Pryor – Wanted: Future Leaders for Mayes County.

That is the message the Pryor Area Chamber of Commerce is putting out these days as it prepares to launch the inaugural class of “Mayes County Leadership Academy” (MCLA) later this month.

Currently, the Chamber is seeking participants for the nine-month program which will introduce MCLA participants to several aspects of Mayes County, including business, education, industry, government, health and social services. Classes will meet monthly from September through May 2009.

“Many in the area are familiar with the Leadership Pryor program of years past,” said PACC Executive Director Barbara Hawkins. “MCLA represents the evolution of that program.”

After graduating from the Leadership Pryor program, many alumni have put their experience and knowledge to work as community leaders; filling roles in civic organizations, on city committees, volunteering with the chamber, and of course, helping to train new leaders.

According to Hawkins, many of those alumni – representing industrial park residents, other business and organizations -- live all across the county, not just in Pryor. Thus, expanding the program to encompass all that Mayes County has to offer seemed like a natural progression.

“There are a lot of positive things happening in our county,” said Hawkins, “and we believe MCLA will help focus some of our best resources – our people – to insure that positive momentum is always here.”

Applications are still being accepted for the inaugural MCLA class, which begins September 19 and 20 with an overnight retreat at Camp Dry Gulch USA. That opening session will focus on orientation, team building and leadership. Other sessions will include a trip to the state capitol next spring, and opportunities to take part in the “Great Days of Service” community service program.

To get more information on the program, or to enroll, contact the PACC at (918) 825 0157. Then come be a part of the program that is “empowering area leaders to effect positive change.”