EXCEL accepting applications

Posted July 30th, 2008

CROWLEY – Applications are now being accepted for the 2008-2009 Leadership EXCEL class. Now in its fifteenth year, Leadership EXCEL provides leadership training specific to the issues facing Acadia and Jeff Davis parishes. More than 300 community-minded individuals have graduated from the program since its inception in 1994.
A joint leadership program of the Crowley Chamber of Commerce and Jeff Davis Business Alliance, Leadership EXCEL kicks off with a two-day orientation in September, followed by seven day-long sessions held monthly through May. Sessions focus on vital community issues such as agriculture, education, art, culture and history, city/parish government, social services, healthcare and economic development.
“The Leadership EXCEL program has been designed to empower and prepare existing and emerging leaders with the skills and knowledge to make them better equipped to address community challenges in Acadia and Jeff Davis parishes,” said Kayla Link, president and CEO of the Crowley Chamber of Commerce and graduate of the Leadership EXCEL Class of 2006.
Jeff Davis Business Alliance Executive Director Cynthia Hoffpauir added, “This year we will continue to focus the program around community and economic development. Each session will tie into the overreaching theme of economic development and allow each participant to see firsthand how the topics covered within the program relate to creating prosperity and building leadership in the bi-parish region.”
Up to twenty adult participants and five high school juniors or seniors will be selected to participate in the program again this year. The program is open to anyone who lives and works in Acadia or Jeff Davis parish, and who has a genuine interest in developing their leadership skills and learning more about community issues. The cost to participate is $300, and includes all program materials, meals, and transportation to various sites.
For an application or to nominate someone to the program, call the Crowley Chamber of Commerce, 788-0177, or the Jeff Davis Business Alliance, 824-0933. Applications and a brochure can also be downloaded from both chamber Web sites at www.crowleychamber.com or www.jeffdavisbusinessalliance.com. Applications must be received by August 22.