Slots or not, I'll bet. I'll bet that, out of all of the Chamber's activities, the most far-reaching impact, the most direct long-term results, the most immediate participant challenge, the broadest and deepest community strengthening, and probably the stealthiest profile is: Leadership Allegany!

This region is a great place to live, work, and play, thanks, in great part to over a decade of Leadership Allegany! graduates rolling up their collective sleeves and opening up their collective wallets and purses. Steering the Steering Committee for most of those years has been Stu Czapski, (M and T Bank). The Steering Committee essentially tears down and rebuilds the program components each year. Some components merely need a little polishing from year to year. Others need a redesign or replacement. The driving forces are alumni evaluations of what works and what doesn't. If you are an alumni, help the Steering Committee to continue doing a tremendous job. You benefited. It's time to share.

By the time you read this, the Class of 2008 will have graduated, bringing our alumni total to 269, since our first class, the Class of 1998. Exactly what have we/they gone through?

What is it? Before we list the objective and anticipated outcome, let's discuss the "thing" itself. It is a 9 month program, in which 25 or so competitively selected classmates, pay for the privilege of devoting one to two entire days per month learning about regional issues and processes. One solid day is dedicated to each of the following "topics:" each other (orientation), local quality of life, social service/criminal justice, environment, health, education, local government, economic development, and a two day stint in Annapolis for State Government day. What is unique is that the participants, regardless of their current leadership roles in the community, would not normally be exposed to these issues and processes this broadly and this deeply..especially not with a group as diverse as their class.

So, it is not a leadership training class that tells us how to lead and manage people, or the attributes of a "good" leader. Rather, it is a process that cements college presidents, bankers, business owners, managers, non-profit supervisors, union officials, educational administrators, librarians, executive assistants, salespeople, corporate CEO's, politicians, chiropractors, government employees, etc. into an egalitarian leadership network. That egalitarian approach, in and of itself, is another striking characteristic of the program. Over the course of nine months of bonding, lifelong friendships are made. And suprising "rolodexes" are developed. To what objective? And what's the outcome?

Objective: Leadership Allegany! is dedicated to promoting regional leadership by creating a network of individuals who will:
     - Identify and address pressing issues facing the region;    
     - Gain an understanding of the public and private operations within Allegany County and the state of Maryland; and
     - Gain the knowledge to effect positive change within our community.

Outcome: In an environment of mutual trust and respect, the Leadership Allegany! class will pursue opportunities to become closely acquainted with people from across our community. Class members will gain a deeper understanding of the issues endemic to the region by observing and hearing the views of others.

Leadership Allegany! is "eye opening." And how great can a leader's "vision" be without the opening of eyes? Hmmm. Here is a test: For the next month or so, at every important meeting, at every board meeting of any type, at every non-profit, at every business, just ask the question: "Are there any Leadership Allegany! graduates here?"

Make a mental note of who is doing what. And ask the graduates for their thoughts on the program. I'll bet that you either decide to apply for yourself, refer a colleague, or suggest that your firm sponsor either a candidate or a scholarship. Contact the Chamber office now for the 2009 Class.

Next chance you get, please thank the folks at Tri-State Hand and Occupational Therapy for hosting our well-attended May 21 After Hours. We also thank those of you who attended. Spread the word. And, please, mark your calendars for Wed, June 18 After Hours, hosted by The Bowler, Fri., Aug. 08 Chamber Crab Feast, and Sun., Aug. 24, Chamber Night at the Altoona Curve. See you soon!
                         Esse quam videri
                         Daryl