LEADERSHIP UNION CLASS of 2027 APPLICATION
The mission of Leadership Union is to develop and foster leaders in Union County – providing education about community strengths and opportunities, and to encourage community stewardship.
PROGRAM ELEMENTS:
Participants meet one day per month, January through November, which includes a one-day retreat. Day sessions will focus on Union County’s local economy, education, local history, human services, government, healthcare and agriculture, and more.
PARTICIPANTS’ COMMITMENT TO PROGRAM:
Applicants should understand that participation in Leadership Union requires a time commitment. Participants must adhere to the attendance policy of the program. In addition, participants are asked to fully engage in each session. Excessive use of cell phones or other devices during LU sessions can serve as a distraction to other participants and are therefore, discouraged. Transportation to LU events is normally by bus and participants are required to travel with the class on the provided vehicle for those sessions that include a bus.
Failure to adhere to the attendance policy may subject the applicant to review by the Leadership Union Steering Committee as to eligibility and/or successful graduation from the program.
TUITION:
Leadership Union tuition is $975 for Chamber members. The Public rate is $1500. Employers generally pay all or most of the cost, but there may be limited funds available for people who demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Financial assistance requests are due with submission application.
Tuition is due Wednesday, December 30, 2026.
Successful applicants will be invoiced when selected. Tuition is NON-REFUNDABLE once the program begins
INSTRUCTIONS:
Before you begin the application form on the next page, please make sure you have all the necessary items. You cannot save progress on the form.
In order to be considered for the program, your application must include:
1. An application form, with each section completed.
2. One Letter of Recommendation from an individual other than employer or spouse who has knowledge of your qualifications as a Leadership Union Applicant. You can upload this in the application form.
3. A signed letter from your manager stating the manager is aware of and approves of the time commitment involved for Leadership Union, as well as the financial obligation. You can upload this in the application form.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026.
2027 Leadership Union Session Dates:
January 14, 2027: Full day retreat
February 18, 2027
March 18, 2027
April 15, 2027
May 20, 2027
June 17, 2027
August 19, 2027
September 16, 2027
October 21, 2027
November 4, 2027
November 10, 2027: Graduation Ceremony
What are we looking for in a Leadership Union participant?
- Individuals with a sincere commitment, motivation and interest to serve in the community
- Individuals intending to seek public office, boards, commissions, or key volunteer leadership roles
- Individuals with potential or existing opportunities for advancement to top leadership positions within their own organization, which may in turn play a significant role in the community
- Individuals committed to their personal and career development
- Individuals working in Union County and who are members of the Union County Chamber of Commerce
I have lived in Union County my whole life. I’ve even been to Chamber events for much of my life. Still, I had no idea how rich and deep the culture is, how well we are taken care of in this place I call home. Every Union County resident should go through this program, no question.
Daniel Smith, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Plastics Div.
Class of 2021
SELECTION CRITERIA:
The most important factor in selection is identifying those individuals most apt to utilize their leadership for the long-term benefit of the community. We strive to select a cross-section of participants from all sectors of the community.
The basic criteria for achieving this selection are:
1. Select those individuals with a sincere commitment, motivation and interest to serve in the community.
2. Select those with opportunities for advancement to leadership positions in their company, which may play a significant role in the community.
3. Select individuals committed to their personal and career development.
4. Select those intending to seek public office, boards, commissions, or key volunteer leadership roles.
APPLICATION PROCESS TIMELINE:
October 30, 2026: Application Deadline
November 1-7, 2026: Applications reviewed by LU Steering Committee (Successful applicants will be notified as soon as selections are completed.)
December 30, 2026: Tuition due (applicants will be invoiced when selected)
January 14, 2026: Orientation & Retreat
