Leadership Grand Rapids evolves into Center for Community Leadership

By: Deborah Johnson Wood

Prompted by the success of new programs like Download GR and Leadership Advantage, the organization formerly known as Leadership Grand Rapids recently took on a new moniker: Center for Community Leadership.

The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce created the CCL to encompass its leadership development programs for new, emerging, and seasoned leaders of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and income levels.

"Our goal is to help professionals define who they are in the community," says Kevin Stotts, CCL executive director.

Offerings include opportunities for professionals new to the area as well as lifelong residents:

• Download GR – This one-day community orientation introduces 20-something professionals new to the area, or new to their careers, to the area's economic and volunteer opportunities, as well as local hot spots for dining, entertainment and living.
• Inside Grand Rapids – For established professionals who want to learn about the region and connect with other professionals. Topics include downtown's revitalization, urban green space development, emerging life sciences sectors, and other key issues shaping the community.
• Leadership Grand Rapids – For current and emerging leaders who want to have a significant impact on Grand Rapids' future wellbeing in the areas of education, arts, economic development, government and public policy, land use and the environment, the role of nonprofits, and the criminal justice system.
• Leadership Advantage – An eight-part series with guest speakers and a thought provoking format that help participants map out their leadership strengths and growth opportunities.

Program graduate Andrew Brower recommends the program for people who want to dig deeper into community issues. "The reward is diversity in thought and process, and ultimately, the connections that change systems to better serve our whole community."

Source: Kevin Stotts, Center for Community Leadership

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].