Announcing the 40th Class of Leadership Dallas

The Dallas Regional Chamber is pleased to announce the 40th class of Leadership Dallas, the premier leadership development program in the region.

“The Leadership Dallas Class of 2015 has been selected based on their commitment to the Dallas community as well as their high potential for leadership,” said Dale Petroskey, President and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber.  “We are proud to welcome these talented, committed individuals into the program, and look forward to working with them.  Leadership Dallas is a real commitment, and these individuals will spend many hours gaining a deeper understanding of what makes the Dallas region a great place to live, work, and play.  When their year is completed, each one of them will better appreciate this community, be in a better position to play a leadership role in helping make the Dallas region even better than it already is, and gain some life-long friends and colleagues.”

Dear 2014 Leadership Dallas Class …

By: Kari Nelson, Director of Leadership

To my first Leadership Dallas Class,

What a journey this has been! How excited were you as you walked into a room full of strangers at Retreat back in September? You were about to embark on a journey together that you could only believe would be worth it. I promise – I was more nervous than any of you. It was my first day working for the DRC, my first class, and the first time I had ventured west of Fort Worth in the 15 months I had lived in Texas. Here I was, the new Leadership Dallas Director, and I knew very little about Dallas. How was I going to support you and live up to the standard of the DRC and Leadership Dallas? Much like you, I chose to dive right in and learn as much as I could about our region in hopes of making it a better place.

Over the past 10 months, I have watched as you have dug deep into the story of Dallas to prepare for a future as leaders of this great region. I am proud of the progress you’ve made and the pride you have for our region that will carry it to new and exciting places. Some of you, like me, are Dallas transplants and know there is still a lot to learn. Others are Dallas natives, who came to realize that there is so much more to learn about the region than you ever expected.

After getting to know each other and the program logistics, we started with “Past, Present, Future Day” to get a deeper understanding as to how Dallas came to be the great region we know and love today, and where we are going in the years ahead. In the months that followed, you took hold of your development, explored the depths of our region, and acknowledged the challenges we face going forward – all while doing your day jobs and raising your families.

Through your exploration of education, government, politics, media, criminal justice, human services, healthcare, regionalism, arts and culture, you found passions inside yourselves that you didn’t even realize were there. You’ve already embraced them and are going to work to make a difference in Dallas. You are leveraging your resources and networks, and challenging others to do the same, for the good of our region and the people we serve. You are an inspiration to me and others, and you should be proud of the work you’re doing. But it isn’t over yet; in fact, it’s just beginning.

Each of you started this journey with unique perspectives shaped by your life experiences. Your potential was laid out in front of you, waiting to be reached. Through this experience, you have increased your capacity, expanded your network, and challenged the very ideals that made you. Your future potential is far greater than it was when you walked into your first day of Retreat last September. Your collective potential impact is immeasurable. Dallas is lucky to have you fighting for it.

Thank you for being my first class and for helping me to learn more about this great place I call home. Your patience, trust, friendship, and faith have been unwavering and more than I could have ever asked. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with you this past year and I look forward to many more years together in the Leadership Dallas Alumni Association.

Sincerely,

Kari

From the President’s Desk: The Wind Is at Our Backs

By Dale Petroskey, President & CEO

In the short time I’ve been at the helm of the Chamber, I’ve been incredibly impressed. I’m impressed with all the great programs and events the Chamber hosted, and I’m impressed with how infused in the city the Chamber is. But mostly I’m impressed with the incredible commitment of the volunteers from our member companies.

In the last two months I’ve come to realize it is our members who make the Dallas region such a great place to live and work. There are so many people committed to the strength and vibrancy of the region! And those individuals donate their time and effort by sitting on our board, actively participating on our councils and committees, and supporting our initiatives, making the Chamber a success. They do it because it helps their companies – and for the good of the Dallas region. It’s a humbling experience to be part of something that makes such a wonderful impact on a city and region that my family and I have grown to love.

This volunteer commitment has made the successes of the last two months possible.

Fifty business leaders from throughout the region attended our trip to D.C. with the Fort Worth Chamber to meet with the legislative delegation. This unified approach to legislative issues that are key to the region exponentially increases the impact we can have in Austin and Washington.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx chose our headquarters as the venue to address Dallas business leaders on his recent tour to discuss transportation funding. His message was music to our ears as we prepare to support Proposition One, a transportation funding initiative on the ballot in Texas this fall.

The Chamber’s Leadership programs – Young Professionals, Leadership Dallas, Leadership Dallas Alumni, Executive Women’s Roundtable, and Senior Executive Briefing – all hosted significant events and met new milestones in April and May. It has been a pleasure getting to know these programs, a wonderful way to support our future leaders and provide them with a springboard to give back.

Toyota announced its upcoming move to the North Texas region in April, and the Chamber had the opportunity to support them during the decision-making process. The groundwork for this exciting announcement was done long before I arrived at the Chamber. It was the efforts of Amb. James Oberwetter and key community leaders like Ray Hunt and Margaret Spellings, Chamber staffers like Sarah Carabias-Rush, Jessica Heer and Mike Rosa, and the city officials in Plano that helped make this announcement possible. I look forward to working with everyone to provide continued support to Toyota as it transitions its teams to the area.

