Fulfilling a Vision:

East Orlando Chamber Launches Leadership in Action

The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce has long been known as a catalyst for moving East Orlando from Great to Greatness. In 2003, the Chamber conducted a 10-month community survey called Ask East Orlando in order to create a vision for the area over the next 20 years. The survey results were published in the East Orlando Visioning Study and called for, among other needs, a leadership program.

Several Chambers of Commerce across Central Florida offer leadership programs in order to develop and foster leadership within their communities. Like these and other programs, Leadership in Action is modeled after a nationwide community awareness and leadership training effort. The program identifies potential business and civic leaders and equips them with the knowledge and experience necessary to make an impact in East Orlando. Throughout the course, participants take a tour of East Orange County and address critical community issues along the way.

Leadership in Action is the only leadership program that focuses solely on the issues facing East and Southeast Orlando. Topics studied throughout the program include the environment, health care, education, transportation, technology, and govenment. Each session features behind-the-scenes tours, opportunities to interact with established community leaders and team building activities. The program begins with a full-day retreat, followed by six monthly sessions, and ends with a graduation ceremony.

Instead of traditional classroom sessions, each lesson is taught in a different region within East Orlando. By the conclusion of the course, participants will have traveled to Christmas, Lake Nona, the Alafaya Trail corridor, and many places in between.

Enrollment

Enrollment is open to local business professionals and residents alike, including Chamber and non-Chamber members. Tuition for Chamber members is $800 and covers all expenses for the program, including the orientation retreat, program sessions, materials, meals, transportation and graduation festivities. Non-Chamber members will be charged $1,000 to cover program costs. This fee also includes a one-year, bronze-level Chamber membership.

Interested individuals may download a brochure here. Enrollment for Class II will begin in Summer 2008.

For additional information contact Annie.