Leadership Douglas returns

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.

More than 200 people have graduated from the yearlong program.

Candidates spend one day each month exploring one or more aspect 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.

"Leadership Douglas County plugs people into their community unlike any other opportunity, even for people who have lived here all their life," he said. "There is no better way to become acquainted with the many talented people who 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 leadership 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 non-members 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 detailed information and an application form, prospective candidates can go to the chamber Web site, www.carsonvalleynv.org, send an e-mail to info@carsonvalleynv.org, call the chamber at 782-8144 or visit the Chamber offices at 1477 Hwy 395 in Gardnerville between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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