Leadership Cape kicks off new class

Since the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce started sponsoring the Leadership Cape program in 1985, nearly 400 business people have graduated from the seven-month introduction to the workings of the community.

Insurance agents, teachers, health professionals, golf course employees, bankers, newspaper reporters and sundry small-business owners are among the alumni.

The program provides introduction to established community decision makers, major institutions and local and state politicians.

A new class kicked off Jan. 11 with a reception at Montgomery Bank.

The Leadership Cape program provides a solid understanding of city issues, according to John Mehner, Chamber of Commerce president. And the participants are asked to present plans for projects that could promote and enhance the community.

Last August, four teams of the class of 2005 made their project presentations at a chamber-sponsored First Friday Coffee. One team, "Cape Girardeau Barkin' Park," proposed a two-acre leashless dog park be built behind the Osage Center near the La Croix Trail. The team estimated it could be built for about $82,000.

Team "Discover Cape" proposed a half-hour TV program to inform viewers about the Cape Girardeau area and to be used a a promotional tool. The show, which would be called "Discover Cape," would be a 30-minute community-focused program in a news format. It's production would be undertaken by the Department of Communication at Southeast Missouri State University.

A third project, "Living It Up Downtown," centered on a promotional video and brochure to promote the downtown as a nice place to live.

The fourth project, "The Cape LaCroix Recreational Trail Development," calls for some enhancements to the walking and biking trail such as adding benches, more lighting and more restroom facilities.

Maria Childress, chairman of the Leadership Steering Committee and a program graduate, said the Leadership Cape program focuses on leadership, networking and knowledge.

"The Steering Committee works hard to ensure all those items are covered in all seven sessions," said Childress. "Each session participants hear from local leadership experts on a range of topics geared to further enhance their leadership skills." Childress said there is a networking aspect to both the small project groups and the full class, and participants make business contacts and friends.

"The knowledge the participants gain from the program is tremendous," she said. "They learn about city services, tour and visit places -- some they wouldn't ordinarily have access to -- and leave the program as impressive ambassadors for the city."

Cathi Schlosser, director of membership development at the chamber and a program graduate, said class size is limited to 30 people. In the past two years, she said, they have received more than 30 applications. If a person doesn't get in one class, they can try again the following year.

"The program begins with a New Class Reception the second week in January, and the following Saturday a 'leadership retreat' is held to acquaint classmates, explain team-building techniques and identify different personality styles," said Schlosser, adding the program runs until July with full-day sessions on the third Thursday of each month.

Schlosser said interested graduates are invited to serve as session leaders, session coordinators, project liaisons and project coordinators.

"With the help of the graduates, the program is enhanced each year, and they enjoy watching the new class develop," she said. "The chamber's Leadership Steering and Leadership Alumni committees work closely in this process."

Presentations will be held in May this year because last year's class indicated their research and planning had been completed by then. The presentations will again be held in conjunction with the chamber's First Friday Coffee networking event.

Childress said she hopes the class of 2006 learn, explore and develop.

"I hope they learn about Cape, explore what they can do to help our city, and develop into stronger leaders for our community."