An opportunity exists in the RiverBend for up-and-coming leaders to join in an effort to identify key issues, share common goals and objectives and determine the most effective way to work as a group in providing leadership for the region. Leadership RiverBend will accept a select group of individuals to participate in the program. Through a stringent selection process, the program will work to:
• Identify and develop community leaders
• Develop leadership and team building skills and improve public speaking
• Acquaint participants with community history, issues and needs
• Foster a commitment to continued, personal and professional growth
• Develop relationships among leaders and peers in an effort to form a network of professionals sharing common goals
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Ken Spells
SELECTION CRITERIA
No more than fifteen individuals from the RiverBend area will be selected each year to participate in the Leadership RiverBend program. Participants will be selected based on the diversity of their professional, social, political and cultural backgrounds and must be willing to fully participate in the program.
Applications for Leadership RiverBend may be submitted by either the applicant or their employer. In addition, all applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Live or work in the RiverBend area for at least one year or submit a statement of relevance indicating their connection to the RiverBend
• Have shown decision-making responsibility within their business
• Be able and willing to commit to attendance at all nine course sessions and participate in assigned activities
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Trish Holmes
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Leadership RiverBend is a cooperative effort to share ideas and foster relationships among area individuals possessing leadership qualities and responsibilities within their business. Attendance and participation in each session and assigned activities is essential to the success of the program. One individual’s failure to attend diminishes the experiences for the remaining members of the program. In order to maintain the high standard recognized within the Leadership RiverBend certification, all leadership candidates are required to commit the time and effort necessary to fulfill the following course requirements:
• Sessions concluding with a completion ceremony
• Assignments to be completed outside of the scheduled course sessions on occasion
SCHEDULE
Dates are subject to change
SESSION 1: ORIENTATION
Participants will learn about the program, the expectations and the other participants. Team building activities and lecture will provide orientation to leadership concepts including mentoring programs and the importance of participating on charitable boards of directors. An exploration of what contributes to the quality of life in the area and discussions of the RiverBend’s richness in diversity will be included.
SESSION 2: The RiverBend
A historical perspective of the communities that make up the RiverBend, the Healthcare and Tourism industries will be reviewed.
SESSION 3: Transportation
The RiverBend is a prime location for businesses as it provides multi-modal transportation. Participants will hear speakers from the transportation industry and may include St. Louis Regional Airport, Illinois Department of Transportation, Amtrak, the river industry and representatives from the Illinois General Assembly’s Transportation Committee.
SESSION 4: Working with the Media & Retailing in the RiverBend
The session will include presentations by local leaders in the media and an exploration of how to work effectively with the media to achieve organizational objectives. Local retailers will also be highlighted. The group will discuss social medias and their proper use such as Facebook, Linked In and Twitter.
SESSION 5: Industry and Economic Development in the RiverBend
Participants will tour the Phillips 66 refinery and get an update on their operations. Labor leaders will present on the management/labor relationships. Local officials will present information on their efforts to attract new business to our region.
SESSION 6: Education – Public and Private
This session will include an introduction to public and private education in the RiverBend, preschool through college. A discussion of issues and an introduction to key leaders in the field will take place.
SESSION 7: The Judicial System and Lobbying your Legislative Leaders
The session will include a trip to the County Board office and presentations from leaders that work in and with the judicial system. Additionally, speakers will review the importance of lobbying your legislative leaders and the proper way to do that.
SESSION 8: A Visit to the State Capitol
April 2021 – TBD
The session will take place in Springfield at our State’s Capitol. We will speak with our local legislators and hear from legislative leaders. Other invited speakers will include lobbyists and the Illinois Chamber.
SESSION 9: Graduation & Review
The final session will include a review of previous sessions and recognition of the achievement of participants in a celebration ceremony.
