Registration is now open for West Virginia University Extension Service’s Community Leadership Academy, an opportunity for leaders from across West Virginia to gather, share ideas and learn methods about how to utilize resources to develop and grow their communities.

The conference, developed by WVU Extension’s Community Resources and Economic Development program, takes place Oct. 1 – 3 at the Lakeview Resort and Conference Center in Morgantown.

Online registration is available at cla-wv.org. Cost is $175 for participants registered before Sept. 5, and $225 after. Student and group discount rates are available. Participants who register before Sept. 5 are entered to win two tickets and one parking pass to the WVU football game at home against Kansas on Oct. 4.

The Academy is intended for all levels of community leadership across West Virginia, from city and county officials to local business owners who are interested in the prosperity of their communities.

The programming is designed to help those leaders understand current, complex issues that are affecting communities across the state, and how to personally grow and form effective leadership strategies to tackle those issues.

“Effective leadership has to be dynamic, it has to adapt and fill the knowledge gaps that arise from new laws, social trends and economic situations,” said WVU Extension Service Leadership, Community Resources and Economic Development Specialist Kelly Nix. “The Community Leadership Academy allows all types of leaders – governmental, non-profit and business – to come together, collaborate and inspire solutions to address these issues, not only for the betterment for their own communities, but also for all communities across the state.”

Speakers include WVU Athletic Director Oliver Luck, Douglas Smith, executive director of the Sulzberger Fellowship and blogger for the Harvard Business Review and James Hunt, former Clarksburg mayor and the president of the National League of Cities.

Participants can tailor their experience to best suit their individual and community’s needs with breakout sessions featuring 40 unique speakers. The sessions will address topics in collaboration, leadership styles, community development, community health issues, media relations and economic strategy.

The Academy is organized by WVU Extension Service in partnership with the West Virginia Community Development Hub; West Virginia Association of Counties; and County Commissioners’ Association of West Virginia.

Additional details, including itinerary and breakout session information is available at cla-wv.org. Robin Frost, WVU Extension program coordinator, can also be contacted for information at 304-293-4318 or Robin.Frost@mail.wvu.edu.

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CONTACT: Cassie Waugh, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Waugh@mail.wvu.edu

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