Leadership Beaumont is a nine-month community awareness and leadership development program. Leadership Beaumont began in 1971 and is the oldest community leadership program in the state of Texas. The program begins in September with a full day opening session and concludes with graduation in May. Twenty-five to forty applicants are accepted into the program each year. Graduation is a celebration of the Leadership Beaumont participants and the reunion of Leadership Beaumont alumni! Sponsorships to underwrite the cost of the program are contributions to the Beaumont Chamber Foundation, a 501c3 TAX DEDUCIBLE organization.
What has Leadership Beaumont accomplished?
Since 1971 more than 1,700 leaders have graduated the program, many of whom now are civic and business leaders across Southeast Texas, the state of Texas, and the nation. Some of the long-standing programs, events and initiatives that came from the program include:
- Created Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA of Southeast Texas)
- The downtown Beaumont 4th of July Celebration
- 8th Grade Youth Leadership
- Leadership Southeast Texas
- The Public Service Candidate Workshop
- “Noon Tunes” and Brown Bag lunches in downtown
- Beaumont Relief Program
- “Suits for Success” Program
- Southeast Texas Young Professional Organization
- Fundraisers Established- Spice of the Season and Beaumont Chamber Foundation Golf Tournament
- Implemented “Planet K12” – a website for youth activity, interests and communications
- Beaumont City Ordinance on Bike Path
- And innumerable other beneficial contributions to the community.
And we continue to strive to positively impact our community every year.