MonticelloLive

The Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition, Inc. is currently accepting applications for the 2008 class of the Cornerstone Leadership Development Institute (CLDI). “The most important resource possessed by Southeast Arkansas is its people.” says Jo Anne Smith, Executive Director of the Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition, Inc., “The Cornerstone Leadership Development Institute will build on the skills of individuals, including followers, to become more regionally connected leaders and volunteers. This is an investment in our human capital.”

Participants in the 2007 inaugural class have used the skills they learned during the program to enhance their various communities throughout the Cornerstone Coalition region. This includes activities such as receiving grants for their fire department to increase the safety of their citizens, establishing a library and museum to cultivate the cultural heritage of the city, and speaking out and taking the initiative to establish ambulance service in their city.

CLDI is a skills-based program that broadens participants’ perspectives, examines regional and community issues, expands opportunities to develop friendships from all segments of the community, and strengthens leadership skills. Selected participants have a unique opportunity to work with area business leaders, professionals, state and federal elected officials, and other fellow leaders as they focus on key regional community and economic development issues while developing leadership skills. CLDI welcomes and encourages applications from men and women in all walks of life.

Applicants must live and work in Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, Drew or Lincoln Counties.  Participants in the 2007 class included mayors, attorneys, teachers, administrators, librarians, farmers, and former legislators.

CLDI will be presented in monthly, day-long sessions conducted by highly qualified professionals in various fields. Each session attempts to address major issues in a unique and exciting format which will result in solutions and plans of action. Glenda Nichols, Director of the Monticello/Drew County Chamber of Commerce, will be taking applications from interested individuals through March 3, 2008. A fee of $10 is due with each application. The cost of the nine-month long program is $200 per student, and scholarships are available to students who qualify. All of the tuition money collected will go directly to expenses involved in providing materials and instruction for the course including meals and refreshments.

Five participants will be selected from each of the six counties in the Cornerstone Coalition region for a total of 30 participants. Sessions for the Class of 2008 begin April 15, 2008 and end December 16, 2008.

Participants in the Cornerstone Leadership Development Institute make a commitment of time, energy and money. Nominees must have the full written approval of the organization/employer they represent. The intent of CLDI is that graduates of the program make a commitment to continue their involvement in their region and community. This involvement may consist of serving on boards, working with various agencies, or undertaking a community project that addresses some identified need. 

Applications and information for the Cornerstone Leadership Development Institute are available through the Monticello/Drew County Chamber of Commerce located at 335 East Gaines Street, phone: 367-6741, the Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition office at 870-460-1224, or the website at www.searkcornerstone.org.

Local Chambers of Commerce in the six-county regional Cornerstone area (Ashley, Bradley Chicot, Desha, Drew, Lincoln counties) will be receiving applications for their respective communities.