BEDFORD — Local professionals, business leaders, and community members have only a few days remaining to apply for the upcoming Leadership Lawrence County (LLC) 2026–2027 program. The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce has issued a final call for applications, with the registration deadline set for Friday, September 4, at 4:00 p.m.
First established in 1986, Leadership Lawrence County is a long-standing civic development program designed to foster leadership skills, build community engagement, and strengthen regional networking.
Program Overview and Topics
The program runs for nine months, from September through May. Participants meet one Friday per month to examine a wide array of sectors that drive Lawrence County and the surrounding region. Key areas of focus throughout the course include:
- Tourism Development
- Non-Profit and Philanthropy
- Economic Development
- Local and State Government
- Small Business Development
- Professional Leadership Development
As part of the curriculum, participants will travel to the Indiana Statehouse to engage directly with state representatives, meet local municipal officials and business leaders, and tour critical community infrastructure.
Alumni Perspectives
Graduates of the program highlight the unique personal and professional insights gained through the nine-month experience:
“I enjoyed LLC and my fellow classmates, spending our nine months learning about and exploring our community. Our trip to tour the jail stands out… Even if you’ve grown up here, you will be surprised at how much there is to learn about tourist attractions, history, non-profits, and more. It is also a great networking space, both professionally and personally.”
— Ashley Gilstrap, Class of 2023
“[LLC] is a great place to learn from the business leaders in this community who have created a legacy through their work… I was able to meet people whom I may not have crossed paths with on a regular basis, and today, who are still dear friends. I highly recommend the investment of time with the LLC.”
— Eugene Kim, Class of 2013
“I wasn’t sure what to expect from this program, but quickly realized how valuable it was for me. Not originally from Lawrence County, I didn’t have much knowledge about what our community had to offer… I not only learned about our local government, businesses, and charities, but was able to gain friendships with amazing people!”
— Ashley Ingram, Class of 2023
Application Details
- Application Deadline: Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
- Tuition: $400 (covers all meals, program materials, and transportation for monthly excursions)
Prospective participants or employers looking to sponsor an employee can download an official application directly online. For additional information or questions, contact the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce by emailing Sally at member@bedfordchamber.com.
