MISSION:
The West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance is launching Leadership West Kentucky as a regional program seeking to build a network of informed citizens connected across community lines. Curriculum includes leadership development, education on issues facing the region, relationship-building, and awareness of uniqueness of each county. It is to instill pride in the region and focus on encouraging participants to be active in their region/community in Western Kentucky and help make positive change and “be a changemaker in their community.”

SERVICE AREA:

Leadership West Kentucky will serve the counties represented by the West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance including Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, Todd and Trigg.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must either work or live in one of the counties identified above. If the county they reside in has a local Leadership program, it is highly recommended they participate in their local program before applying for LWK. We are looking for participants who are active in their local community and willing to commit the time to actively participate in LWK. Attention will be given to reflect the diversity of the region’s local communities.

Participants will be chosen by a Selection Committee appointed by the WKRCA Board and based upon the information completed on the application. The Committee will be seeking a diverse class, professionally, geographically, ethnically and gender-wise. The goal is to have representation from all 15 counties.

SELECTION PROCESS/DATES:

Applications must be completed and returned with additional required materials by no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2022. Notifications will be made no later than January 4, 2023. Applicants should review the dates of the class to ensure there are no major conflicts and tentatively hold those dates. 

STRUCTURE:

The program will begin with a mandatory orientation to kick off the program in January 2023 and meet five months total with the class graduating in May 2023. Class members will travel each month to the featured area with a focus on that community as well as regional topics such as transportation, education, economic development, quality of life, advocacy, agriculture, and tourism. These topics will be covered by knowledgeable speakers and panels, tours, interactive exercises, and class discussions.

Sessions will last an average of eight hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Sessions will be located throughout the region. Times and locations will be sent prior to sessions. Any participant missing more than two regular full day sessions, in half-day increments, will not graduate from the program

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Day Sessions – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

January 18 and 19, 2023 – Orientation Retreat in Paducah at TBD – contact:  Sandra Wilson

February 16, 2023 – Caldwell/Crittenden/Lyon Co. – contact: Phil Domke  

March 16, 2023 –   Murray/Calloway Co. – contact:  Michelle Bundren  

April 20, 2023 –   Fulton/Hickman Co. – contact:  Steven Elder and Mark Welch  

May 25, 2023 – Reflection/Graduation Day – Hopkinsville – contact: Taylor Hayes 

COST:

Tuition for LWK is $750. Participant is responsible for any overnight lodging required including the orientation, and their own transportation to the county for each month’s session. A limited number of partial scholarships may be available. If financial assistance is requested, applicants will need to attach a letter officially requesting a scholarship and stating the reasons. The scholarship request must accompany the completed application to be considered. Requests for scholarship assistance are completely confidential. (Note: no full scholarships will be awarded.)

BENEFITS:

• Broaden perspectives and understanding of the region.
• Meet local, regional, and state leaders.
• Gain exposure to both current county and regional issues and developments.
• Build pride in the role you will play in the future of your community.
• Develop and expand network of contacts.
• Visit county sites and facilities.
• Build friendships and working relationships with class members from other areas.

For more information, contact info@paducahchamber.org or 270-443-1746 Ext 817.