The Foothills Leadership Initiative (FLI) had a successful first class complete the nine-month long program and enjoyed a graduation ceremony and dinner recently. Participants in the leadership program spend one day each month, over a nine month period, learning about a specific aspect of the community in each session.

The Foothills Leadership Initiative is scheduled to begin in September, but may be extended to October so that more can register for the class. The class offers an opportunity to learn about various aspects of the Carolina Foothills region, which will prepare them for existing or new leadership roles in the community.

Sessions will be devoted to government, education, arts and leisure, and health and human services. In keeping with the rural nature of our area, time will be devoted to agriculture, and to the traditions and economic impact of the equestrian community and industry.

During the program, time will also be devoted to training in various aspects of leadership. This portion of the program will be led by local professionals.&bsp; Leaders in the various aspects covered by FLI will facilitate each sessions topic and are arranging speakers and activities.&bsp; The sessions will take the participants into the community for direct observation and interactive learning opportunities.

Applications for the program may be obtained from the website of the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce, www.carolinafoothillschamber.com, or from the chamber office. The cost of the program covers transportation and meal costs for each session as well as materials and facilitator fees A committee of Chamber Board members will select the participants for the class.

Contact Stacey Lindsay at 828-894-5586, 864-360-6170 or stacey.lindsay@carolinafirst.com; or Dave Herbert at 828-894-5150, 828-329-6646 or ncbaseballump_24@yahoo.com with questions.

Lindsay is a graduate of Leadership Greenville class XVII and is a former president of the Landrum Chamber of Commerce and FENCE. She is the Polk County executive for Carolina First Bank.

Herbert is a retired Whirlpool Corporation executive and is currently Carolinas District sales manager for Eastern Marketing Corporation and president of Turning Wheels Consulting,LLC. He is also a member of the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce board of directors.