Chamber hopes to train new generation of Van Zandt County leaders

Starting in the fall of 2016, the Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce will break new leadership ground in Van Zandt County.

Leadership Van Zandt County, a product of the CTCC, will lead a group of 12 students through a 10-month program designed to educate, equip and foster a new generation of leaders in Van Zandt County.

LVZC will be open to all citizens living or working in the county. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be eligible for the program. 

According to information from the chamber, LVZC is designed to incorporate key leadership objectives emphasizing professional leadership and community development. Throughout the course of the program schedule, students will be exposed to extensive training from both professional speakers and honorary community leaders as well as participate in various group events that will highlight their personal strengths and the needs of the community.

“The ultimate goal of this program is to bring up a new generation of leaders in Van Zandt County” said CTCC board member Brad Blakemore. “In order for any community to grow and meet the needs of its businesses and citizens it needs people with shared interests leading the way. We see many communities led by the same people year after year and it’s time for future leaders to step up and take an active part in their future.”  

The goal of the program is to prepare future leaders and provide them with the tools necessary to question standard practices, encourage new visions and empower themselves and others to act and make a difference in their respective communities.

Leadership programs are available in surrounding counties and this will be a first for Van Zandt County. Ideal candidates would be rising professionals with the passion and potential to serve, lead, strengthen and transform the communities of Van Zandt County. 

Applications must be completed and turned in no later than 5 p.m. June 5. Once all applications are received, candidates will go through a blind selection and interview process. Selection will be based on the following criteria; commitments to civic involvement and the Van Zandt County community, potential for community leadership and professional as well as personal achievement. 

The 2016 / 2017 LVZC class will be limited to 12 students at a tuition cost of $750 per student.

Tuition will cover all aspects of the class including an overnight stay at Peninsula Ranch in Quinlan on September 16 followed by a leadership ropes course at Outdoor Adventure in Greenville. Tuition will also cover all lunches, speakers, course material, personality tests, transportation and expenses to the fall retreat and Van Zandt County Days in Austin in March 2017.

In addition, to the mandatory fall retreat and VZC Days in Austin there will be seven monthly classes scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Monthly class topics will include; Myers-Briggs leadership personality assessment conducted by Wizard of Ads out of San Antonio, History of Van Zandt County, Community Service, Community Involvement and Volunteerism, Time Management, Conflict Resolution, Effective Communication, Effective Boards and Committees, Finding your place to serve, Economic Outlook and Development in VCZ and a thorough overview of Van Zandt County Government, Criminal Justice, Education, Healthcare and more. 

The 2016 / 2017 Leadership Van Zandt County will graduate in June 2017 and will become the future LVZC Leadership Committee. 

Once applications are reviewed and students are interviewed, selected students will be contacted by Aug. 17. The class will kick off with a fall retreat on September 16 followed by eight monthly programs with graduation in June 2017.

 “We are excited to bring a program to Van Zandt County that will better equip future leaders and the surrounding communities” said CTCC board member Stephanie Smith. “The CTCC board of directors has been working on LVZC for several years and I am confident we will deliver something of great value to each participating student.”

“On behalf of the CTCC, we are so excited to bring Leadership Van Zandt County to our area” said CTCC Chairman of the Board Lace Deibert. “It is much needed and a great program to prepare future leaders in Canton and the surrounding communities.”  “I can't thank Brad Blakemore and Stephanie Smith enough for creating this program and all the hours spent on getting it ready for the first of many classes to come.”

To pick up a LVZC application or for more information, contact Canton Chamber Office Coordianaor Laura Mendoza at 119 S. Buffalo St. or 903-567-2991 or contact Smith at stephanie@thestanleyagency.com or Blakemore at brad@vanzandtnews.com.