Local residents hoping to make a lasting impact on their community are invited to take part in the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Carter County Leadership program.

“We are still taking applications for our adult leadership program,” said Chamber Director Tonya Stevens.

The Carter County Leadership program was first introduced to the community in 1997 as part of the Governor’s Three Star Program.

According to Stevens, the program helps encourage and network future leaders of the community. Through the program, participants learn about the rich history of Carter County as well as local governments, education, and industry.

The mission of the program, according to Stevens, is to “identify, encourage, and develop individuals who have a sincere appreciation for Elizabethton and Carter County; demonstrate potential leadership skills; and are willing to accept leadership roles to ensure a positive future for our community.”

The program meets each month from October through May for a one-day class session. Each month’s class time focuses on different areas of the community such as healthcare, local government, education, history, and industry.

In March, instead of meeting for a one-day class, the program participants take a three-day trip to Nashville to meet with state officials and learn about the operations of state government.

Prior to the October class, program participants will take part in a two-day retreat at Doe River Gorge at the end of September that will include an orientation to the program as well as team-building exercises.

Each class is required to complete a community project of their choosing either as a group or individually which they present at the annual Alumni meeting. Last year’s Carter County Leadership Program Class of 2017-18 recently completed their Class project of bringing the My Financial Classroom curriculum provided by the Tennessee Treasurer’s Office to every school in Carter County and Elizabethton. The program helps teachers incorporate financial literacy curriculum into their classrooms to give students a more solid foundation for building their futures.

There are currently more than 200 alumni of the Carter County Leadership program.

The Carter County Leadership Program is supported by the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce and is coordinated and taught by local volunteers and alumni of the program. Local businesses and private donations provide funding for the program.

“There is also a tuition fee to participate,” Stevens said.

Each year, a class of 12 to 15 potential candidates is selected and presented to the Alumni Committee for acceptance into the program.

Applications are available at the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce. For more information on the Carter County Leadership Program or to receive an application, contact the Chamber at 423-547-3850.