Eugene Community Events

Leadership Eugene-Springfield welcomed its 23rd class on October 8th. The program, sponsored jointly by the Eugene and Springfield chambers of commerce, is a comprehensive leadership development program designed to give volunteer leaders the skills and information they need to effectively serve the community.

This year’s 27 program participants were selected from more than 35 applicants. Since first launching in 1985, the Leadership Eugene-Springfield program has graduated more than 500 community volunteers.  

Leadership Eugene-Springfield is the only comprehensive community training program offered in Lane County. Leadership participants learn a variety of skills, including how to advocate for and represent the community as a whole; to value the interaction of government, business and charitable institutions in creating a healthy Eugene/Springfield economy; and to be involved in creating a positive future for their community.

Meet the 2008-09 class members:

Nicole Banta, Public Relations Associate, The Ulum Group

"By strengthening my ties to the community through the program I will be able to use my skills where they are most needed."

"With this class, I hope to learn about organizations in our community that need assistance which my personal and professional skills would be useful for…"

"My business focus is economic development with an ultimate goal of job creation. These experiences could be applied to provide solutions to issues that are of concern to the business community."

"Overall, I will work on getting a better macro view of the Eugene/Springfield business community, both to find better ways to improve the community on a daily basis and how to start the wheels in motion for great improvements into the future."

"What I envision for our community is taking LEAD’s basic concept and create collaboration between a few small non-profit with some of their private sector supporters to serve the underprivileged youth in Eugene/Springfield and greater Lane County areas."

"I’m extremely eager and excited to learn more about other businesses in the Eugene-Springfield area, and to be a productive member of this Leadership program…"

"Experience gained in the Leadership program will provide me with a better means by which to continue seeking out opportunities to make a difference in our community."

"I expect my primary contribution to the Leadership Eugene-Springfield program will be a long-term dedication and commitment to make a difference in this community."

"My plan is to utilize this program to gain a better understanding of what’s available within the community and gain a sense of where I can volunteer my time and energy in a way that makes sense for me, to programs that speak to me and my interests."

"Having a more in-depth understanding of the Eugene/Springfield community will allow me to identify opportunities where my skills and experience can be useful to help create a more healthy and vibrant community – across the triple bottom line of social equity, environmental health and economic prosperity."

"With many interests, I would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about what volunteer positions are available and how I can contribute."

"…upon graduation of the program, I believe I will have gained important tools that will significantly enhance the success of my efforts within the greater community."

"I believe that the leadership program will help me develop the tools to not only become more active in the community through volunteering, but provide me the opportunity to make a difference."

"My main goal in participating in the program is to learn the avenues to community participation, primarily in animal welfare, senior support and Special Olympics organizations."

"I view this program as a possible window of access to work groups, committees, service organizations, programs and associations committed to addressing the needs of our citizens."

"My goal is to do whatever I can to continue to make this the best possible place to live and work."

"…I have learned that I can’t predict where any given path might take me – and I’m very excited about what will open up for me as a result of being a part of this Program."

"Through Leadership Eugene-Springfield, I will become a better educated and better connected citizen, able to move to a higher level of community Involvement."

"I see my involvement in many smaller communities to be an excellent opportunity to share ideas, programs and concepts between areas."

"Through this program, I hope to learn more about effective ways to increase support of the arts in our community."

"One of the goals in my current work is to help position industry roles in their communities – including myself – in leadership roles in their communities. Participation in Leadership Eugene-Springfield is a natural outgrowth of that mission."

"I am excited to learn about the challenges and areas of need within the community that I am unaware of."

"My desire for attending the Leadership program is in part to better prepare myself and further improve my abilities to be an effective contributor throughout my involvement in the community."

"With a background in sales, graphic design and research, I have a broad scope of interests and strengths to offer my fellow classmates in dialogue and project work together."

"Upon graduation from the Leadership Eugene-Springfield program, I will continue to participate and coordinate community events and make a difference."

"I am excited about the opportunity to learn about our local community, about leadership, and about volunteer leadership opportunities."

"My primary contribution to the leadership program is my ability to share, describe and convey my vision for our community in the next 10 years."