The Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County and Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Services have teamed up to bring the Ohio Local Government Leadership Academy to the area beginning in January.
The academy is designed for elected officials from county, municipal and township governments, and for appointed individuals who serve on local government committees, commissions, boards or task forces to enhance leadership and decision-making skills.
The academy curriculum includes 10 workshops. A leadership certificate is to be presented to those who complete seven of the workshops.
Participants must complete the basic course, Public Officials and Public Service, which includes duties and responsibilities of public officials, codes of ethics, standards of conduct, conflict of interest and open meetings laws and executive sessions.
Additional topics are to include public service and conducting effective meetings; leadership skills and styles and effective decision making; technology in local government; intergovernmental relations and economic development; communicating and working with the media; conflict management and dispute resolution; communicating and working with citizens; ethics in local government; and team building.
Holly Stacy, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County, said the chambers decided to work together to be able to bring the course to a larger group of individuals and share responsibilities.
"This is a 10-week course that outlines the basic issues, requirements, expectations and practices associated with various types of public service," Stacy said. "It's an opportunity for local individuals to receive this training without the travel."
The academy registration fee is $250 and includes dinner with each session. Organizations or municipalities registering more than one person receive a discount. Registrations are being accepted. Class size is limited to 25 people. Sessions are 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 22 through March 26, with graduation scheduled for April 2.
Enrollment deadline is Nov. 29.
To enroll, call (419) 447-4141 in Seneca County or (419) 332-1591 in Sandusky County, or visit www.scchamber.org or www.tiffinchamber.com.
