Leadership Education Action Development

What is it?

Each year a diverse group of people from the Independence community take part in this program, and each year they create a cohesive network, in which every person is encouraged to learn, share and grow.

Developed by the Independence Chamber of Commerce, L.E.A.D. Independence aims to provide a network of informed leaders with a commitment to the continued growth and development of our City. L.E.A.D. Independence provides a road map for successful community involvement through interaction with key community leaders and the issues that make Independence distinctive.

L.E.A.D. Independence was one of the first leadership programs developed in the U.S.

How does it work?

Selected candidates make a commitment to participate in a structured nine-month program.

In October, the class gathers for a mandatory two-day orientation team-building retreat. October through May, the class meets on the third Thursday of each month for an eight-hour session.

Class members form task forces to explore a variety of timely issues. Issues for discussion have included such topics as education, health care, government, tourism, image, social services and economic development.

The task forces research their subjects and present information to the class through guest speakers, tours, panel discussions, informal question-and-answer sessions and on-site visitations. A variety of community leaders and experts are invited to participate in these sessions. Each task force is challenged to devise innovative programs on their subject.

Who benefits?

Everyone! The community, the candidate and sponsoring organizations.

"The leadership potential of L.E.A.D. graduates sharing and caring throughout this community is...Wow!" -- Nancy Kimak, Kimak's Pest Control

The community receives an expanding source of informed, dedicated leaders. The candidates obtain a wealth of information about Independence, as well as involvement with key leaders in the community during the course. The sponsoring organizations benefit from the management development of their participants, in addition to achieving better community relations due to the networking of the men and women in L.E.A.D. Independence.

What happens at the end?

The end of each year's program will not be the end of the participant's involvement.

Graduates are encouraged to become active in the community. The Alumni Association provides educational and social opportunities for participants to continue to meet. Alumni also assist in planning future programs. A directory of all participants is distributed annually and each person's community interests are identified throughout. In its 25-year existence, the program has graduated more than 535 individuals. Many graduates have made significant contributions to our community in a variety of leadership roles and have remained in contact with their classmates.

L.E.A.D. Alumni Directory

(Coming Soon!)

L.E.A.D. Brochure

(Coming Soon!)