Applications open to join ULead Class 12

The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications to join Leadership Union County (ULead) Class 12.

Kaitlyn Rigdon, project manager at the Chamber, said she’s hoping for 17-18 participants in this year’s class, though she noted that there is no limit on the number of people who can participate.

“Right now we’ve had a handful of people submit applications, but people typically wait until the last week to apply,” she said in an email. “We have never had a limit on how many people can be a part of the class. We would like as many people as possible to benefit from the program.”

ULead is a 10-month professional development course geared toward community development in Union County and leadership development among participants. Those who take the course will have the opportunity to learn about government, health, charity and more in Union County.

“We cover a different topic during each session, including leadership, local and state government, community development, quality of life, education, workforce, health care, plus more,” Rigdon said. “We plan to tour several local medical facilities, schools, nonprofits, industries, plus travel to the state Capitol again.”

Rigdon is the director of the ULead program, and Class 11 graduate Wyatt Winkenwerder, of LANXESS, will chair Class 12. As the director, Rigdon helps guide ULead participants through learning about the community.

“Class 11 was a great group of individuals to work with,” she said. “My favorite moments included watching them research and come up with their class project, which was the food drive for the Salvation Army. I also really enjoyed making ULead’s first trip ever to Little Rock to tour the state Capitol and experience that for the first time.”

She said she hopes to see Class 11’s success replicated in Class 12.

“My hope is that Class 12 is able to broaden their knowledge of Union County and create relationships with other classmates that benefit from them in the future. I hope they grow as a class and as individuals over the next 10 months and find that this will be a group of people they can trust and depend on going forward,” she said.

The cost to participate in ULead is $750 per person. Applications to join Class 12 are due Wednesday, March 8, by 4:30 p.m.

To apply, visit goeldorado.com/ chamber-of-commerce/about-theleadership-union-county, the Chamber’s Facebook page or visit the Chamber in person at 111 W. Main St. and pick up an application.

“I honestly think anyone would benefit from this program. Anyone who is looking to grow as a person, learn more about our community or find a great group of people to network with would absolutely benefit from this program,” Rigdon said.