A program of :
Public Leadership Institute of Polk County ( PLI ) " Building the bench of aspiring business-minded public leaders "
• The Public Leadership Institute of Polk County ( PLI ) is a nonpartisan “ pre-campaign ” candidate and public leadership school with the mission of identifying and educating local business-minded leaders who are interested in exploring the possibility of one day seeking public office and using business principles to address public issues .
• PLI of Polk County is a program of BusinessVoice , the political arm of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce .
• Polk County has had a history of some outstanding public leaders who understood the importance of a vibrant business economy to our area ’ s outstanding quality of life . However , there is no guarantee these leaders will always be there in the future . It ’ s important to begin building the bench of prospective public leaders who understand business issues because they ’ ve lived business issues by creating jobs , managing payrolls and dealing with regulations .
• Applications can be found at www . lakelandchamber . com / PLI . Selection is limited and competitive . There is no fee to apply or attend thanks to the generous support of our sponsors .
• Classes will be held at Southeastern University May 19 , June 2 and June 9 , 2017 and will feature experts on candidacy , leadership and local public issues .
• There is no commitment required to run for office , merely he possibility of seeking a public leadership position in the future . The program DOES accept declared candidates . Attendance at the entire Leaders School is mandatory .
• The curriculum will cover “ how to ” topics , such as filng for office , choosing a campaign team , conducting a personal and political “ pre-campaign ” assessment and strategic plan , developing a campaign plan , leadership strategies , local public issues , political messaging and fundraising .
• The Chamber is working with a nonpartisan public leadership development organization whose leaders developed the educational template with success in other areas .
• Nearly 30 business-minded graduates have entered public office from various programs that have used the model , including local public leaders ; Florida Representatives Ben Albritton ( R-56 ) and Colleen Burton ( R-40 ) and Polk County Commissioner Melony Bell .
• The Public Leadership Institute of Polk County is not a political action committee or campaign organization . Acceptance into the program does not guarantee a future candidate endorsement or support from BusinessVoice , program sponsors or anyone affiliated with the program .
For more information , please contact Cory Skeates , President , Lakeland Chamber of Commerce at : ( 863 ) 688-8551 , Ext . 234 or cskeates @ lakelandchamber . com .