Christian Reece
For close to twenty years, the Chamber, in collaboration with a committee of community leaders, has offered the Mesa County Leadership Program. In that time, over 300 individuals have completed the ten month course aimed at providing a broad-based view of all aspects of the community and how they are intertwined.
“We originally began the program to provide business people with knowledge about the community and a network of supporters from their class that would make it easier for them to step forward and lead,” said Diane Schwenke, President/CEO of the Chamber. “Our hope was that more of them would step forward and volunteer to serve on boards and commissions…and perhaps even run for political office at some point.”
One individual who did just that was Christian Reece of the class of 2012 and Executive Director of Club 20. During the program, Reece learned some lessons that she carries with her today. “I have a much greater understanding of how things work at the local and state levels including local governments, non-profits, public works, and some of the issues facing these entities. Having that understanding inspired me to apply for the Grand Junction Planning Commission where I have been serving as chair for the past two years. The Mesa County Leadership program taught me the importance of being an engaged citizen and being a part of the future growth and development of our city,” she said. “The Leadership program also helped me to make the connections and relationships that have aided in my professional development. With these influences I have learned of incredible opportunities right here in our community.”
Applications are now being accepted for the next class which will begin in September and continue one day per month through May of 2016. An application is available online at www.gjchamber.org/mesa-county-leadership-program and interested individuals can contact Diane (diane@gjchamber.org or 970-263-2915) for more information.