‘Leadership Clarkston? is not a concept recently sprung from the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce; however, the idea did originate with one driven chamber leader.
Past chamber president Tim Patterson created the idea of ‘Leadership Clarkston? in 2004. According to Chamber Director Penny Shanks, Patterson was involved with similar groups and wanted a way for Clarkston to verbalize a common vision of its own.
‘He created the challenge to get people to the table,? said Shanks. ‘The chamber board was highly supportive of this idea.?
‘Leadership Clarkston? involves the local chamber, the City of the Village of Clarkston, Independence Township, Springfield Township and Clarkston Schools, as well as the area non-profit organizations.
The name ‘Leadership Clarkston? came from different educationally-based leadership courses taken by many of the joint meeting participants.
‘You would do a curriculum called ‘Leadership Oakland? or ‘Leadership whatever,?? said Shanks. ‘We began with the idea that some kind of curriculum would be a part of the agenda. Although that aspect was lost, the name still applied.
‘All the leaders of Clarkston participate, the ‘core people? of the community who keep Clarkston running. So it’s still ‘Leadership Clarkston,?? continued Shanks.
The 2004 ‘Leadership Clarkston? brought forth a theme of ‘volunteers.? With that thought in mind, the Chamber of Commerce took the lead.
Shanks said the chamber moved forward with several different actions:
? A community-wide volunteer recognition night was created.
? Non-profit organizations were spotlighted in the chamber directory.
? One free advertising advantage mailing was provided in the chamber newsletter to each non-profit.
? The online Clarkston Community Calendar was created free of charge.
? All chamber luncheon speakers for the year have featured non-profit organizations.
? And the Each One Reach One campaign was begun.
‘We hope to keep this as a driving force behind the Clarkston community,? said Shanks.