The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce believes knowledge is a key element and prime motivator of leadership. Consequently, the primary objective of the Leadership Collier Program is to educate local business leaders about the societal and economic challenges facing the community today. The nine-month program begins in September and includes 10 full-day sessions.

The program begins with an overnight retreat in September and ends with graduation night in May. Each month there is one to two full-day, interactive, hands-on sessions on topics including Environment, Commerce, Growth Management, Education, Healthcare, Agriculture, Human Services, Law Enforcement, Government, and Media-Communications-Arts.

There are also at least two optional externships for class participants to learn more about their community by working alongside professionals in their field of expertise. The first is a ride along with a police officer in either the City of Naples or with the Collier County Sheriff's Office. The second is a shadow day with a physician in the community.

Class members always have fun during each session and have formed bonds that last a lifetime.

Alumni of Leadership Collier are involved in planning each quality session. Leadership Collier Alumni also continue their networking through social outings, holiday parties, educational seminars, and the graduation of the current class in May.

The Chamber’s Leadership Collier program began in 1989. Since then many Leadership Collier graduates have taken the knowledge gained through the program to change the future of Collier County through elected offices and volunteer efforts. Leadership Collier has become a top rated educational program. The program has also become a great networking opportunity for people to do business with other leaders in the community.

Leadership Collier is dedicated to building a network of community leaders who will utilize their diverse talents, skills and unique perspectives to address community-wide challenges, identify viable alternatives, and help solve problems facing greater Collier County today and in the future. The program focuses on the selection, training, advancement and recognition of leadership. The primary objective is to educate and expose a select number of individuals to the societal and economic challenges facing the community. Leadership Collier believes knowledge is a key element and prime motivator of leadership.

The Chamber’s Leadership Collier program is open to individuals who have demonstrated a sincere commitment, motivation, and interest to serve the Collier County community. Applicants should be those who have proven leadership skills, as well as those who are already at the decision-making level in their organization.

Graduating from The Chamber’s Leadership Collier and the Leadership Institute program represents the emergence of new beginnings and opportunities. The primary objective of the Alumni Program is to continue expanding the knowledge acquired during Leadership Collier programs. It also facilitates the placement of highly qualified members on committees, boards and organizations throughout the community so they may work toward solutions in the best public interest.

The alumni organization builds on the experience, education and friendships established during the Leadership programs.

Each year Leadership Collier Alumni chooses an outstanding member who has proven his/her commitment to Collier County through involvement, courage, and dedication. Past award recipients include:

For more information, please contact The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce 239-262-6376 or email info@napleschamber.org. All requests should include your name, title, business, address, phone and fax number, and email address.

To download the application form for the Leadership Collier program please click here.

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