A program designed to cultivate, develop and nurture the leadership resources in Lycoming County and surrounding areas has been established by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, Peter Loedding, Chamber President, announced today. A special task group working with the Chamber’s Board of Directors recommended development of the program after considerable research of the concept begun in early 1986. The program follows a model for leadership development used successfully in over 200 programs across the country. Eleven leadership programs operate in the state of Pennsylvania including the Philadelphia program which remains the oldest successful effort in the country dating back to its establishment in 1959.

Named “Leadership Lycoming,” the program has been organized under the directions of a steering committee chaired by E. Van Anderson. A previous chairman of the Chamber, Anderson is Vice-President of Stauffer Communications, owner of Grit Publishing Company. Anderson says “the program’s objective is to identify, assemble, and motivate the community’s most promising young leaders to learn more about the challenges facing their community and to make their own investment to improve the overall quality of life for all.”

Anderson explained further that Leadership Lycoming offers a ten-month learning experience to applicants chosen by a selection committee, beginning with a two-day orientation retreat scheduled for September 1987. Participants will attend eight day-long seminars once a month focusing on critical issues such as economic development, education, the environment, government, boardmanship, the media, human services, and quality of life. Community leaders from each of the fields studied will serve as course presenters.

Leadership Lycoming will be offered annually with approximately twenty-five participants selected for each class. Nominations of applicants are encouraged from all sectors of the community. Participants will be chosen on the basis of written applications by a selection committee using clearly defined standards. Tuition for the entire program will be $600. “Achieving a balance in this group is important for the development of a clear understanding of the total community which must be served,” Anderson said.

Leadership Lycoming will operate under the sponsorship of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. A board of trustees responsible for guiding the program has been established and is currently undertaking the role of the original steering committee. In addition, the Chamber has named local business consultant, Robert J. Makos, Executive Director. Makos has been actively involved in the initial phases of the project. As Executive Director he will now work directly with the Leadership Lycoming board to develop and administer all aspects of the program.

The Chamber invites organizations from all segments of the community to participate in what is viewed as a true commitment to improving the present and future vitality of Lycoming County and Northcentral Pennsylvania. Details and more information on Leadership Lycoming are available by contacting Robert J. Makos at the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce office at 454 Pine Street, Williamsport.