Farmersville Times

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Recent graduates began their class with an overnight retreat at Lake Fork Lodge.

In 2003, the McKinney Chamber Board of Directors identified building relationships with the Northern Collin County cities as a long term strategic goal. After meeting with the leadership from the various communities north of Highway 380 within Collin County, there was concensus that there was a need to pull together representatives from these communities to address issues such as transportation, water, and infrastructure; to learn from expert advisors; and to nourish relationships which would be beneficial when addressing regional and state issues.

The Northern Collin County Leadership Program was created.

The NCCLP, managed by the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, has been helping to nurture those relationships amongst McKinney’s neighbors to the north for the past six years. Entering the 7th year of the program and 110 graduates later, NCCLP alumni continue to impact their communities by running for and achieving elective office, pursuing leadership positions on various boards and commissions, and using their knowledge to better their communities and business organizations. They will be making their mark for years to come.

Take a drive to the Collin County Adventure Camp. The NCCL Class of 2010 worked long hours helping to improve the camp environment for all of the children of Collin County and will return to assist with projects on a regular basis. Laying sod, building benches, designing a fire pit area – all for the future of Collin County.

Community leadership prorams throughout the country have successfully developed leaders for over 20 years. In McKinney and Northern Collin County the programs uniquely benefit from having the talents of nationally recognized futurist Carolyn Corbin as our leadership skills facilitator, introducing 21st Century thinking and process. Our community leadership programs participants are receiving outstanding value for their investment and time.

“Two of the most important elements of the NCCL program are the exposure to all the various components of what makes Collin County a great region to live in and the opportunity to engage in great conversation with remarkable people like world renowned futurist Carolyn Corbin,” says Mike Land, Prosper Town Manager, program alum and NCCLP Executive Committee Chair. “This program gives each participant insight into Collin County’s world class services, venues and volunteer opportunities. The opportunity to dialogue with Mrs. Corbin on the values of leadership and the importance of community – that in and of itself makes this program a must for everyone interested in our county’s future.”

Living in one of the fastest growing regions in America, we, as citizens, are constantly reflecting on how we live and work together. As Gary D. McCaleb wrote in his book The Gift of Community, “We have the responsibility of dealing with this imperfect thing called ‘community’ and the bonds that hold us together. Our challenge is to continue to hold that community together and make it stronger.”

“So join the adventure today, as a participant or as a sponsor,” the organization urges. “Program costs are not covered by tuition alone – it takes everyone! Step up and assume greater responsibility for the future of your community and region.”

For more information contact Deb Fitzgerald at 972.542.0163 or dfitzgerald@mckinneychamber.com or visit www.mckinneychamber.com.

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