LEADERSHIP UNION CLASS of 2025 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. 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 Thursday, December 30, 2024.
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, NOVEMBER 1, 2024.
2025 Leadership Union Session Dates:
January 16, 2025: Full day retreat
February 13, 2025
March 20, 2025
April 17, 2025
May 22, 2025
June 26, 2025
August 28, 2025
September 18, 2025
October 23, 2025
November 6, 2025
November 13, 2025: 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.
Leadership Union is a benefit of Chamber membership. You or your organization/employer must be a member of the Union County Chamber in good standing in order to apply.
The basic criteria for achieving this selection are:
1. Select those individuals with a sincere commitment, motivation and interest to serve in thecommunity.
2. Select those intending to seek public office, boards, commissions, or key volunteer leadershiproles.
3. Select those with opportunities for advancement to top leadership positions within their organization, which may play a significant role in the community.
4. Select individuals committed to their personal and career development.
5. Application to Leadership Union is open to persons working in Union County and who are members of the Union County Chamber.
APPLICATION PROCESS TIMELINE:
November 1, 2024: Application Deadline
November 4-8, 2024: Applications reviewed by LU Steering Committee (Successful applicants will be notified as soon as selections are completed.)
December 30, 2024: Tuition due (applicants will be invoiced when selected)
January 16, 2025: Orientation & Retreat
