Thirteen business leaders graduated Tuesday, August 2nd from the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program during its 27th annual graduation at the Henderson Country Club. Since the program began 27 years ago, over 300 people have graduated from the program, which is designed to enhance community leadership by offering participants knowledge and awareness of opportunities and issues facing Vance County. The program provides a series of educational and participatory experiences as well as opportunities for dialogue and relationship building. Topics covered include education, human services, local and state government, healthcare, public safety, business, history, team building, and leadership lessons. The purpose of the program is to identify, educate, challenge and honor a select group of Vance County citizens who have demonstrated an aptitude for leadership.

Henderson-Vance Chamber President John Barnes and Chamber Membership Director Annette Roberson were on hand to congratulate the leadership graduates. Barnes on behalf of the Chamber’s Board and staff welcomed and congratulated the participants on completing the program. Roberson commended the graduates for enriching their awareness of Henderson and Vance County’s community and business resources. She encouraged each of the participants to take the next step and get involved, taking an active leadership role, in the community and to stay in touch with each other.

From the first meeting to the Graduation Ceremony, students are informed, engaged and encouraged to make a difference in their own personal, individual way. We visit organizations and institutions during the five-months, challenging participants to listen, learn, teach, think and do with an expanded, broader vision of the paths to take to move our community forward and to better the quality of life for all its citizens.

“We are proud that our Leadership Vance Program provides opportunities for those in our business community to cultivate and enhance their leadership skills and abilities. Equally important, the program gives participants a unique perspective to the many aspects of our community and encourages service to the community beyond work obligations,” said Membership and Program Director, Annette Roberson.

For more information about Leadership Vance, please contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 252-438-8414.