Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce - Michigan

The Rollie Denison Leadership Institute is a 9-month, intensive educational program to prepare individuals to be the leaders of the future in the greater Mt. Pleasant area. It is sponsored by the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce and named after G.R. “Rollie” Denison, who was known as “Mr. Mt. Pleasant.”

Rollie Denison truly personified the epitome of both community and industry leader – not only through his commitment, dedication, integrity and tireless involvement, but also through the genuine compassion he felt for all. The Chamber has a special program each year to name the “Citizen of the Year.” Many would agree that Rollie could have won this honor every year. The Mt. Pleasant community was truly blessed to have Rollie among us and in his honor our Leadership Institute is dedicated to him.

G. R. "Rollie" Denison

Leadership Institute participants learn about the many facets of the Mt. Pleasant community including: Leadership Styles and Practices, Leadership Philosophies, Technology, Economic Development, Healthcare, Education, Judicial / Criminal Justice System, Business Ethics, Business Law, Cultural Diversity, Listening Skills, Legislative Affairs / State Government (tour of the Capitol), Public Speaking, and Media Relations. The speakers for each topic area are experts in their fields and give the “perspective from the top.”

In many communities, the key civic, business, and government leaders consider themselves too busy to make presentations like these, so they send a subordinate staff member to represent the agency or organization. In Mt. Pleasant we have dedicated leaders that recognize the importance of the Leadership Institute. They make themselves available to make the formal presentations. As a result, over the nine-month program Rollie Denison Leadership Institute participants develop an incredible network of high-level contacts on which they can call for the remainder of their careers in the Mt. Pleasant community.

Graduate Network: A second important network is the Leadership Class itself. Through the intense, interactive programs, participants get to know each other and often become life-long friends, maintaining the friendships and contacts long after graduation. The Rollie Denison Leadership Institute programs are conducted every other year beginning in September of even-numbered years, and ending in May of the following year. Class size is limited to 24 individuals. During this period, the group meets for one full day per month for nine months.

Facilitators: For the class of 2008-2009, the Chamber will provide a professional facilitator, Ms. Lynne Scheible of Scheible Seminars, to provide facilitation for the sessions. Lynne has been successfully facilitating the Mecosta County Chamber’s leadership program for five years. She brings years of strong expertise in community curriculum and leadership development to the program. Lynne has a Master’s Degree in Education, 17 years of experience in the training industry and is currently working on a master’s degree in organizational development.

Lists of Graduates: The Chamber maintains a list of the Rollie Denison Leadership Institute graduates and makes it available to people and organizations that are looking for the best volunteer leaders to guide their organization.

2008-2009 Course Schedule
Thursday August 15, 2008 8 - 10 a.m. - Orientation
Thursday September 18, 2008 1 - 10 p.m. - Inaugural Session
Friday September 19, 2008 - Class I
Friday October 17, 2008 - Class II
Friday November 21, 2008 - Class III
Friday December 19, 2008 - Class IV
Friday January 16, 2009 - Class V
Friday February 20, 2009 - Class VI
Friday March 10, 2009 - Class VII
Friday April 17, 2009 - Class VIII
Thursday May 14, 2009 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Final Class
(Graduation Dinner from 7 - 9:30 p.m.)

*All class sessions run from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. unless otherwise stated

To add your name to the waiting list for the next session please email Lisa Hadden, President & CEO, or call the Chamber office:
(989) 772-2396.