LEADERSHIP CAPE FOCUS TO EXPAND IN 1999; OPENINGS STILL REMAIN

Leadership Cape, a program developed by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce to groom tomorrow's leaders, is expanding its scope.

The program will expand from seven weeks to seven months in 1999.

The expanded schedule should provide more opportunities for more interaction and camaraderie among participants, said Cape Girardeau Police Chief Rick Hetzel. He and Greg Deimund, a financial consultant at Merrill Lynch, are coordinating the 1999 program. The seven-month format is similar to many other leadership programs operating throughout the state, said Hetzel.

Who should attend Leadership Cape?

"Anyone new to the community, anyone in a leadership role, really anyone who wants to learn how to become more active on school boards or committees that serve the community," said Deimund.

Deimund said the expanded format allows participants not only more social interaction among class members but with community leaders heading up the sessions.

Hetzel said the program attracts participants from all walks of life.

A few openings remain in the 1999 program, and interested individuals should fill out an application as soon as possible, said Linda Minner with the chamber.

The program will kick off with a new team building and leadership session Saturday, Jan. 16. Then participants will meet one day each month -- the third Thursday -- beginning Jan. 21.

Also new to the Leadership Cape program is an alumni association, which will use the talents of program graduates. The alumni can gather for quarterly seminars on a number of contemporary issues. The first alumni gathering last October featured a talk on government issues by Lt. Governor Roger Wilson.

"The alumni are going to be real catalysts to expand and improve the program," Deimund said.

Leadership Cape participants receive a broad overview of Cape Girardeau -- from government to the media. Experts in each area share candid insights with class members.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for leaders to learn more about Cape Girardeau," said Hetzel. "It's also an important networking opportunity and a chance to see what our leaders are working on."

Many of the participants are new to the community, but that's not a prerequisite.

"This program is not just for newcomers," said John Mehner, president of the chamber, who went through the program in 1985.

"I grew up here, but I learned a ton of things about the city and region. It's also a great chance to interface with the major players in the community, especially because those players change. Today's leaders are much different than 1990 or 1991," he said.

Mehner also feels the new alumni organization will provide a wonderful resource for area organizations and groups to draw upon.

The class of 1999 will also be the first to complete a community service project. Alumni of the program will be involved as group leaders with the project. Leadership and service go hand in hand, said Deimund.

Typically, the classes are limited to 25 people, and then a waiting list is established. Cost of the program is $275, which includes all materials. For more information on Leadership Cape, individuals can contact Minner at the chamber, (573) 335-3312.