Leadership Mineral Wells
Leadership Mineral Wells is a program designed to encourage leadership and community development. Having this type of broad-based knowledge has enabled past participants to better serve the community in roles such as city council, Chamber board of directors, and hospital and school boards, as well as allowed them to further hone their leadership skills. In addition, it is an excellent way to meet and network with other leaders with the same objective: to make a difference in the Mineral Wells area and Palo Pinto County.
At right: Leadership Mineral Wells Class 17 with City Manager Lance Howerton and Area Growth Council Director Steve Butcher on the city council dais.
The Program
Through a series of self-facilitated programs, Leadership Mineral Wells participants receive a thorough overview of local government, human needs, education, and business as it pertains to Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto County. Participants typically travel throughout the county and city during the course of a day, meeting with business owners, governmental officials, and agency executives.
The Project
Leadership Mineral Wells classes are required over the course of their year to develop and execute a class project. The project is up to the class but must be approved by the Chamber executive director.
Leadership Mineral Wells Class 17 hosted a skeet shoot fundraiser to raise money for new playground equipment at West City Park. Class 16 coordinated the parking at the 2010 Crazy Water Festival and donated the proceeds to the National Vietnam War Museum.
The Commitment
Leadership Mineral Wells requires a considerable commitment of time and energy—though the investment is well worth it, as current and past participants will attest. Participants are expected to attend all class sessions. There will be a total of eight (9) eight-hour sessions, held once a month on fourth Thursdays, from February through October, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The September class will be held in Austin, where participants typically spend the night. There is a mandatory ropes course one Saturday in March and a November graduation.
Cost to Participate
Prospective Leadership applicants will want to know about the financial commitment involved in particpating in Leadership Mineral Wells. Many businesses cover all or some of the costs for their employees.
Here is a breakdown:
Participation fee: $375
(includes materials, book, shirt, ropes course, and graduation)
Chamber Banquet ticket: $35
Hotel and meal in Austin: $150
(If room not shared)
One lunch for group: $150
(Many businesses choose to cover one meal for the class throughout the year.)
Estimated total cost: $710 (high side)
