The latest iteration of Leadership Chehalem Valley is nigh, and organizers are taking applications for community-minded individuals looking to join.
“Leadership Chehalem Valley exists to develop a group of educated, informed and motivated civic-oriented leaders who are interested in helping direct the future of the Chehalem Valley and Yamhill County,” a release from the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce said. The CVCC began the program in 1989.
The program is limited to 20 individuals and represents a two-year commitment “that offers valuable leadership assessment and training, shows how communities are structured and how they work, and puts forth examples of community leadership and their stories,” the release said.
To that end, the first year of the program is comprised of full-day sessions that are scheduled once per month from September through May along themes of leadership assessment and team building, local government, education, health and human services, business and industry, state government, natural resources, history and tourism, and community service and leadership planning.
“Each month participants are provided a leadership training session, a tour of hosting organizations and businesses, hear from community leaders about the topic of the day, and learn about and observe leadership in various roles as they participate in active discussions around the day’s topic,” the release said.
Having completed the first year, participants transition to leading the program and its steering committee for the next 12 months. Their role including training the next year’s class.
“You will engage in planning the various days’ topics, scheduling speakers, transportation and meals,” the release said. “You will plan and keep to your schedule, introduce speakers and lead your cohort smoothly through the day with a goal of equipping them with the training you received as a participant.”
The last session of the program will see the participants select a nonprofit in the community, learn about that organization and work on a special project to support the organization’s mission. Once complete, graduation is slated for that June.
“The local leaders that Leadership Chehalem Valley recruits to present topics are truly amazing,” financial advisor Heath Cornick, a graduate of the program, said in the release. “There were so many ‘light bulb’ moments and I think everyone who cares about this community should participate in Leadership Chehalem Valley.”
The 2024 program will begin Sept. 16, according to Scott Parker, CVCC executive director, with a dinner and leadership training session at Camp Tilikum, followed by a visit to the camp’s challenge course.
“There are so many ways people get value from this program,” Parker said. “First, is working with a diverse cohort of professions for nearly a year; so, the relationships that are made in this class are invaluable. Secondly, the leadership training is presented by a diverse array of speakers and covers a wide range of topics. There is something useful and practical they will take away from every month.
"Lastly, no matter how long you have lived in Newberg or the surrounding areas, you will undoubtedly be exposed to an area of our community that you did not know existed. From visiting the wastewater/water treatment plants and a hazelnut processing plant, to getting a tour of A-dec and other local business, you will see our area in a new light after completing this course."
To apply to join the program, complete an application on the CVCC website ( www.chehalemvalley.org/leadership-chehalem-valley ) and return it to the organization’s headquarters at 112 N. Garfield St., Suite 103, in Newberg. Cost is $745 for CVCC members, $945 for nonmembers.
For more information, email office@chehalemvalley.org or call 503-538-2014.
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