Leadership Lessons and Behind-the-Scenes Insights:
Great Chamber of Commerce Opportunity 1

A few of the many highlights from last year’s Leadership Glendale class: Hearing Rick Lemmo of the Americana at Brand reveal the ‘community-gathering place’ model for the development and how retail tenants are recruited, Johnny Harrison of Lexus of Glendale discuss how cash for clunkers combined with the economic downturn affected car sales and leases, Marty Sklar of Disney Imagineering remember Walt Disney’s grand vision and leadership style, and Glendale City Council member Laura Friedman talk about her work to bring businesses and jobs to the city.

VIP tours of Dreamworks Studios, Glendale Memorial’s Heart Center, the Verdugo Fire Communications Center, and other prominent facilities in the city were also part of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce class, which ran from October to May with meetings once a month and occasional special sessions.

2009-2010 class members (I was one) heard leaders confronting the most difficult economic environment they’d ever experienced. Johnny Harrison of Lexus of Glendale was donating much-needed supplies to Glendale schools, as he had so liberally in the past, even while his business was suffering. Salvation Army Captain Rio Ray and other local charity directors were mobilizing to serve far more people as resources and donations continued to shrink. From retail, to real estate, to education, the ‘leadership’ aspect of the class was especially prominent in 2009-2010.

Glendale Chamber of Commerce Dean of Special Projects Vic Pallos shepherded and mentored the class, and encouraged us to ask tough questions.

Each year, students are required to develop and complete a community service project, and we managed to complete two projects: upgrading therapy rooms at Verdugo Mental Health Care and College View School.

The Glendale Chamber of Commerce is recruiting now for next year’s class. Early application discount deadline is Friday, September 24 (for $1,000 discount tuition). Regular tuition is $1,200. The class will begin with breakout sessions October 15-16, 2010, and two meetings the following month. November 3 (right after the election), will be the “Day in Government” agenda, and scheduled meetings with Congressman Adam Schiff, local state representatives, Mayor Ara Najarian, City Manager Jim Starbird and city department heads. The November 17 agenda has a “Glendale Business” theme, including updates with management of the Glendale Galleria (new senior General Manager Chris Bilotto), The Americana at Brand and Brand Boulevard of Cars.

Check out the program Fact Sheet, Brochure, and Application, all on the Glendale Chamber of Commerce website, for more information.