The Vicksburg Warren Chamber of Commerce has announced it is now accepting applications for the Leadership Vicksburg 2024-25 program.

The program, a nine-month project-based initiative, is set to empower participants with unique opportunities to develop and demonstrate leadership skills. Participants will identify and address key issues impacting Vicksburg-Warren County, fostering solutions that benefit both the community and the participants, chamber officials said. The program will kick off with an orientation and retreat in late August and then meet the second Wednesday each month.

Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said the program has had many positive effects on Vicksburg and he looks forward to what the new class will bring to the process.

“Leadership Vicksburg is dedicated to transforming community members into community leaders,” he said. “As a city, we are committed to fostering a culture where residents actively engage in their community and take action by utilizing their leadership skills. I am particularly proud of the partnership between the Leadership Vicksburg participants and the mentoring program they developed for the Youth Development Center. It is inspiring to see the positive contributions participants make to our city, especially through initiatives that support and nurture our youth.”

During the nine-month program, participants will visit local businesses, organizations, and government entities within Warren County to learn about their value to the community, the resources they provide, and the economic impact they have. They will study the valuable lessons from Stephen R. Covey’s book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” and learn essential project management skills to effectively develop and implement a community project, chamber officials explained. Additionally, they will read and discuss Patrick Lencioni’s book “Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team.”

Through these tools, participants will be better prepared to succeed and advance in their community projects and careers, chamber officials said, adding participants will gain a unique understanding of the community’s challenges and learn
how they can contribute to solving them.

The program is designed to equip aspiring leaders with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference in their community.

Kelle Barfield, president of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, commended the program and its history of molding community leadrs.

“Leadership Vicksburg is a shining example of individuals taking initiative to grow personally and enhance their service to our community,” she said. “It also underscores the crucial role of local employers in sponsoring their employees for professional development and the support from businesses throughout Warren County in hosting site visits. Leadership Vicksburg truly represents our community’s collective effort to improve and thrive. The program’s participants serve as a model for all of us.”

The deadline to apply for the Leadership Vicksburg program is Friday, Aug. 16. For more information contact Chris Rials at the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce at 601-636-1012, or by email at crials@vicksburgchamber.org.