Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce Makes Plans for 2020 Leadership Lafayette Program

Chamber announces presenting sponsor Your Extra Closet, application deadline is Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Emerging community leaders of Oxford and Lafayette County once again have an opportunity to participate in the annual Leadership Lafayette program presented by the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is excited to announce a continued partnership with Your Extra Closet as the program’s presenting sponsor.  For more information on the sponsor go to www.yourextraclosetoxford.com. 

The eight-month program, beginning in January 2020, is a series of training sessions and activities, designed for emerging community leaders.  It is intended to assure the continuity of leadership in Lafayette-Oxford-University community and assist already established community leaders, who are seeking more effective ways to contribute to the community.  In addition to the monthly sessions, class members also participate in a community based project.

“Leadership Lafayette is a great opportunity for community leaders to engage in their community through networking, leadership training, and group projects. Each session is coordinated by alumni of the program who put considerable thought into making each year the best it can be,” said Torie Marion, Leadership Lafayette Program Chair.

The objectives of the program include identifying potential community leaders, developing individual leadership potential, acquiring knowledge about community and current issues in Lafayette County, creating dialogue and rapport among participants and current leaders, and promoting a sense of “community” through shared efforts benefiting the local community. Each month will involve an all-day session from 8 am to 5 pm.  These sessions are packed with information about Oxford and Lafayette County and the needs of the community. Participants will acquire knowledge about current issues that surround them, as well as focused leadership training.

Leadership Lafayette participants will be selected by a steering committee on the basis of completed applications received by Wednesday, December 4, 2019.  Preference will be given to candidates who, in addition to their potential for leadership, would contribute to the overall diversity and strength of the class and have available time to commit to the program and future community service. Program participation is limited to 25.  The program requires a tuition fee of $375 upon acceptance. The 2020 Leadership Lafayette Steering Committee includes: Chair-Torie Marion, University of Mississippi Alumni Association; Rachel Alcorn, Communicare; Wayne Andrews, Yoknapatawpha Arts Council; Quentin Brewer, BancorpSouth; Edy Dingus, Magnolia Montessori School; Jennifer Eastland; Ashley Frye, Executive Assistant to Dr. Thomas Fowlkes for Coleman Funeral Home; Amy Goodin, The University of Mississippi; Caitlin Hopper, Yoknapatawpha Arts Council; Kristi Peeples, Renasant Bank; Susan Peterson, Fiserv; Jeremy Roberts, The University of Mississippi; Michelle Robinson, City of Oxford Recycling; Sha’ Simpson, NMRC; Afton Thomas, The University of Mississippi; Ryan Upshaw, The University of Mississippi; and Jessica Windham, Oxford Rental Properties.  All steering committee members are graduates of the Leadership Lafayette program.  Individuals interested in the program are encouraged go to the Chamber’s website and view the online application at www.oxfordms.com or go directly to the online application at https://oxfordff.wufoo.com/forms/kg65e3i12s1v81/ . With program questions, please contact Pam Swain at the Chamber at pam@oxfordms.com or 662-234-4651.