What do the Director of Maryville Public Safety, the Medical Director at Northwest, the Circuit Judge of Nodaway County, the Director of Children and Family Services in Maryville, and the Executive Director of Community Services have in common? They are all graduates of the Leadership Maryville program.

Leadership Maryville, sponsored by the Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce, provides education and leadership development for active, civic-minded individuals. Beginning Sept. 30, the program will consist of weekly information sessions covering topics such as city and county government, healthcare, education, agriculture, recreation, industry, and community and service organizations.

The program, entering its 23rd year, has grown smaller as of late, said Alice Schieffer, a member of the steering committee. With her colleagues, Schieffer hopes to change that.

“Originially when the class started they had around 20 participants,” she said. “The numbers have dropped over the last couple years and we’re really trying to promote this and get this back.”

The first class for Leadership Maryville was in 1985-1986.  It was organized for the purpose of educating and involving people in the community. Staying true to that mission, organizers invite local officials to teach the information sessions that correspond with their fields.

“For county government night we contacted Judge Prokes, the commissioners, the assessor, the treasuer, the county clerk,” Schieffer said. “It’s those people that would have the expertise in that area that we are contacting.”

Organizers hope to bring in a wide range of participants for this year’s course. Schieffer emphasized that anyone who is interested in becoming active in the community is encourage to sign up, regardless of age.

“Last year was my first year,” she said. “I’m in my 40s, some people were in their 20s.”
Leadership Maryville culminates with an overnight trip to Jefferson City for “Great Northwest Days.” Members of the group will have the opportunity to see “government in action” and discuss local issues with legislators. A scavenger hunt will lead up to the final graduation ceremony, taking place on Feb. 17, 2009.

The application deadline for Leadership Maryville is Sept. 15.  Tuition is $125, which covers registration fees, transportation, hotel accommodations and a meal on the legislative trip to Jefferson City. Participants will also receive a shirt, and graduating members will receive a plaque.

Applications are available at the Maryville Chamber of Commerce, 423 N. Market St. and the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments at 114 W. Third St.
Schieffer has high hopes for this year’s class.

“I hope that they gain a better understanding of what the area has to offer to people, “ she said, “but I also hope they gain the ability to become a leader in the area because of the knowledge that they’re learning from the program.”

For more information contact steer committee members Alice Schieffer (660) 582-5121, Becky Feurerbacher (660) 541-4212, or Amy Strough (660) 562-8002.