Myrtle Beach area News

Leadership Grand Strand Now Accepting Applications

Leadership Grand Strand is now accepting applications for Class XXIX. The purpose of the nine-month program, which will begin in September 2008 and end in May 2009, is to develop a corps of informed, committed and qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic leadership for the Grand Strand area. Program sponsors are Leadership Grand Strand and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

Leadership Grand Strand is open to citizens who have resided in Horry County continuously for at least one year prior to the application date. Candidates may be nominated by an organization or may nominate themselves. The program is limited to 30 participants, with selection reflecting the demographic, geographic and professional diversity of the Grand Strand.

Criteria for selection include evidence of leadership abilities, potential to provide leadership to the Grand Strand, interest in community affairs, desire to expand volunteer involvement and commitment to become more involved in the Grand Strand. Participants and their sponsoring organizations must be willing to commit the necessary time to fully participate in this program, and regular attendance is imperative and mandatory. Selection will be determined by an applicant's willingness to invest the time required for active participation in the program, which includes a two-day retreat at the beginning of the program in September, a full day of classes the first Thursday of each month, the closing session in May, as well as 100 hours of community service.

The program explores topics such as historical aspects of the Grand Strand, tourism and economic development, education and law enforcement, human services, government and politics and the arts. Alumni serve on community boards and commissions and in key decision-making positions throughout the Grand Strand.

Applications, which require three letters of reference, are due by June 30, 2008. Applications are available online at LeadershipGrandStrand.com. Tuition costs are $890 per person.

For more information, visit LeadershipGrandStrand.com or call Diana Greene, Leadership Grand Strand executive director, at (843) 916-7222.