This Journey is for Everyone
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
Chambers of Commerce play a vital role in enhancing the local business environment all while strengthening communities. I am personally honored to have been invited to join the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. It’s exciting to serve on a board that supports our county’s workforce and businesses which aligns with our efforts through United at Work.
My favorite is the Leadership Charlotte (LC) program offered by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. I graduated from the class of 2014 and this program is near and dear to my heart. Since its inception in 1988, it has produced approximately 875 graduates who together as alumni continue to lead many of the community service efforts in our community. The coveted relationships and networking through my LC2014 experience is what ultimately led me to United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC).
Executive Director of Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Bob White a UWCC Board member shares, “The Leadership Charlotte Program is our premier initiative which provides our community leaders an opportunity to gain a one-of-a-kind educational experience how Charlotte County operates and meet the amazing folks that make it happen. Not only the education aspect, but the connections and business relationships that are developed are priceless for you professionally and personally.”
LC participants attend monthly day-long sessions and coordinate an end of class project. One of the most enthusiastic projects is Lizzy the Literacy Bus, which was selected by LC Class of 2019. They are all meaningful projects, but that one is very special to our community. The day-long sessions cover a range of topics including healthcare, local economy, tourism and justice, offering a comprehensive learning experience. Only 25 individuals are selected through an anonymous application process.
Jen Wolfe, UWCC Financial Empowerment Program Manager graduated last month from this phenomenal program. She states, “There are so many hidden gems that are already out in the open in our county. What I mean is, it’s crazy to think that I have been here since 2006 but was amazed by all of these experiences through LC. Some of my colleagues have lived here all their lives and through LC also encountered many new revelations in our community. This program handed me 23 new friends which most likely would have never met in any other circumstances. Previously, my thought was that this program was only for those who were already prominent leaders, but what I discovered is that this experience empowers you with the skills and recognition to become a key leader in Charlotte County. This journey is for everyone.”
My daughter also graduated from this year’s Junior Leadership Charlotte program through the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce which is designed for Charlotte County high school juniors. These 11th graders take time outside of school to volunteer and learn about local opportunities. The program raises awareness and highlights community needs, showing each student how they can make a difference. It is a challenging yet highly beneficial program for both the students and Charlotte County. Many students base their career decisions on these experiences. In fact, my daughter decided to volunteer at HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital, committing to 200 hours over the course of this next school year, based on her involvement with Junior Leadership Charlotte.
If you’re interested in applying for Leadership Charlotte, the deadline is August 2 at 4PM. Thank you Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce for a wonderful opportunity offered to our local residents. I will echo what Jen stated, this program is for everyone. For more information, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/LeadershipCharlotte.
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.