ESCANABA — The Delta County Chamber of Commerce announces the launch of Delta Force 2024, a proven and e?active leadership program designed to empower diverse individuals of our community with the knowledge, skills and inspiration to successfully assume active leadership roles in Delta County. The program also develops a collective resource and problem-solving network to help address community needs today and in the future.

The growth and prosperity of our community is closely tied to the quality and commitment of our next generation of leaders; the individuals who are needed to serve on boards, commissions, in community groups and in elected positions. This kind of leadership talent must be aggressively sought out, nurtured, and given the tools to lead successfully. Through Delta Force, a 9-month program supported and sponsored by many community organizations, those resources will be cultivated. Over the past 20 years, more than 400 students have graduated as more informed and capable leaders who are committed to using their talents to help develop our community.

Our challenge to you is to identify emerging leaders then encourage and support their participation in the program. Following an inspirational kick o? in mid-February, 10 subsequent all-day sessions will be held one or two days per month through October.

All of the sessions are designed to be highly interactive and thought provoking. A typical day will involve a combination of group discussions, field trips and presentations by local experts in law enforcement, education, history, environmental opportunities, economic development, media, and healthcare providing valuable insights and knowledge to program participants. Sessions will be held in locations appropriate to the topic. The instruction will not reflect any one solution or political viewpoint, but rather will present varied and diverse approaches to problem solving and dispute resolution.

Who benefits from the Delta Force program? Obviously, the program participants as they learn to identify additional opportunities to influence positive change and impact quality of life, but so, too, does our waterfront community with the increased involvement of the soaring eagles of Delta Force.

Please nominate or encourage your soaring eagle to get involved in Delta Force. Our waterfront community will be a better place to live and work because of your commitment to the program!

Interested individuals can apply online at deltami.org or by contacting the Delta County Chamber of Commerce at 906-786-2192. Applications will be accepted through January 26.

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Vickie Micheau is executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce.