Leadership Dorchester
2016
“Leadership Dorchester was one of the greatest investments I’ve ever made. I learned a great deal about our
community’s leadership and history. I’ve become good friends with many of our classmates and watched them
become leaders in our chamber of commerce and civic organizations as a result of their involvement in Leadership
Dorchester. It’s an outstanding program and I’d recommend it to anyone interested in helping our community,
meeting new people and improving their leadership skills. ” Tony Pope Agent State Farm Insurance LD 2009
The Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Dorchester program
is accepting applications for the Class of 2016. The ideal candidates should have the desire to enhance and
refine their leadership abilities while participating in an 11 month intensive and comprehensive study of the
political, civic, economic, and social dynamics in action within Dorchester County. Upon completion of this
program, the participant will be well-positioned to educate their peers, coworkers, and potential residents
about Dorchester County. This 25 member class will also have unique opportunities to participate in team
building exercises, professional network development and training and leadership advancement. These
individuals begin the year as strangers and end the year having formed a life-long network of friends and
colleagues. Most importantly, these individuals leave LEADERSHIP DORCHESTER with a commitment to
assume their responsibility as “community leaders.” This program is ideal for business and industry
professionals who are emerging and/or existing leaders in the public, non-profit, governmental sectors, as well
as other professions.
The mission of Leadership Dorchester is to emphasize diversity and develop proactive, forwardthinking leaders that can identify and offer unique solutions to specific community issues. The primary
objective is to increase awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the region’s economy and community
networks while developing the future community and political leaders of Dorchester County. The 2016
curriculum is presented by local, county and regional community leaders.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
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Community and civic leadership development.
A broad perspective on critical issues and opportunities facing the region.
An introduction to influential community leaders shaping our region’s future.
The opportunity to establish relationships with other community leaders.
Opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community with involvement in the community service
project.
Access to a broad and diverse network of established community leaders which includes the
Leadership Dorchester program alumni.
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LEADERSHIP SCHEDULE
Leadership Dorchester 2016 begins with an orientation meeting in December to learn more about the
program. An overnight retreat in January marks the official kick-off, followed by monthly day-long sessions
and a graduation program in November. These sessions are held at a variety of locations throughout the
region, with each location chosen for its relevance to the topic of the day. Previous Leadership
Dorchester locations have included a port tour, historic sites in Upper Dorchester County, manufacturing
facilities, Summerville Medical Center and other interesting venues. The Town of Summerville and Dorchester
County will also participate in hosting components of Leadership Dorchester 2016. In addition to the
sessions, meetings may be held for the class project at the end of sessions or at times determined by the class
at large.
CURRICULUM AND PRESENTERS
The program offers a balanced combination of a retreat, in-depth issue seminars, leadership development and
experiential learning with a community action project covering the first nine months. Each month focuses on
a different topic selected for its direct impact to the quality of life and economic prosperity in Dorchester
County. In all, over fifty presentations and programs are planned with a wide array of presenters that include
a variety of backgrounds, occupations, and professions. They are selected on the basis of their performance
in their chosen field, commitment to the community, and their excellent communication skills and experience.
Leadership Dorchester Alumni are also an integral part of the program.
LIMITED ENROLLMENT
In order to maintain the highest standards of learning, Leadership Dorchester 2016 has limited
enrollment. Applicants are asked to submit an application, resume, recommendation form and references by
the application due date. All applicants are reviewed by a selection committee and final participants are
selected from all applications submitted. To ensure a successful program, total participation of each individual
is necessary. Applications will be accepted until October 15, 2015.
For further information on Leadership Dorchester 2016 contact Rita Berry, 843.873.2931
or email rberry@greatersummerville.org.
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Leadership Dorchester 2016
Participation Requirements
Candidates for Leadership Dorchester 2016 must be dedicated to the future
of Dorchester County along with its cities and town and committed to full participation
in the program.
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Each participant is required to attend the Opening Retreat, closing session (Graduation), and
nine other sessions in order to graduate. (Please review the session schedule.)
** Note: Opening Retreat and Graduation Sessions are mandatory to graduate.
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Each participant must be committed to attendance, punctuality, and participation in all
activities – including a class project, which often meets after sessions or at other times as
determined by the class at large.
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Each participant must realize that their full participation will make a difference in the lives of
the 125,000+ persons that live in Dorchester County and nearby communities.
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Participants are expected to be active in community, civic, religious or social activities outside
of the eleven sessions of Leadership Dorchester.
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The participant must receive the full support of their employer.
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Participants must be willing to assist future Leadership Dorchester programs as time
permits.
Candidate Signature _________________________________ Date _______________________
Note: Should a participant miss a session for unforeseen circumstances, they may write a petition to
the Leadership Dorchester Advisory Committee for consideration and must complete an alternate
assignment. However, no portion of the tuition shall be refunded. The sessions begin January 2016,
are normally held monthly on the second Thursday, and end November 2016. Sessions typically begin
at 8:00 am and conclude at 5:00 pm. There will be off-site work in small groups as scheduled by the
group, associated with the class project.
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Leadership Dorchester
2016 Application
(Please Print)
Full Name __________________________________________________________________
Preferred Name ______________________________________________________________
Employer ___________________________________________________________________
Job Title ____________________________________________________________________
Business Address ____________________________________________________________
Business Telephone ___________________________ Cell _________________________
Email ____________________________* Please circle preferred mode of contact.
