Leadership Douglas County returns in 2010

After a two-year absence, Leadership Douglas County, a program designed to develop leaders for a variety of roles in the county, will return with a full program in 2010.

Over the years, Leadership Douglas County has graduated more than 200 candidates from the year-long program, which provides the candidates with in-depth knowledge of virtually all of the key aspects of life in Douglas County.

The core of the program spends one day each month exploring one or more aspects of Douglas County life through site visits and presentations from key personnel in that area.

Topics include local government, education, social services and health care, state government, public safety and more.

New for 2010 is a classroom session at the beginning of each of the days that focuses on specific leadership skills.

Steve Lewis of Cooperative Extension has been involved with Leadership Douglas County since its inception in the early 1990s.

"LDC plugs people into their community unlike any other opportunity, even for people that have lived here all their life," Lewis said. "There is no better way to become acquainted with the many talented people that live and work in our own backyard and the programs and organizations they run. Program graduates have claimed it is a life-changing experience."

In addition to the time spent learning about the various aspects of the county, candidates are also required to complete a number of homework assignments and, as a whole, the class is expected to put their skills to work by creating and executing a class project.

The cost of the program is $650 for Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce members and $750 for nonmembers through Nov. 2. After that date, the rates go to $700 and $800. The fee includes all class materials, special activities and admission charges, transportation and meals. Payment plans may be arranged with the chamber.

For more information and an application form, visit www.carsonvalleynv.org, send an e-mail to info@carsonvalleynv.org, call 782-8144 or visit the chamber offices at 1477 Highway 395 in Gardnerville between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Class size is limited to 20 candidates and applications must be received by Dec. 4 for consideration.