The Clermont Chamber of Commerce Foundation has formed a new network of public, private and nonprofit sector leaders to help improve the economic vitality of the community through stewardship, service and friendship.

Members of the network, called LEAD Clermont Academy, will lend their leadership skills to a variety of volunteer efforts on behalf of Clermont’s businesses, social service organizations, faith-based groups, government entities and families.

The Academy draws its members from LEAD Clermont, the Chamber’s eleven-month community leadership development program that has more than 500 graduates, many of whom still live in Clermont and participate on non-profit boards, serve in elected and appointed government positions and volunteer in numerous ways.

Bob Pautke, the Chamber’s Director of LEADership, serves as a member of the Academy’s executive committee along with Letitia Fulkerson, an insurance agent with Letitia Fulkerson State Farm Agency, and Tom Rocklin, Community Liaison, Siemens PLM Software.

According to Mr. Pautke, “The Academy aims to make an impact not only in Clermont County, but also to serve as a regional asset.” He cited creation of the “Stop the Abuse Before It Ever Starts” child abuse prevention program created by 2013 LEAD Clermont graduates as an example.

“Leadership development has been a focus in Clermont County for decades following the publishing of Clermont 2001 over twenty-five years ago,” said Chamber President Matt Van Sant. “The question then and it remains today is that we need more leaders, residents willing to step up and get involved.”

To develop and deploy leadership across a lifetime, the LEAD Clermont curriculum now includes LEAD Ready for high school students, LEAD Emerge for 20-39 year-old leaders, LEAD Classic for community leaders, LEAD Encore for third-act career leaders and LEAD Over for alumni continuing education.

For information on participating in a LEAD Clermont class or in the Academy, contact Mr. Pautke at bob@pautke.com or visit www.clermontchamber.com/lead.