Aeda and Arvada Chamber of Commerce Applaud the 2010-2011 Leadership Arvada Class

On June 16, 2011, the second Leadership Arvada graduating class was honored for successfully completing the program. Participants included 23 Arvada-based business and community leaders. Facilitated in partnership with the Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) and Arvada Chamber of Commerce, the program again received positive feedback from class members and community officials alike.

Started in 2009 by AEDA and the Chamber, Leadership Arvada is a nine-month program in which participants learn about the many components that make Arvada a special community to live, work and play. The program includes hands-on experiences relative to the  inner workings of City government, giving class members a competitive edge while honing their leadership skills.  Class participants represented local business owners, city employees, nonprofit organizations and service club members. 

"Our class was made up of leaders in our respective fields who have a vested interested in what makes the City of Arvada unique," said Ron Slinger, director of development for Red Rocks Community College and class participant. "We were privileged to have the opportunity to learn about all the City has to offer and experience hands-on what makes Arvada a great environment in which to live and do business." 

The class was also required to complete a group project that benefited the Arvada community. This year's class collaborated with the Apex Park and Recreation District Foundation to raise money for a community project to enhance the lives of Arvada's senior citizens. The class raised more than $12,000 to make improvements to the Apex Community Recreation Center, including:

·        Installing assisted/personal hearing devices in McCormick Hall

·        Installing automated door openers for the restrooms in McCormick Hall

·        Updating the center's cardio and fitness room with a wall mural and new sound system

·        Installing a new bulletin board designed for the visually-impaired

"The Apex Park and Recreation District was honored to partner with this year's Leadership Arvada class to enhance the Apex Community Recreation Center," said Nancy Wellnitz, manager for the Apex Community Recreation Center. "On behalf of everyone at Apex, we are very appreciative of the time and effort the class put into this project. The improvements have already made a big difference to the seniors who utilize the community recreation center." 

AEDA and the Chamber are now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 Leadership Arvada class that begins in September. Interested parties should contact the Chamber by calling 303-424-0313 or visit www.arvadachamber.org or www.aeda.biz to download an application.