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Leadership Belleville

Applications are now OPEN.
Click here to download application 2024-2025 Class

Leadership Belleville is a unique training program offered to community members and chamber members, coordinated through the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce.

The goals of the program are to…

  • Develop effective community leaders
    Establish valuable relationships with business and civic leaders
  • Expand awareness and understanding of important issues affecting business and the community
  • Foster a commitment to personal, professional, and community growth
    Provide opportunities for ongoing business development, growth, and expansion within the Belleville area.
  • Each Leadership Belleville class is composed of up to 25 professionals who demonstrate the highest leadership qualities. These classmates create a valuable network of resources – paying dividends to both alumni and their business sponsors.

Selection Criteria

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.

  • A demonstrated leadership ability
  • A demonstrated ability to reach personal goals
  • A demonstrated commitment to the Greater Belleville area
  • Be able and willing to commit to attendance at:
    • A two-day overnight retreat in September focusing on Leadership and Team Building skills
    • Eight full-day sessions – one Friday each month concluding with reflection day and a graduation ceremony in May
    • Assignments to be completed outside of the scheduled course sessions

Malcom Hill

The Program

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 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 is held. Participants must meet certain criteria to graduate and join the prestigious Leadership Belleville Alumni Association.

2024-2025 Tentative Course Schedule

Kick-off Breakfast – August 16, 2024

Two-Day Retreat – September 2024

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.

History, Culture & Religion Day – October 2024

Learn about the history of Belleville while touring the Labor & Industry Museum, the Emma Kunz House, and the Historic District.  Also, learn more about the cultural aspect of Belleville, specifically the Belleville Philharmonic and Art on the Square. Gain an understanding of the diverse religious organizations in our community and their current issues and challenges.

Education Day – November, 2024

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.

Healthcare, Aging & Community Services Day – December 2024

Participants will appreciate an opportunity for a behind-the-scenes tour of one of Belleville’s hospitals. 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.

Government Day & Mini Retreat – January 2025

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.

First Responders – February 2025

Participants will be given an overview of the city and county first responders agencies serving the Belleville area.  The session will include a tour of the Belleville Police Station, Belleville Fire Department, St. Clair County Jail and the 9/11 Memorial.

Business Day – March 2025

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.

Regional Growth Day – April 2025

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.

Reflection Day & Graduation – May 2025

Participants will give a presentation reflecting on what they have learned over the past 9 months. A graduation luncheon will be held for all participants, their guests, employers, and alumni.