Leadership Golden Strip is a collaborative effort between the Fountain Inn, Greater Mauldin, and Simpsonville Area Chambers of Commerce. Members from the entire Golden Strip community are invited to apply for this dynamic program, designed to develop and retain a knowledgeable, engaged workforce.

Leadership Golden Strip opens doors for individuals with the desire and ability to shape the future of our vibrant communities. Through face-to-face meetings with city, county, and state leaders and on-site visits to local institutions, agencies, and organizations, participants explore the major issues and unique challenges facing the Golden Strip area.

Leadership Golden Strip is offered to any interested Chamber member who lives or works in the area. Monthly meetings kick off with a mandatory Orientation Session in August 2019 and conclude in the late spring of 2020.  The group will be recognized with a formal graduation ceremony.

This dynamic program supports the development of corporate and community leaders by:

• Introducing participants to aspects of developing and maintaining a vibrant community,
• Establishing dialogue with a wide range of community leaders,
• Encouraging engagement in activities which contribute to the betterment of the community,
• Providing employers with a source of knowledgeable and trained leaders who will have a positive impact on the business community.

The selection committee looks for applicants who:

• Demonstrate a passion for their community as evidenced by active involvement,
• Possess a record of achievement in community and civic activities, indicating a desire to lead,
• Possess high standards of personal quality and integrity,
• Show a dedication to commit the time required for the program, and
• If employed, have the endorsement of their employers or some indication the employer would not object to their taking time from work to participate in the program.

Monthly Class Sessions:

Monthly sessions will be held on the second Wednesday of each month starting in August. Class 2 program dates can be found in the Applicant Information Packet. Each month’s session is dedicated to a particular topic. Over the course of the program, the following topics will be covered:

• Leadership & Team Building
• Art & History
• Local Government & Public Safety
• Infrastructure & Technology
• Education & Workforce Development
• Healthcare & Human Services
• Communications & Branding
• State Government
• Diversity & Inclusion

LGS Class 2 is currently in full swing and the group will graduate in the late Spring of 2020.

The application process for the next class will start in the Summer of 2020. Class 3 will begin in August of 2020. Sign-up to be notified when the application is available.

The entire application process is completed online and includes questions about applicants' current employment, education and certifications, and program and career goals. Applicants are also required to upload a current resume.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to download and read the Applicant Information Packet before completing the Application. View SAMPLE Application Information Packet here.

Tuition for this annual program is $750 plus an application fee of $25. Tuition and fees must be paid in full or a payment plan must be confirmed before Orientation.

Scholarships are currently available for members of the Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce.