‘Town-gown’ partnership providing tools for community leaders

New class begins in October

By Sandy Reynolds

Graduates of LBMC learn to lead, but also develop a broad understanding of the area’s economic development as they establish a wide network of professional contacts. The Class of 2002 graduated 30 members, among them attorneys, bankers, local business owners, and program directors and executive directors from government, the not-for-profit sector and Indiana University.

LBMC is co-sponsored by the Bloomington Division of Continuing Studies and the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. The program provides participants with the tools to become effective community leaders. Classes on time management, economic basis of community, collaboration, skill-building, and team building are at the core of the program.

“There are specific skills involved in leadership and they can be learned,” explained Steve Howard, president for the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and an LBMC graduate. “Many people learn them the hard way by trial and error. There are other ways, including this excellent local leadership program. As a graduate, I can testify that the program is very valuable…I know other grads feel the same. As the program brochure states: Leadership is action, not position. Get into the act!”

Participants interact with each other and current community leaders of the city and county governments, in the business sector and at IU. The “classroom” is the community itself. Sessions take place at different sites related to the day’s topic focusing on aspects of community life in Monroe County and Bloomington like human needs, economic foundations, youth activities, education, government, health and communications.

Each attendee also participates in a group project in addition to the bi-weekly class meetings. Five different group projects emerged from the class of 2002. Projects encouraged business growth and job creation; inter-generational partnership; strengthening the community and university by volunteerism; and enhancing recreation, leisure and the parks. The fifth group project, www.BloomingtonPSA.org, is a comprehensive listserv through which any club, group, organization or individual can announce a specific event or meeting.

LBMC is an eight-month program that begins in October and ends in May. The program starts with an orientation reception and an opening retreat, and closes with group project presentations. There is also a special ceremony for graduation/recognition. Participants can earn seven continuing education units (CEUs) when they complete the program.

For application information for the 2002-03 program, visit the Web site below or call 812-855 6329 for materials.

http://continue.indiana.edu/Leadership.html