to make this commitment, it is not in your best interest to apply.

Tuition
A nominal tuition fee is charged for the LEADERSHIP program, which covers all of your meals, lodging, and instructional materials used through the course. The fee is $550 for Chamber members, and $600 for non members. If a participant's employer or business selects to pay the tuition the participant is still required to pay $50 of the fee as a means of demonstrating individual commitment to complete the course. The $50 personal fee is due upon notification of acceptance into the program, and the balance is due prior to the opening retreat.

A limited number of partial scholarships may be available for hardship situations.

Sample Class Schedule
Opening Retreat (2 Days)
Agriculture Day
Military Day
Education Day
Government & Justice Day
Health & Human Services Day
Business & Industry Day
Community Life & Social Diversity Day
Arts & Heritage Day
Closing Retreat
Graduation (5:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

Community Life and Social Diversity Day - Leadership Class 2011-2012

Business and Industry Day - Leadership Class 2011-2012

Health & Human Services Day - Leadership Class 2011-2012

Education Day - Leadership Class 2011-2012

Government and Justice Day - Leadership Class of 2011-2012

Agriculture Day - Leadership Class 2011-2012

Military Day - Leadership Class 2011-2012