Chamber learns of leadership program
BROWNSVILLE – The Fayette Chamber of Commerce is hoping that the success of Leadership Pittsburgh and Leadership Lancaster can be duplicated in Fayette County. Muriel Nuttall of the Fayette Chamber told the Greater Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday that the Lancaster program is so highly regarded, applicants for management jobs in the Lancaster area don’t have much of a chance if their resumes do not include the training program.
The Fayette Chamber conducted a nine-week pilot program two years ago, which Nuttall said was highly successful.
“Out of that, we decided to start a continuous training seminar, Leadership Fayette. It is now a nine-month seminar, meeting a half-day a month, so we need an employer commitment on this,” Nuttall said.
Nuttall said the seminar is ideal for middle-management staff, non-profit board members and community leaders. The program is designed to help businesses by developing employees with improved organizational, leadership and problem-solving skills, giving employees insights into the interrelationship between the community and business and enhancing employee morale.
For participants, it is meant to develop leadership skills, create influential contacts and enhance the skills needed for effective board participation and community building. Participants will be challenged to take a more active volunteer role to address community needs.
Nuttall said local businesses and organizations can be involved firstly by helping to get information out about the program, secondly by providing sponsorship for the program and thirdly by having members apply to participate.
Participants must pay a $500 fee for the nine-month program. Sponsors may set up a full or partial scholarship or make a smaller donation. The company sending a participant will generally pay the fees for the program, or participants may pay their own way. Some scholarships already have been established, Nuttall said. Scholarships will be based on need.
In other matters, the Brownsville chamber reviewed upcoming community events, including concerts scheduled for the Brownsville Wharf and Riverside Park on Saturdays through Sept. 14, and an art display planned for the Frank L. Melega Art Museum in September dedicated to the life of the coal miner. “In light of the coal miners being saved, we want to feature that theme,” said Lou Orslene, the executive director of the Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation.
Chamber Director William Johnson reported that the Brownsville Rotary Club will host an exchange student from Switzerland this year. The student will arrive shortly and attend Brownsville Area High School.
Chamber members and area residents also were encouraged to attend the community meeting being held by Brownsville General Hospital on Monday, Aug. 26, at 1 p.m. to discuss the future of the hospital.