Leadership Fort Bend was organized in 1986 under the
sponsorship of the Rosenberg-Richmond Area Chamber of
Commerce. The concept for the program grew out of what
was perceived to be a real and ever growing need for
volunteer leadership in the Fort Bend County Area.
As a program of the Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Fort
Bend is designed to create an understanding of how the
community functions, and to increase leadership skills and
incentive. The program offers skills training, idea
experimentation and an attitude receptive to new approaches
and ideas in the study of regional issues. This
provides the community with a pool of talent for
participation on boards, employment, volunteerism and
project facilitation, while building relationships.
As an outcome, the graduates of Leadership Fort Bend are
encouraged to use these newly acquired skills to contribute
greatly to the area through their service in the Chamber of
Commerce, city and county government, and many other worthy
endeavors. The future efforts and involvement of the
graduates of the program will contribute significantly to
the quality of life for all citizens of this area.
Participants
Candidates are selected each year from a wide spectrum of
the area's population. They represent business, labor,
religion, government, minority groups, civic organizations,
nonprofit organizations and professional fields.
Participants are nominated by businesses, civic and
governmental organizations, social service agencies and
Chamber of Commerce members, or by self-nomination.
Nominees should be able to commit to the attendance
requirements as stated in program information below.
Those who participate in Leadership Fort Bend have a
solid opportunity for future leadership in the community,
and possess a commitment to working for progress and growth.
Program
Leadership Fort Bend is a nine-month program, September
to May, beginning with a two-day mandatory retreat followed
by six all-day sessions, a two-day trip to the State Capitol
and a two-day closing retreat. Participants missing
the opening or closing retreat or more than two of the
one-day sessions will not be eligible for class graduation.
The Leadership Fort Bend program includes training in
communications, character and personal career management
skills, as well as community issues. The sessions'
topics include education, infrastructure and economic
development, city and county government and history, the
judicial system, state government, health and social
services and volunteerism. The program is
facilitated by alumni.
After graduation participants are encouraged to remain
active in alumni affairs and Chamber activities that support
the ongoing success of the Chamber of Commerce and the
Leadership Fort Bend program.
Purpose
For the Participant:
• To become aware of community needs, problems and
opportunities
• To meet and exchange ideas with community leaders and
volunteers
• To develop leadership skills necessary to motivate others
• To have the opportunity for the examination, practice and
development of leadership responsibilities and techniques
For the Community:
• To provide a continuing source of active, responsible and
trained leaders to meet community needs
• To provide a forum for discussion of challenges facing the
Fort Bend community
• To promote a better understanding of community issues in
the broader community with which participants connect
An important factor in the selection of participants is
identifying those individuals most apt to utilize their
leadership for the long-term benefit of the community.
Basic criteria for the process are as follows:
1. A sincere commitment, motivation and interest to serve
the community
2. Demonstrated leadership through past activities
3. Intentions of seeking key leadership roles
4. Possessing the potential for advancement to leadership
positions within one's own organization
5. Having an occupational commitment to remain in Fort Bend
County for the immediate future
6. Representing a cross section of all sectors of the
community, including but not limited to age, gender,
ethnicity, profession, beliefs, etc.
A Program of the Rosenberg-Richmond Area Chamber of
Commerce
4120 Avenue H • Rosenberg, TX 77471
281.342.5464