Letter From the President

It’s about leadership development

How do you measure success at a place like the Chamber, a civic organization which is non-profit in nature, designed to assist its member investors grow and to help the city and region prosper?

We are finding many answers to that question as we reach the half-way mark of our strategic planning process, but there is one area which needs no survey to probe our performance - that of leadership development. It’s a major and positive “outcome” of your Chamber’s work.

Thirty five years ago the Chamber realized that the future of our region should not be left to drift, but that it should be a product of how community leaders manage choices in a world of changing circumstances.

Since 1975, your Chamber has trained and graduated class after class of distinguished men and women, now 1,600 strong, who have a strong sense of community, a desire to be involved, and the knowledge they constantly put to use to help their companies, the public and this great place we call home.

After visiting with Chamber leaders from across the United States over this past year, and doing some program comparison, I can tell you without equivocation that Leadership Dallas is one of the premier programs of its kind in the entire country.

Leadership Dallas allows doors to be opened for greater corporate, civic and community involvement and it helps to identify where relationships can be developed and alliances might be forged.

Let’s take some specific examples. When I toured a large hospital system last year one graduate said, “I am so glad to have been through the Leadership Dallas program. It has allowed me to introduce my new CEO to so many people in leadership positions in Dallas.”

Last week, Chamber chairman David Corrigan and I paid a courtesy call on newly elected Texas State Representative, Eric Johnson. Neither of us had met him so we did not realize he had been through the Leadership Dallas program Class of ’06. He described the experience as “life-changing, which set him on the road to public service” early in life. Wow!

State Representative Rafael Anchia also cites the Leadership Dallas program as important in helping him understand the community, “Leadership Dallas educated me about our community and inspired me to make a difference by seeking public office.”

Below are a few other comments from graduates.

“I am just loving the enthusiasm, spirit, and quality of the programs you are coming up with. I was in the LD Class of 82-83, then was the first female president of the Alumni Association and was lucky enough to be the first recipient of the Distinguished Leadership Dallas Graduate Award. Leadership Dallas played a huge part of my introduction into community service, and I have never stopped.” Suzanne McKee Charriere

“I am thrilled with the Legacy group, a Leadership Dallas Alumni program. It was so nice to be mentally challenged. I am guilty of getting buried with just my peers and focusing on current issues (Red Cross/Fundraising) so thinking about our community on a broader scale with smart community leaders was inspiring and motivating!” Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, CEO, American Red Cross--Dallas Area Chapter

“It's an absolutely amazing experience. I've enjoyed every minute of Leadership Dallas. Among other things, it's a fantastic way to truly learn about the city.” Kevin Hanrahan, President, Optimus Recruiting

Participants in the program develop valuable contacts and communication networks within the community. Most importantly, Leadership Dallas builds confidence and motivation to become actively involved in promoting positive change for Dallas and the surrounding area.

Leadership Dallas applications for the Class of 2011 are currently available until May 20th. This is a highly competitive program. The Dallas Regional Chamber remains committed to developing leadership for the region. It’s one of the great outcomes of the Chamber’s work and something from which all of our members derive great benefit.

For more information and applications, please visit www.dallaschamber.org/leadership.

Sincerely,

Amb. James C. Oberwetter
President
Dallas Regional Chamber