In order to complete Leadership Dorchester, you are expected to attend all sessions (typically
held on the 2nd Thursday of each month), the opening retreat in January, closing graduation in
November, and to complete a class/team community service project. The Opening Retreat and
Closing Graduation are mandatory as is attendance at nine sessions in order to graduate. See the
Sample Session Schedule attached.
Attendee cost:
____Chamber Member $1,200
____ Non Chamber Member $1,500 (which includes a one year
Chamber membership)
Program fee paid by:
____ Sponsored by employer
____ Other sponsor
____ Self sponsored (applicant pays program fee)
*If selected fee must be paid by November 30, 2015
Name of Alumnus who will be submitting a recommendation for this applicant: _________________
Applicant’s signature is required below:
I understand and accept the goals and commitments of Leadership Dorchester, and if
selected, I will devote the time and resources required for successful completion.
Signature ____________________________________________ Date _________________
(Application – Form A)
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Application Part B
Applicant’s Name ___________________________________ Date ___________
Please type or print your answers to questions #1 through #4 on a separate page and
submit along with Form A of the application.
Application deadline (with $35.00 non-refundable application fee) October 15, 2015
Please submit no more than 2 pages in response to the questions below:
(1) Describe your current volunteer leadership roles in community, civic, religious,
cultural, or professional organizations.
Organization
Responsibility / position held
From
To
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____________________ ____________________________ _____
____
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(2) Why are you interested in participating in Leadership Dorchester?
(3) What are your personal expectations of Leadership Dorchester?
(4) What do you feel are three (3) significant challenges facing Dorchester County?
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Personal Information Part C
(Confidential)
Full Name ___________________________________
Birthday ___________________
Sex:
Date ____________
Age _____
Male __ Female __
Ethnic Group (optional):
Caucasian __
African American __
Hispanic __
Native American __
Other___________________________
Years in Dorchester County:
Home address
Resident - # of years___ Work - # of years ___
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Home Telephone _______________________________________
Home E-mail
________________________________________
Dietary restrictions_______________________________________
Special Interests, hobbies and or talents ______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Any allergies and/or health issues that would affect your participation or you feel
Leadership Dorchester staff should be made aware:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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To Be Completed by Sponsor – Part D
This candidate for Leadership Dorchester has my full support to participate.
I have read and agree to all participation requirements._____(initial)
(Must be signed by the sponsor unless the applicant is self-employed or is the CEO.)
Name of Sponsor
__________________________________________________
Title
__________________________________________________
Business
__________________________________________________
Address
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Telephone
____________________ Fax _________________________
Email
__________________________________________________
______
I understand that the tuition for Leadership Dorchester is payable
to the Greater Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce.
______
Our business will provide financial assistance in the amount of $_______
toward the candidate’s tuition.
I am aware of the time and financial commitment involved in this leadership development
program that each participant must be committed to attendance, punctuality, and
participation in all activities – including a class project, which often meets after sessions
or at other times as determined by the class at large.
Sponsor’s Signature ______________________________________ Date _____________
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Leadership Dorchester
2016 Sample Session Schedule and Locations
The LEADERSHIP DORCHESTER program is held on the second Thursday of each month through November 2016
at various locations. LEADERSHIP DORCHESTER is a leadership training program of the Greater
Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce. All day long sessions typically begin at 8:00am and last thru 5:00pm,
including lunch.
(Locations, time and topics subject to change)
Retreat
Tuesday and Wednesday, January 12 & 13, 2016
Orientation, Team Building and Special Project Kick-off
St Christopher’s Retreat
Community Service Day
Thursday, February 11, 2016
TBA
Government Day
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Columbia Statehouse & SC Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Arts, History, and Tourism Day
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Multiple locations in downtown Summerville and Town of Summerville
Our Natural Environment Day
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Norfolk Southern's Brosnan Forest - Dorchester
Health and Wellness Day
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Summerville Medical Center
Education and Workforce Development Day
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Trident Technical College
Industry and Economic Development Day
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Dorchester County Industrial Facility
Public Safety Day
Thursday, September 8, 2016
TBA
Upper Dorchester Day
Thursday, October 13, 2016
St George, SC
Graduation
Thursday, November 10, 2016
“The Leadership Dorchester program is an excellent learning opportunity. I looked forward to every class each month as it took me away
from my regular activities and allowed me to learn more about our community, local businesses, government and personal development. I
was able to surround myself with very positive and interesting people and I truly felt invigorated after every meeting.”
Scott Poaps Holcim (US) Inc
LD 2010
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LEADERSHIP DORCHESTER 2016 RECOMMENDATION FORM
To be completed by Leadership Dorchester alumnus
If you do not already know a LD Alumnus, we can provide some possible contacts for you.
Instructions:
Please use this form or use the information on this form as a guideline for preparation of a separate
letter of recommendation. The recommendation must be received by the applications deadline of
October 15, 2015.
As you answer the questions below, use additional paper if needed, but please be as concise as
possible.
Date: __________________________
Name of Leadership Dorchester Alumnus: _________________________________________
Name of Applicant: ____________________________________________________________
Length of Acquaintance: ________________________________________________________
Check all appropriate relationships you have with the applicant – Indicate number of years as
appropriate:
____ Business contact
____ Co-worker
____ Close personal relationship
____ Community involvement
____ Referred through Leadership Dorchester application process
Have you discussed the Leadership Dorchester Program with the applicant and answered
any pertinent questions: _____Y ______N
Do you recommend this applicant to be a participant in the 2016 Leadership Dorchester
Class? _____Y _____N
Other pertinent information:
Signature: ____________________________________________________________________
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