Thirty leaders from around the state will be given the exclusive opportunity this year to earn college credit at Western Michigan University for their participation in Leadership Michigan, a program of the Michigan Chamber Foundation. Leadership Michigan Class of 2001 members can apply their experience from this dynamic statewide leadership program toward undergraduate or graduate degrees in WMU's Schools of Communications and Public Administration or as continuing education credits.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000320/DEM039 )

"Western Michigan University is happy to collaborate with Leadership Michigan and extend this offer to its outstanding leaders participating in the program," said Tony DeRose, WMU Kendall Center Director. "Leadership Michigan provides a unique opportunity to learn about Michigan's challenges and how communities around the state are addressing them. It also equips participants with the leadership skills needed to tackle these issues in their own communities and organizations."

Leadership Michigan is only the second statewide community leadership program in the nation to offer college credit to its class members.

"We are pleased to continue to add value to the Leadership Michigan program, making it an outstanding investment for the professional and personal development of class members and for the development of leaders in the state," said Leadership Michigan Executive Director Susan Combs.

Leadership Michigan is designed for current and future leaders to encounter first-hand the critical issues facing Michigan. Started in 1988, Leadership Michigan has had over 350 participants from corporate, non-profit, and government organizations. The program features eight sessions covering different topics at select locations around the state. Each session includes leadership development, networking, experiential learning, and discussion components that bring each topic alive.

The program works to accomplish several goals:

* To inform leaders about the challenges and opportunities facing the state and to encourage solutions and collaboration

* To inspire leaders to become active in organization, community, or statewide efforts that make Michigan a better place to work and live

* To challenge leaders to increase their awareness about themselves and their state and to maximize their leadership potential

* To provide an opportunity to network with a variety of individuals to strengthen personal and organizational clout.

WMU has been ranked among the top 100 public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000320/DEM039

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SOURCE: Michigan Chamber Foundation

Contact: Susan Combs, Executive Director of Leadership Michigan Program,
517-371-7641

Website: http://www.michamber.com/