Now is the time to nominate yourself or another person in the community for the 2011 Leadership Greater Topeka program sponsored by the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce.  Nominations will be accepted through Friday, Oct. 1.

Leadership Greater Topeka brings together a broad cross section of both acknowledged and aspiring leaders from every corner of the community. The program gives participants the opportunity to develop a close understanding of the issues before the community, to increase their ability to influence decision making on those and other concerns, to set ambitious goals for renewal and to harness the many resources of the community to achieve solutions.  The program, in place since 1984, now has more than 800 graduates who are making a difference in their community.

Once an individual is nominated, they receive program information and an application that must be completed and returned by 3 p.m. Friday, October 8, to the Chamber office. The nomination deadline is Friday, October 1.  Up to 36 participants will be selected from among those completing the application form.

To nominate yourself or another, call the Chamber office at 785-234-2644 or go to the Chamber’s website www.TopekaChamber.org.  Click on the Leadership Greater Topeka link from the home page.

Developing leadership skills for the 21st Century will be the goal of the 2011 Leadership Greater Topeka program according to Ken Scott, volunteer chair of the 2011 Planning Committee.

“By bringing together individuals representing a cross section of our community, we can begin to understand one another.  Talking together, understanding the issues faced by others in the community and developing a network of individuals that have similar experiences has proven extremely successful,” Scott said.

“Scholarships are available for community members interested in participating in the program.  The scholarship fund enables those who see the tuition as a deterrent to applying to make application,”  said Amanda Hughes, 2011 Selection Committee chair.

The program consists of a two-day retreat in late January, seven day-long sessions on Fridays between February and May and a celebration luncheon in mid-May.