Founded in 1977, ​​the Greater Shreveport Leadership Program, is an engaging, in-depth program of the Greater Shreveport Chamber that develops community-minded business and civic leaders of tomorrow. This year-long interactive program provides a behind-the-scenes view of the issues that impact the region’s economy.

OVERVIEW

For more than 40 years, the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce has been identifying and preparing future leaders through its Greater Shreveport Leadership Program

VISION

An inclusive region with a strong economy stimulated by progressive leadership

MISSION

Foster a commitment to a life of community service through leadership

GOALS

• • Identify, motivate and develop community leaders
  • Expand the leadership abilities of participants through educational programs, exposure to existing leadership and civic organizations, and in-depth discussions of relevant issues
  • Improve communication among leaders
  • Provide a channel for participants to gain access to leadership opportunities and become involved in the development of solutions for community challenges

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

The Greater Shreveport Leadership Program is available to a limited number of participants each year, with day-long sessions and culminates in the completion of a community betterment project. The program commences in February and ends with a graduation ceremony in November. The program begins with an orientation reception and includes a mandatory two-day retreat in February.

CLASS PROJECTS

Each class works collectively to select and complete a community service project to benefit a nonprofit organization project or cause. Past projects include:

• • “Bags ‘N Brews” cornhole tournament proceeds donated to Shreveport Common
  • “Gateway to the Red” beautification project planted trees along the Riverfront
  • “BBQ Cookout by Operation BBQ Relief” raised funds for Caddo Sheriff Safety Town
  • “Cookout for SRAC” sold burger lunches to benefit the Shreveport Regional Arts Council Food Truck Station
  • “Christmas Donation Project” raised funds to purchase and donate Christmas Presents for foster children at Volunteers for Youth Justice

PROGRAM TUITION

Greater Shreveport Leadership Program tuition is $1,800 for member organizations and $2,300 for non-members which covers all program costs, meeting rooms, transportation during sessions and meals. A non-refundable one-time application fee of $50 will also be assessed. Each year, one scholarship will be awarded to a representative from the community at large.
*TUITION DEADLINE February 2, 2024*

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Greater Shreveport Leadership Program consists of nine sessions, scheduled in advance, beginning in February. Attendance at all sessions is expected. Participation at the opening retreat is mandatory with no more than two absences in the remaining sessions. The mandatory two-day session in Baton Rouge is scheduled to coincide with the Louisiana Legislative Session. Participants not adhering to the attendance requirements will be automatically dropped from the program with no portion of the tuition refunded.

​Involvement in the Greater Shreveport Leadership Program does not end upon completion of the program. As part of an alumni organization, graduates of the Greater Shreveport Leadership Program are invited to join the Leadership Council supported by LSU-Shreveport College of Business. Leadership graduates are expected to assume active roles in the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and contribute to future Greater Shreveport Leadership Programs.

Throughout the Leadership Program participants will be introduced to a variety of opportunities for involvement, leading to leadership roles within the Chamber’s scope of work. Each participant enters into a 3-year commitment to serve as a Chamber volunteer with participation in the Leadership Program counting as the first year of service.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

Applications will be reviewed by the Leadership Advisory Council and applicants will be selected to participate in the program. The Leadership Advisory Council consists of:

• • Greater Shreveport Leadership Program Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Past Chairman
  • Greater Shreveport Leadership Program Senior Coordinator and Junior Coordinator
  • Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee’s Vice Chairman of Membership& Marketing
  • Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Vice-President of Member Services

​SELECTION NOTIFICATION

Participants selected to participate in the program will be notified in writing by January 30.

RECOGNITION

Throughout the program, participants will be listed in news releases and articles, which may appear in electronic and printed brochures and reports highlighting the Greater Shreveport Leadership Program.