Leadership Grand Strand is a program sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce to develop a corps of informed, committed, and qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic leadership for the Grand Strand area. The nine month program accepts 30 participants each year and meets monthly to work on team projects.

The Leadership Grand Strand Board of Regents and its committees are responsible for the policies and procedures of the program.

Leadership Grand Strand Program

Leadership Grand Strand's curriculum provides broad-based leadership perspectives to familiarize participants with the Grand Strand's needs, opportunities and resources.

The course, which traditionally begins with a retreat in September and culminates with graduation in May, explores topics such as historical aspects of the Grand Strand, tourism and economic development, education and law enforcement, human services, government and politics, and the arts.

During the full-day sessions scheduled each month, participants work together with local leaders to expand their network of contacts and resources, to increases their breadth of knowledge about the community, and to develop leadership skills. The curriculum also includes community assignments that are related to each month's topic, challenging the participants to explore current issues first-hand.

Leadership Grand Strand Objectives

1. Develop informed, trained and committed leaders who understand the issues and needs or our community.
2. Create the opportunity for leaders to meet, establish rapport, and maintain ongoing professional relationships.
3. Ensure that participants involve themselves in greater roles in our community through volunteerism in service and civic organizations, serving on appointed boards and running for local elected offices.
4. Create the opportunity for future leaders to continue to identify and study local issues.
5. Enhance the skills necessary to become effective leaders of the community.

Leadership Grand Strand Selection

Leadership Grand Strand is open to any citizen who has resided in the Grand Strand area for at least one year. Candidates may be nominated by an organization or may nominate themselves.

Selection is determined by an applicant's willingness to invest the time required for active participation in the program.

The program is limited to thirty participants, and selection reflects the demographic, geographic, and professional diversity of the Grand Strand. Candidates must reside, or be employed in Horry County one year prior to admission.

Criteria for selection includes:

• Evidence of leadership abilities
• Potential to provide leadership to the Grand Strand
• Interest in community affairs
• Desire to expand volunteer involvement, and
• Commitment to become more involved in the Grand Strand

Leadership Grand Strand Commitment

Participants and their sponsoring organizations must be willing to commit the necessary time to fully participate in this program. Regular attendance is imperative.

Leadership Grand Strand Alumni

The Leadership Grand Strand experience does not end with graduation. Alumni will be expected to accept positions on community boards and commissions, and to become more involved in key decision-making positions in the Grand Strand area. The group receives a quarterly newsletter, and meets socially several times throughout the year. LGS Alumni are encouraged to maintain their relationships as a resource in meeting community challenges.

For additional questions about Leadership Grand Strand contact the Diana Greene, executive director, by e-mail or call (843) 916-7222.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world;
indeed, it is the only one that ever has.
~ Margaret Mead