Leadership Emporia

Since its inception in 1989, the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce has taken pride in presenting the Leadership Emporia Academy, boasting an impressive alumni network of over 685 individuals from 36 previous classes. The program’s ethos revolves around mobilizing individuals towards a collective purpose for the greater good, fostering adaptability in businesses, organizations, and communities alike.

What Leadership Emporia Academy Represents:

  1. Equipping participants with the skills and strategies to foster collaborative environments for positive change.
  2. Encouraging individuals to confront and address challenging inquiries regarding both personal and communal spheres.
  3. Providing transformative experiences that furnish participants with conceptual frameworks, practical skills, and a collaborative leadership mindset.

What Leadership Emporia Academy Doesn’t Entail:

  1. Merely networking, although valuable connections are inevitable and enduring.
  2. Solely acquainting oneself with Emporia, despite the program offering insights into the community.
  3. Remaining stagnant in its approach since its inception; the program has evolved significantly since 1989.

Leadership Emporia Academy begins with a two-day opening retreat followed by five sessions. During these sessions participants will explore the KLC Leadership Competencies of Diagnosing the Situation; Energizing Others; Manage self; and Intervening Skillfully. Participants must attend all sessions in order to complete the program.

Application Instructions and Process:

  • Information must be confined to the application.
  • All answers must be typed or handwritten legibly.
  • You may apply online at www.emporiakschamber.org/leadership-emporia-3/leadership-emporia/
  • Applications are subject to confidential evaluations, and class size is limited. If you are not selected for this year’s class, we encourage you to reapply next year. Applications are not held over for the following year.
  • Applications deadline — Your application must be signed and received by 5:00 p.m., July 26, 2024, at the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, 719 Commercial St., Emporia, KS 66801.
  • Applicants will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance within two weeks of the deadline.

We look forward to receiving your application. If you have any questions, please contact Jeanine McKenna at the Chamber office; 719 Commercial St. in the Trusler Business Center, telephone (620)342-1600, or email jmckenna@emporiakschamber.org.

Sincerely,

Jeanine McKenna
President & CEO

Schedule
Opening Retreat, Day One……………………Thursday, September 19, 2024 — 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Opening Retreat, Day Two……………………Friday, September 20, 2024 — 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Session One………………………………………..Thursday, October 3, 2024 — 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Session Two………………………………………..Thursday, October 17, 2024 — 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Session Three……………………………………..Thursday, October 31, 2024 — 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Session Four………………………………………Thursday, November 14, 2024 — 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Session Five………………………………………..Thursday, December 5, 2024 — 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Celebration Luncheon………………………….Friday, December 13, 2023 — 11:45 a.m.

You are required to attend the Opening Retreat, all program sessions, and the Celebration Luncheon. The sessions run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If an emergency arises and you have to miss a session, we ask that you meet with Jeanine McKenna to cover the information missed.

Tuition
If accepted into the Leadership Emporia Academy program, you and your company/organization will be responsible for the tuition fee of $425, which covers all costs including materials, meals, and other expenses associated with the sessions. The fee is due prior to the first session. Do not send payment with your application. You will be invoiced upon acceptance into the program. 

A limited amount of scholarship funding is available. The Selection Committee will award these funds based on need. Scholarship applications are due at the time you submit your Leadership Emporia Academy application. Late scholarship applications will be denied.