The Vision of Leadership Cashiers

Written By: Serenity Richards, Librarian, Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library | Issue: March 2024

Leadership Cashiers 2023

Now in its sixth year, with over 100 graduates, the Leadership Cashiers Program continues to Inform, Connect, and Engage individuals seeking greater community involvement. As the program sponsor, the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce invites individuals to apply for the 2024 class at leadershipcashiers.org/apply.

Monthly sessions are typically held on one Tuesday a month, May through December, with a two-day opening retreat. Tuition is $600 (a $100 discount is applied for Chamber members) and scholarships are available. As one recent program graduate said, “Leadership Cashiers has allowed me to grow individually as a representative of Cashiers to positively impact area communities. The connections I have made will last and shape my life for years to come.”

In the class, personal leadership skills are developed through academic and teambuilding exercises led by Angela Owen of Truventure Enterprises who serves as Program Director. She is also executive director and course instructor of Vision Transylvania, a similar program in Brevard.

Leadership Cashiers is associated with the national Association of Leadership Programs, which can provide members with further access to development and educational opportunities.

In 2017 a task force of the Cashiers Area Chamber and Vision Cashiers developed Leadership Cashiers. The curriculum is based on a model used by many cities/areas across the country. By taking an intensive look into the issues affecting the area, they prepare and motivate participants to offer quality community leadership.

The Vision of Leadership Cashiers is to build a cadre of area leaders with the necessary tools and connectivity for making a meaningful positive impact on our community, as well as insight on our future challenges – fulfilling its mission to inform, connect, and engage individuals by studying civic issues, building strong working relationships, and motivating participants to provide enlightened, dynamic community leadership.

The program is designed for leaders who want to impact the Cashiers community significantly and positively. The program is open to Cashiers Area residents and stakeholders (both permanent and seasonal) with a class size of 25 to 30 participants representing a wide range of diversity. Participant criteria include a strong Cashiers orientation, community stakeholder, demonstrated elements of leadership, and community civic involvement and commitment in the Cashiers area.

The Leadership Cashiers Alumni Network was founded by the inaugural class to support the long-term sustainability of the Leadership Cashiers program. All current and future program graduates are invited and encouraged to actively participate with the LC Alumni Network through various opportunities including task force and leadership roles, networking opportunities, program engagement as guest speakers, sponsors, and more. Annual graduate investments of $75 help support the Network’s goals.

The Leadership Cashiers Program is also supported by numerous generous sponsors in the business, non-profit, and educational sectors. To join these organizations in supporting this important program for our community, visit leadershipcashiers.org/sponsor/131-sponsorship-details.