Each year, a group of motivated individuals from across the Capital Region take a nine-month journey into the inner workings of our community. The Leadership Greater Concord (LGC) program includes day-long sessions that cover many aspects of our region’s public resources and governance, and each LGC class connects with prominent business and civic leaders who are making decisions about Greater Concord’s future. Individuals who are interested in making an impact in the community are invited to participate in this immersive program; applications must be submitted by May 1.
LGC is presented by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, and underwritten by Bangor Savings Bank and Unitil. The program begins in September 2023, and includes ten monthly day-long sessions that cover history, arts and culture, education, livable communities and smart growth, government and politics, the criminal justice system, economic development, communications and the media, and health and human services. “I think [LGC] is a really important program to teach individuals how to be more civically-minded. It helps to make you aware of things within your community that you might take for granted,” wrote a member of the LGC Class of 2023.
Throughout the program, LGC participants ask questions and have open dialogues with an all-star lineup of distinguished presenters. Past session day speakers have included Governor Sununu, Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington, City of Concord Mayor Jim Bouley, Interim Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services Lori Weaver, Chief Osgood of Concord Police Department, and Jim Schachter CEO of New Hampshire Public Radio. “You never know how much another person can teach you. Even though they work in a different field and do different things, there’s always something we can learn from them,” said Irene Kigugu, a member of the LGC Class of 2023.
Although LGC is known for offering deep insight on the Capital Region, the bonds formed between classmates and presenters are the highlight of this leadership program. The program creates opportunities to build trusting relationships between classmates. After forging these bonds, the class is able to address and discuss challenging issues, ask difficult questions and share insights brought to light during the session days. “I already feel a strong sense of community and I hope to use this experience to connect with Concord and its community,” wrote a member of the LGC Class of 2023. Often LGC classmates form lifelong bonds, end up working together as community partners, or use these connections as stepping stones to find impactful volunteer opportunities and civic engagement roles. LGC is uniquely designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles within the community, whether it be serving as an elected official or as a volunteer on a nonprofit board.
LGC applicants may represent any industry or sector of the community. Interested individuals must complete an online application by May 1, followed by an interview with LGC volunteers—a group of dedicated community members who have graduated from the program. Learn more at concordnhchamber.com/lead or contact the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce at programs@concordnchamber.com or (603) 224-2508.