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The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer the Leadership Bonita program to members of our community. The program is designed to hone leadership skills, create the opportunity for personal growth, and to help participants learn more about the Bonita Springs area on many levels. Now in its ninth year, each class has averaged 25 participants, so the program boasts well over 200 graduates now sharing their leadership skills in their respective roles within our community.
Leadership Bonita Vision
The Leadership Bonita program will provide a forum to identify, enlighten and engage current and future leaders to improve the quality of life of the Bonita Springs community.
Leadership Bonita Mission
Leadership Bonita provides leadership-minded individuals with the opportunity to:
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Experience the community from public, business and individual perspectives.
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Develop interest in the future of Bonita Springs.
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Create an environment to inspire community leadership.
Establishing a sense of community and enthusiastic leadership are the cornerstones of the program.
Leadership Bonita Benefits
Leadership Bonita provides insight into public decision-making with practical and in-depth discussions on public issues relative to the area. It also:
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Broadens community perspectives.
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Builds leadership skills.
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Builds working relationships among class members.
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Provides for personal growth and development.
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Encourages and develops a network of community contacts.
Program Commitment
Leadership Bonita begins with a MANDATORY retreat beginning on a Thursday evening with sessions on Friday and Saturday. The initial retreat held in a nearby community and does require overnight stays, which are included in the program investment.
The remainder of the program sessions will be held on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every three to four weeks from October 2007 to May 2008. Program sessions will include a mixture of lectures, presentations, tours and field trips.
Participants must attend the entire retreat and each monthly session to graduate from the program. If a session must be missed, it is the responsibility of the participant to contact the Chairperson in advance. One missed session is permitted. A formal commencement program will be held in May for the graduating class.
Please review the current program schedule to see if you are fully able to make this commitment.
Leadership Bonita Testimonials
"Leadership Bonita is the express train to becoming ingrained into the community. I learned what the community had to offer in a way that not everyone is allowed to see. It provided means by which I could get involved in the community after the program ended. It placed me in contact with fellow leaders of the community, gaining a better understanding of all sides of local issues. And finally, my favorite part, I developed some terrific, long lasting friendships with classmates and alumni. It has something for everyone."
Kim Pitts, TIB Bank, Class of 2006-2007
"I joined the Leadership Bonita Class to learn about my community, which I did, but I learned so much more about the people in the community and got excited about all the different ways that I can get involved. One side benefit was my classmates; I made new a whole group of new friends and will always enjoy their company."
Russell Bowles, Russell’s Clambakes, Class of 2005-2006
"What a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn and grow within the community! Every session was eye-opening, every new issue became a personal challenge that motivated me to get involved and stay involved, both personally and professionally. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of such a dynamic program."
Robin Listello, Bonita Community Health Center, Class of 2005-2006
2007-2008 Leadership Bonita Program Schedule
Regular sessions will be held from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Fridays from October to May.
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September 27, 28, 29 Retreat
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October 12 Media & the Arts Session
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October 26 Government Session
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November 9 Environment Session
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December 7 Economic Dev Session
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January 4 Public Safety Session
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January 25 Education Session
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February 8 Healthcare Session
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March 7 Infrastructure Session
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March 28 Social Issues Session
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April 11 Tourism Session
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April 25 Critique & Wrap-up
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April 11 Tourism Session
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April 25 Critique & Wrap-up
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May 2 Graduation
Selection Criteria
Candidates for the program must return a completed application form and return it by the deadline date. Participation in the program is highly competitive and applicants are encouraged to re-apply to subsequent programs if they are not initially selected. Announcement of selected participants is made approximately two weeks after the application deadline date.
Up to 30 individuals, representing a cross-section of business, professional, educational, government, non-profit organizations and citizens-at-large, will be selected for each graduating class.
Tuition
The tuition for each participant is $1,200 and covers the costs for the retreat, meals, refreshments, and program materials and supplies. Full tuition is due two weeks after admission into the program. Many of our graduates have been sponsored by their employer.
The Chamber would like to extend special thanks to our Leadership Stewards, local businesses who underwrite the Leadership Bonita program so that we can keep the tuition affordable and offer partial scholarships:
Partial scholarships are available to those who meet all of the following criteria:
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Member of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce
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Non-profit OR a business with five or less employees
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Live and/or work in Bonita Springs
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Involvement in the Chamber
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Involvement in the community of Bonita Springs
Application Request
Call: (239) 992-2943
E-mail: stephanie@bonitaspringschamber.com
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