Chamber seeks Leadership Cleveland recruits

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (Aug. 20, 2008)— “Leadership Cleveland is a great capstone program for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the community,” Paul Hickman concluded. “It makes me appreciate my hometown even more.”

Hickman, financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments, is a 2008 graduate of the Leadership Cleveland program of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. The program provides an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the local community and the challenges it faces and to prepare for those challenges by learning about the many facets that make up our community.

Since its introduction in 1984, more than 300 participants have graduated from the eight-month program.

The premise of Leadership Cleveland is that participants will develop leadership skills and greater knowledge about Cleveland and Bradley County through a series of one-day sessions and an overnight trip. Topics covered include Education, Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Local Economy, Healthcare, Local and State Government, and Charting the Future, presented through lectures, discussion, tours, on-site visitations, and informal question-and-answer sessions.

“Leadership Cleveland is an educational experience,” Bernadette Douglas, Chamber senior vice president and program coordinator, said. “The goal of the program is to open the minds of participants to the perspectives that surround each issue. Through consideration of these perspectives, participants are enabled to become more visionary leaders in our community.”

Graduate Jamie Creekmore, Cleveland Utilities, describes the program as “the perfect avenue to learn about Cleveland and make long-lasting professional relationships.”