Leadership Montana Building for Second Year… Now Accepting Applications for Class of 2005-2006

Leadership Montana, a statewide collaboration of higher education, civic and business leaders, has begun accepting applications for the Class of 2005-2006. The application period will close on March 31, 2005.

Leadership Montana will present a seven session program of personal leadership development and business and policy education. This is the second annual class program. At the heart of Leadership Montana will be the concept of community trusteeship. Leaders hold the future of their communities, their state and their families in trust. Ultimately, Leadership Montana participants accept this role as trustholders and will form an important bond, creating a powerful network of energy, talent and leadership for our state.

Participants will be selected to ensure diversity of ideas, commitment to the long-term future of Montana, and a willingness to play a trusteeship role. The program will be conducted in locations across the state, beginning with an Orientation and Retreat at Big Sky on September 7.

The Leadership Montana class of 2004-2005 has completed four sessions, with a fifth session scheduled for February 24-26 in Miles City. The class will graduate in Billings in May.

“It’s amazing to be with a group of people who care so much about Montana and want to work to make it a better place,” said Maureen Rude, Director, Montana Partnership Office of Fannie Mae Corp. and member of the Class of 2004-2005.

Frank Garner, chief of police in Kalispell and class member, said, “I learned more about my state and myself than I every thought I would.”

Leadership Montana is a not-for-profit venture affiliated with The Montana Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Leadership Montana is located on the Downtown Campus of Montana State University-Billings.

The Class of 2005-2006 of Leadership Montana will include 40 participants. Tuition will be $2,500 for the seven session program. Graduation of this class will be in May, 2006.

Leadership Montana is about creating what we want to BE, not just what we want to do. Those who have a passion for this state and their community, and are willing to accept responsibility for leadership, should consider this new and unique opportunity.

The Application Forms and more information are available at http://www.leadershipmontana.org .

For further information, contact:

Bruce Whittenberg, Executive Director, 406 896-5877

Sharon Peterson, Associate Director, 406 896-5876

Leadership Montana

c/o Montana State University-Billings, Downtown Campus

207 N. Broadway

PO Box 1373

Billings, Montana 59103

Email: [email protected], .

Website: http://www.leadershipmontana.org.