Our Program
The cultivation of new leadership is of utmost importance to Nebraska's future prosperity and progress. The State Chamber’s Leadership Nebraska works to develop and motivate a cross-section of leaders who will use their talents and abilities to inspire others and to foster a new spirit of energy, enthusiasm and vitality throughout the state.
Each year a class of some 30 leaders is selected to participate in The State Chamber’s Leadership Nebraska. A selection committee reviews the applications of statewide nominees from whom the final group of participants is chosen. Those selected must have demonstrated skills and experience in civic activities, public affairs and in their professional careers. Although the selected participants will be from different regions, have varied backgrounds and possess diverse talents, they all must have one common characteristic - an abiding interest in Nebraska and her future.
The program consists of six, two-day educational sessions -- February through September. Each of the educational sessions is conducted in a different community and addresses key subjects and critical issues facing Nebraska. The sessions typically run from Wednesday evening through Friday noon, or Tuesday evening to Thursday afternoon.
At each leadership session, recognized authorities - practitioners, teachers, professionals and analysts - provide information and insight into program topics. A variety of views are presented on each topic considered, and visits are made to local sites to reinforce, through observation and practical experience, the subject matter of the program.
Participants must be committed to the program and accept the demands of the schedule, as attendance at all six sessions of Leadership Nebraska is mandatory for graduation.
Eventually, a statewide network of Leadership Nebraska alumni targets areas of involvement and actively engages in finding solutions that will enhance Nebraska’s future growth and prosperity. We intend to have the alumni also conduct an ongoing series of meetings and programs to strengthen relationships developed and to maintain and enhance the knowledge gained during their Leadership experience.
A competitive application process determines participation in Leadership Nebraska with the number of applicants far exceeding the number of available class openings. A selection committee of members of the program board of directors reviews all Leadership Nebraska applications. They are particularly interested in the extent to which the applicant has been involved in his/her community and in the applicant's interest in continuing/expanding his/her involvement at home and on a broader scale.
Selection is competitive and applications are due at the end of October. Candidates learn the decision of the Selection Committee in December, are introduced to the state at the State Chamber Annual Meeting in early February. The sessions begin in February. Leadership Nebraska is an affiliate of The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Leadership Nebraska is a 501(c)3 organization, with oversight provided by a volunteer Leadership Nebraska Council. Leadership Nebraska strives to maintain a geographical, occupational, ethnicity and gender balance among participants. Our legal name is The State Chamber’s Leadership Nebraska.
Tuition for the 2008 Class will be $3,000 (this is less than half of what it would be without generous corporate, foundation, and individual support). Tuition is due upon notification of acceptance into the program, and must be paid in full at least one month prior to the Orientation Session to avoid cancellation. Meals and lodging are included, but participants are responsible for travel costs to the class site. (Partial financial assistance may be available or a fee payment plan may be arranged. If you require financial assistance, please include a letter explaining the reason(s) for your request and the financial amount or payment plan requested.)
Nomination Forms for the next class may be submitted beginning July 1 through October 31, 2007. Those interested in applying are not required to have a third party nomination; self-nominations are encouraged.
Click Nomination Form to nominate another person for Leadership Nebraska, or click Application Form to submit an application for you.
To further discuss your role in Leadership Nebraska, please contact us at dmihovk@nechamber.com or by calling Don Mihovk, Executive Director, at 402-474-4422.
