Each Leadership Belleville class is composed of up to 25 professionals from diverse career, political, social and cultural backgrounds who demonstrate the highest leadership qualities.  These classmates create a valuable network of resources – paying dividends to both alums and their business sponsors.

The program begins with a kick-off breakfast in August where participants have the opportunity to meet Leadership Belleville alumni. In September, all participants attend a two-day overnight retreat to focus on team building, leadership and communications skills.  The retreat provides the participants with the opportunity to bond and develop significant relationships that will be useful in their professional, civic and personal endeavors.

The nine-month program dedicates one day each month to a specific issue or subject pertaining to the Belleville area, such as history, arts, religion, government, business and industry, education, healthcare, community and aging, economic development, law enforcement and justice.  Participants will be given the chance to meet and engage a large number of business, community and political leaders during each session.

In May, a graduation dinner is held in the evening for all participants, their spouses or guests, as well as program presenters and facilitators.  Participants must meet certain criteria to graduate and join the prestigious Leadership Belleville Alumni Association.

The tuition for the nine-month program is $975 for members of the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce and $1,200 for non-members.  To insure admittance to the next class, applications should be submitted as early as possible.

Application for the program may be made by the individual or the employer. All leadership candidates, chosen to participate in the program by the selection committee, will possess the following characteristics:

September 16 & 17, 2010 - Two-Day Overnight Retreat: Leadership and Team Building
Spend two days exploring effective personal leadership skills.  Acquire powerful tools to meet the day-to-day demands of a leader, which will be explored in each monthly session.  Planning begins for group studies addressing key issues in Belleville.  Leadership Skill Theme:  “Understand Individual Personality Differences, Team Dynamics, Leadership Overview”

October 15, 2010 - History/Culture/Art/Religion
Learn about the first 100 years of Belleville while touring the Labor & Industry Museum, the Emma Kunz house and historic downtown Belleville.  Also, learn more about the Belleville Philharmonic, one of the oldest philharmonic orchestra’s in the country and the #1 Art Fair in the nation…Art on the Square.  An overview of religious organizations in Belleville, including current issues and challenges facing our community will also be reviewed during a panel discussion with local clergy.  Leadership Skill Theme:  “Ethics & Diversity”

November 19, 2010 - Law Enforcement/Justice
Participants will be given an overview of the city and county law enforcement agencies serving the Belleville area.  The session will include a tour of the St. Clair County Jail as well as a K-9 demonstration.  Participants will also learn more about our judicial system and participate in a panel discussion with local attorneys.  Leadership Skill Theme:  “Conflict Resolution” 

December 17, 2010 - Government
Interact with state, county and city government officials to gain an in-depth understanding of the current issues facing our leaders and our community.  Also included is a tour of the St. Clair County building.  Leadership Skill Theme:  “Communication & Influence”

January 21, 2011 - Healthcare/Aging and Community Services
Participants will appreciate an opportunity for a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the area’s employers, a hospital. Current and future trends of healthcare and aging will be explored as they relate to leadership roles in our community.  Participants will learn what our community needs to do to prepare for the exploding aging population and what services are currently being offered.  Leadership Skill Theme:  “Social Responsibility & Community Involvement”

February 18, 2011 - Education
Participants will hear from a panel of educators regarding the educational system in Belleville and current key issues. The day also includes a tour of one of the elementary schools and high schools and hearing from local students.  Leadership Skill Theme:  “Empowerment”

March 18, 2011 - Business
This session will explore the current business mix in our area and inform participants of key local businesses and the issues they face. An understanding of past and present challenges and business trends in Belleville will be gained.  An insider’s tour of several prominent Belleville business facilities will be included.  Leadership Skill Theme:  “Organizational Behavior”

April 15, 2011 - Economic Development
Participants will gain an understanding of the key challenges and goals for the economic development of the community. The day includes a tour of Scott Air Force Base, which contributes greatly to our local economy.  Leadership Skill Theme:  “Strategic Planning”

May 6, 2011 - Project Presentations
Participants will present the findings of their group projects.  Leadership Skill Theme:  “Reflection”

May 6, 2011 - Graduation
A graduation dinner will be held in the evening for all participants, their spouses or guests, program presenters and facilitators.  Participants must meet certain criteria to graduate and join the prestigious Leadership Belleville Alumni Association.