BLI
WHAT IS BLI?
Started in 1988, and now celebrating its 24th Anniversary with the BLI Class of 2011, Broome Leadership Institute is a GBEOP sponsored program that draws prospective leaders from a cross section of the community. Its purpose is to stimulate these promising individuals to work more effectively within their own spheres of interest and influence and to expand their civic and community activity. It seeks to foster a network of leaders who are committed to understanding and improving the quality of living in our region.
GOALS OF BLI INCLUDE:
1 - To deliver programs which touch most major issues of our community, including the discussion of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and to present a balanced perspective from key individuals and objective observers.
2 - To build a network of participants which will expand the range of associations of each member and which will be maintained beyond the duration of the program.
3 - To develop and foster a higher level of civic and community concern by participants. To stimulate the interest of participants in civic agencies and community organizations.
BENEFITS:
• Enhanced leadership skills
• A network of community contacts
• Increased understanding and awareness of community issues
• Opportunity to play a key role in efforts to enhance the economic and social development of the area
• New friendships and working relationships
PARTICIPANTS:
Each BLI class is comprised of 20 selected candidates that reflect the diversity of the community and represent a cross section of business, government, education and non-profit organizations. They bring with them varying degrees of volunteer experience and demonstrate an interest in community service. A committee of the BLI Advisory Board will make the selection based on the completed application and interview.
COMMITMENT:
True leaders are serious about their commitments, and with only 20 spaces in the program, commitment to participate fully is essential. The Orientation Retreat is mandatory and class members must attend 75% or more of all sessions to graduate from the program. Graduates are encouraged to get involved with community organizations and will be added to our Alumni directory of over 400 graduates.
Twelve full-day sessions are held on 1st, 3rd and/or 5th Thursdays from 8:30am through 4:30pm. In addition, class members will participate in a team-building retreat, and identify a group community service project that they can work on after their March graduation from the program.
TUITION:
Tuition is $1250 for Chamber members and $1500 for non-members. This covers all costs for meals, materials, supplies, the orientation retreat and graduation. Tuition may be paid by the participant or his/her employer. A limited number of partial scholarships provided by BLI Alumni may be available on a financial need basis. A deposit of $100 must accompany the application.
2010-2011 CALENDAR:
Retreat - September 17 or 24
October 7 and 21
November 4 and 18
December 2 and 16
January 6 and 20
February 3 and 17
March 3 and 17
Graduation - March 24
PROGRAM TOPICS:
• Arts
• Board Development
• Broome County History
• Business and Industry
• Chamber of Commerce
• Community Insight / Current Issues
• Community Service Fair
• Courts and the Penal System
• Cultural Diversity
• Education
• Economic Development
• Ethics
• Government
• Leadership
• Health Care
• Human/Social Services
• Media and Communications
• Sports and Recreation
Each session provides a behind the scenes look at our community learning how it works, who makes it work, what problems we face and learning how and where we can help. Sessions are designed to immerse participants in the topic of the day by holding the session at an appropriate site and inviting key people in that topic area to be presenters. Program activities include tours, lecture, discussion, group interaction, and enrichment opportunities.
How well do you think you know this community? Are you willing to help make it a better place? Then apply for BLI!
The BLI Class of 2010 graduated in March 2010. Here's what some of the recent BLI grads are saying about their experience:
“BLI was an incredibly eye opening experience. Each of the speakers (as well as the class participants themselves!) told us things that few of us were aware of even though many of us have lived here for years. BLI provides the first step: awareness, the next step is to take action to get involved and help the community.”
Scott P. Engleman, BLI Class of 2010, Functional Manager zFW Development – Systems and Technology Group, IBM
“An exceptional experience to get involved in all our community has to offer and see how other organizations operate. There are many powerful and exciting things happening right here in our community and many of us who have lived here our entire lives never knew. It’s been an uplifting opportunity to me to learn and now hopefully share with others all the greatness that Broome County has to offer. We have so much to be thankful for and so much to offer if we’re willing to actually see it for what it is…. Thank you for sharing the experience with me and helping me form an educated opinion on our community. I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride.”
Tricia M. Matthews, BLI Class of 2010, Director Patient Access, Central Scheduling and Medical Transcription, Lourdes Hospital
“I found that the BLI program helped me to develop a deeper understanding of the organizations that I was only just superficially aware of, as well as introducing me to many great organizations and people that I was not aware of even after spending so many years of my life in this community. The BLI program has validated my decision to return to this area after a 5 year hiatus in another state. My already firm commitment to the future success of our area has increased exponentially.”
Joshua Miller, BLI Class of 2010, Business Development, Miller Motor Car Corp.
“Being new to this community, upon my arrival into Broome County I had very few opportunities to build a network of trusted relationships outside of work. Becoming a member of the BLI immediately provided me with countless opportunities to contribute to the community, opened my eyes to the many hidden gems throughout the county, but most importantly, provided at least 20 new, unexpected friendships for which I am truly grateful.”
Donna Neary, BLI Class of 2010, Director, Quality and Customer Service, Emerson Network Power
"BLI…It’s a behind the scenes tour of our county. A chance to network and get to know those who believe in this community as much as I do. I’ve made lasting friendships with the future leaders of our towns. I’ve seen what makes the community tick."
J. Kipp Patterson, BLI Class of 2010,Vice President, Vestal Tile Distributors
