They bring together rising stars from major corporations, government and non-profit organizations.

They create the shared experience, common vision and trust essential in

building businesses and communities. And the participants not only relish the

rewards of leader-ship through service, they use the program as a networking

opportunity. Classmates return calls. Heavy-hitter alumni require no outside

introduction.

They are Southwest Florida’s six leadership programs, which

are coordinated by various chambers of commerce. Most leadership programs

prefer candidates nominated by alumni, but enrollment is open to the public.

However, applicants compete for spots, with classes averaging 30 participants,

and the programs provided come at a cost. Fees range from $275 to $3,500,

although partial scholarships are offered.

Florida hosts more than 50 com-munity leadership programs

that model the efforts of grassroots groups in the 1970s. In addition, a few of

the area’s top business executives participate in the statewide Leadership

Florida each year.

The programs build bonds among people who otherwise would be

unlikely to meet. Each class is diverse, with no more than two people from the

same industry or company and a mix of ages, genders and ethnic groups. That

diversity frees classmates from fear of censorship or one-upmanship by their

peers. It also “takes people out of their parochial environment,

philosophically, socially and geographically,” says Wendy Abberger, executive

director of Leadership Florida.

The area’s leadership programs belong to The Community

Leadership Association, founded in 1979 to strengthen communities by developing

a network of caring, informed and effective citizen leaders. Each program

boasts a practicum tailored to the complex fabric and current affairs of its

community. It also lays the groundwork for collaboration on regional issues.

“If you come with your eyes and ears open, we guarantee

you’ll learn something,” says Nancy Keefer, president of the Bonita Springs

Area Chamber of Commerce, which coordinates Leadership Bonita. “The point is

not to come up with on-the-spot solutions but to better understand community

decisions.”

Through lectures, workshops and field trips, participants

gain insight into areas including government affairs, transportation, social

issues, economic development, growth management, tourism, health care, the

environment, education and the media. A one- to three-day retreat typically

opens the class, and highlights include externships and leadership skills

training. Alumni include U.S. Rep. Porter Goss, Gerri Moll, president of Bank

of America for Lee and Collier counties; Dennis Gilkey, president of The Bonita

Bay Group; attorney John Spear and Meg Geltner, general manager of The

Salvation Army in Fort Myers.

“Before you can understand how to play a major role in the

community, you need to understand its history,” explains Steve Scott, program

director for Leadership Lee County. He adds that the programs are an incredible

source of new information, even for third-generation residents.

Graduates emerge with a common vision of how the community

works and who makes it work as well as a desire to make it better, says Jan

Kantor, owner of Success Systems, a consulting firm. As a result, some

graduates have changed careers. More than a few have run for political office.

Others have resolved to support a community cause. The Center for Florida’s

Children, Pueblo Bonito and Cape Coral’s Youth Center, ACT House, Cultural Park

Theatre and Special Olympics have all received assistance from the leadership

groups.

Kantor should know about the impact, having graduated from

three area leadership programs. “Leadership programs drive people’s involvement

in the community,” he says.

Area Leadership Programs

Leadership Bonita

Coordinator: Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce

Founded: 1999

Apply by: July 31

Session length: October retreat and 10 day-long classes from

October to April.

Fee: $1,100

Annual alumni dues (voluntary): $25

Contact: Karen Brown, 992-2943 or

karen@bonitaspringschamber.com.

Leadership Cape Coral

Coordinator: Cape Coral Chamber

of Commerce

Founded: 1993

Apply by: Aug. 15

Session length: September retreat and 12 half-days from

September to November.

Fee: $685

Annual alumni dues (voluntary): $35

Contact: Weezer Murphy, 549-6900 or

lweezer@capecoralchamber.com.

Leadership Collier

Coordinator: Naples Area Chamber

of Commerce

Founded: 1989

Apply by: June 1

Session length: September retreat and nine day-long classes

from September to April.

Fee: $1,200

Annual alumni dues (voluntary): $100

Contact: Cour Curatolo, 262-6376 or info@napleschamber.org.

Collier Leadership Institute

Coordinator: Naples Area Chamber

of Commerce

Founded: 2001

Session length: 11 day-long classes from March to May.

Fee: $2,500

Annual alumni dues (voluntary): None

Contact: Cour Curatolo, 262-6376 or info@napleschamber.org.

Fort Myers Emerging Leaders Program

Coordinator: Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce

Founded: 1998

Apply by: March 1

Session length: 11 day-long classes from April to June.style='mso-tab-count:1'>

Fee: $275

Annual alumni dues: None

Contact: Kate Negip, 332-2930 or fortmyers@fortmyers.org.

Leadership Lee County

Coordinator: The Chamber of Southwest Florida

Founded: 1986

Apply by: May 1

Session length: August retreat and 8 to16 half-days from

August to November.

Fee: $1,600

Annual alumni dues (voluntary): $125

Contact: Steve Scott, 278-1420 or shscott@mediaone.net.

Leadership Florida

Sponsor: Florida Chamber of Commerce

Founded: 1982

Apply by: April 5

Session length: Six two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half-day

sessions across Florida, from September to May.

Fee: $3,500 (travel costs not included). A separate local

government leadership program costs $975.

Annual alumni dues (voluntary): $195

Contact: Gayle Webb, (850) 521-1224 or gwebb@flchamber.com.