The Chamber’s commitment to education has also been front and center in recent months. We hosted the State of Higher Education event in April, providing a platform for seven of North Texas’ university leaders to discuss higher education challenges and opportunities throughout the region with 200 influential business leaders in the room. In May, Dallas ISD and the Teacher Excellence Initiative (TEI)were our focus, and I had the privilege of advocating for TEI in front of the Board of Trustees. We are pleased this groundbreaking effort will be incorporated into Dallas ISD operations this fall.

When I look back over my calendar from the last few months, these events and initiatives are just the tip of the iceberg. But it is when I look ahead that I start to get really excited.

Our greatest opportunity at the Chamber is in membership. There are still a lot of companies who don’t know all the Chamber has to offer. When they learn about how the Chamber can help them and their companies, and that they can positively impact the business climate simply by getting involved, most of those I talk with want to join. I’m excited about more companies becoming part of the Dallas region’s business family. I’m even more excited about those companies who are already members getting closer to us and even more connected to all the different ways they can be involved.

The beautiful thing is, in Dallas, we have the wind to our backs. The whole world is beginning to realize the Dallas region is a great place to do business. Now is the time to cement our future and grow so that future generations will have even more opportunities and have a great quality of life here. Let’s work together to build an even stronger economic juggernaut that can never be stopped.

Last Week to Apply for Leadership Dallas

Time is running out! This is the last week for individuals to submit their application for consideration to participate in the Leadership Dallas Class of 2015. All application components, including references and employer participation agreements, are due no later than 5:00pm on Friday, May 9, 2014. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please click here for more information about the application process.

Leadership Dallas was founded in 1975 by the Dallas Regional Chamber to provide our city with an ongoing source of diverse leaders who are prepared and committed to serve as catalysts of positive change for the quality of life in the Greater Dallas area. The program enables participants to develop their leadership capacities, build strong relationships and prepare themselves for the challenges of the years to come.

Each year up to 55 individuals are selected to participate in a ten-month educational program that consists of a two-day retreat, nine monthly day-long sessions, monthly preliminary assignments and a class project. Participants receive in-depth exposure to critical issues facing the greater Dallas community. Leadership Dallas gives professionals unprecedented networking opportunities, while building motivation to positively impact the community.

Announcing the 38th Class of Leadership Dallas

By Amy Ramos, Managing Director, Communications

The Dallas Regional Chamber is proud to announce the 38th class of Leadership Dallas, the regions premier leadership development program.

“We are pleased to announce the 54 individuals who have been selected to join the Leadership Dallas class of 2013,” said Jim Oberwetter, president and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber. “Each of the individuals joining the class have demonstrated a strong dedication to supporting the communities where they live and work, and a wide range of businesses, industries and experiences are represented. This diversity will help to provide a unique set of ideals and viewpoints to explore as the class develops a deeper understanding of the issues impacting our region and grows as leaders. We are excited about the impact these leaders will have in the future.”

Each year up to 55 individuals are selected to participate in the ten-month educational program designed to enable participants to develop their leadership capabilities while building strong relationships with fellow classmates.

My Leadership Dallas Experience

By Mitchell Savage, Aperia Solutions, Leadership Dallas Class of 2012

John Quincy Adams, knew something about leadership.

Aside from being our sixth President of the United States, he also served as a Congressman, an American diplomat, and Secretary of State, all during times of spectacular evolution.  He negotiated to draw the American border with Canada, secured Florida from Spanish possession, and drafted the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812.

Leadership Dallas Class Day with Bill Lively

It was also John Quincy Adams who said “If your actions inspire other to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are a leader.”

Seeing a greater dream for our beloved home of Dallas, learning, doing, and becoming more is the essence of the Leadership Dallas experience.  It is no coincidence that most alumni report that most of their best friends, associates, and business partners have emerged from their own class and from being active in the alumni group.

Leadership Dallas is an essential growth and discovery experience for anyone committed to making Dallas the most economically prosperous region, and the most desirable place to live and work in the United States.

An interview with Shannon Nail

By Ivanna D. Summer Communications Intern.

Congratulations to the Leadership Dallas Class of 2011!

On Friday, June 3rd the Leadership Dallas Class of 2011 successfully completed the leadership development program after attending Debrief Class Day at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children followed by a Graduation Party at The Cantoni House later that evening.

This year’s class project benefitted Turtle Creek Recovery Center with a complete makeover of the living quarters for those housed at the center including bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas. Special thanks to all of those who donated and contributed to the success of the 2011 Class Project!

Only 10 days left to submit your 2012 Leadership Dallas Application!

Do you have what it takes to join an influential group of Dallas leaders?  Leadership Dallas was created in 1975 to provide leadership development to select group of Dallas’ next leaders. Each year up to 55 individuals are selected by committee to serve in the 10-month development program.  Participants receive in-depth exposure to the critical issues facing the community through lectures, discussion groups, on-site visits, simulations, and other leadership development activities.  Issues to be addressed during the program include human services, government & politics, economic development, health care, criminal justice, education, and arts & culture. The program enables participants to develop their leadership capacities, build strong relationships, and prepare themselves for the challenges of the years to come. 

Leadership Dallas Class of 2012 Applications Available!

Founded in 1975, Leadership Dallas is the flagship program of the Dallas Regional Chamber for leadership development and is aimed at increasing the leadership pool for community activities in the Dallas area. Approximately 55 executives complete the Leadership Dallas program in each class, and alumni include Dallas ISD Trustee Jack Lowe, Texas Representative Rafael Anchia and Trade Representative Ron Kirk.