LEADERSHIP LUFKIN

Leadership Lufkin will consist of 9 sessions held monthly on designated Thursdays from September through May each year. Sessions will cover such topics as leadership skills, city and county government, economic development, health care, safety, community services, quality of life, and the history and future of our county. Most sessions will begin at 7:45 AM and end around 5:00 PM with lunch provided. The time may vary depending on what events are scheduled for the day.

Leadership Lufkin requires participation in an intense two-day opening retreat with a ropes course of high and low elements, a three-day high-energy trip to Austin to study state government and host the Lufkin/Angelina County Day reception, and 5 hours volunteering at the Texas State Forest Festival. The class is also required to attend a City Council Meeting, an Angelina County school board meeting, a County Commissioner's meeting, and a Lufkin Police Department Ride-Along.

Leadership Lufkin allows class members to become acquainted with volunteer opportunities, needs of local non-profits, Chamber goals and benefits, and community issues to find each class member’s passion and niche the community. The program will prepare participants to graduate into the Leadership Lufkin Alumni Association and begin using the skills and knowledge learned to lead our community.

• Must be 21 years or older.
• Must live or work fulltime in Angelina County.
• Must obtain approval from CEO or Senior Executive where applicant works.
• Must show the desire and enthusiasm to be involved in the community and become a leader.
• Must complete in full the application and consent forms and submit before the deadline.
• Must be able to pay the non-refundable $1500 tuition for the program prior to the retreat or be the recipient of a scholarship to provide the tuition.
• Must be available to attend all sessions, activities, required volunteering and extracurricular requirements listed in the packet.

• Applications will be available on March 3, 2025 with a submission deadline of 3 PM on May 1, 2025.
• Applications will be available at LufkinTexas.org or at the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce located at 1615 S. Chestnut.
• All applications must be turned in to the Chamber of Commerce by 3 PM on May 1, 2025. Applications will not be accepted after this time unless the deadline has been extended by the Chamber of Commerce.
• Do not enclose the fee with the application. Fees will not be accepted until the class has been selected.
• Applications must be completed in full to be accepted.

• Class selection will be made from the first 25 qualified applicants with Chamber members receiving priority.
• Applicants that are Chamber Investors will have the first right for class selection. Non-investor applicants will be selected from the balance of 25 qualified applications.
• Chamber of Commerce Investors in the Chamber Chairman’s Circle Membership Level will have first right of refusal in the class.
• Applications are logged in as they arrive so there is a record of the time and date for each application.
• Only completed applications will be considered.
• The Leadership Lufkin Committee will review applications for completeness and qualification and make recommendations to the Chamber Board of Directors for approval of class selection.
• The Chamber Board will have the final determination and approval of the Leadership Lufkin class. This includes the right to determine if an applicant qualifies or is not representative of the Leadership Lufkin program.
• All applications will remain confidential and will be used only for the purpose of the Leadership Lufkin program.

• Applicants will be notified in writing of their acceptance into the program by June 20, 2025.
• Applications that were not within the first 25 qualified applications will be notified in writing, as well.
• Applications that were not within 25 will be retained and prioritized for next year’s program.

If you require financial assistance, a letter explaining your request and the Commitment Statement must be included with your application. Upon acceptance into the program tuition is due in full. Limited scholarships may be available. Email Tara at TWatkins@LufkinTexas.org for instructions, a copy of the Scholarship Request and the Commitment Statement.