LEADership Blue Springs

LEADership Blue Springs (LEAD) was established in 1991 by the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce to develop a community leadership pool. Participants will develop skills and knowledge of our community through a series of workshops focusing on business, government, quality of life, and volunteer services.

Participating in the LEAD class provides you:

  • A unique opportunity to gain access to top business, civic and community leaders who play integral roles in the region.

  • A behind-the-scenes view of the processes, programs, opportunities and challenges that impact the City, County and State

  • An opportunity for participants to meet and exchange ideas with each other and with current community leaders

What to Expect

From September through May class members participate in educational sessions, tours, and candid conversations with community and area leaders. LEADership topics include education, big business, small business, non-profit, city, county, and state government.

Participation in the LEADership Blue Springs program involves once a month class sessions, each devoted to a specific theme important to our community. All sessions will run from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Class members are required to participate in a class project, assist in the early evening with the Fall Festival on Thursday, September 19, 2024 and attend a specific City Council meeting in order to graduate. You are expected to attend every session; however, with prior approval from the director you will be allowed to miss 1 class. Any participant missing a session without prior approval will be dropped from the program.

The Selection Criteria

Anyone may apply or nominate an individual. Nominations are solicited from businesses, professional groups, agencies, and institutions. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a commitment, motivation, and interest to service in Blue Springs and have the full support of the corporation or organization they represent.

Tuition, Schedule, and How to Apply

Tuition for the 2024 - 2025 LEADership Blue Springs Program is $525 for members and $625 for non-members to participate, which covers costs associated with the program including meals, workshops, materials, team building session and candidate reception. Day long sessions will be held one day a month, beginning in September and ending in May. In addition, there will be a class reception in August. The deadline to apply for LEADership Blue Springs 2024-2025 Class is July 19, 2024.

What Alumni Are Saying

  • “I learned a great deal about the operations of the local Blue Springs government, small business community, school district, as well as the representation in our state’s capital. It was a valuable opportunity to connect with community leaders and see firsthand the impact of volunteering and serving the Blue Springs community for the greater good.”

    - Russell Propp
    Senior Procurement Agent, Turner Construction Company

  • “The LEADership program coordinated by the Blue Springs Chamber is valuable in that it gives individuals a well-rounded look at the community. Both of our branch managers in Blue Springs completed the program last year and both raved about how much they learned. They were able to visit and tour key institutions in the City, expand their business network and stretch their leadership wings. Investing in the professional and personal growth of our leaders at Blue Ridge Bank and Trust is important to us and the Chamber’s LEAD program helps us do just that.”

    - Yvonne Hall
    Executive Vice President, Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co.

  • “I learned there is a tremendous amount of interconnectivity within the various industries represented by the Chamber members, partners, and participants within the Leadership program. The Chamber does a great job of programming outings to optimize the experience for the participants. I found it interesting how much there was to learn about the various goings on around town, particularly from my own employer!”

    - Adam Hilgedick
    Assistant Director, Blue Springs Public Works