BLI
WHAT IS BLI?
Started in 1988, and now celebrating its 25th Anniversary with the BLI Class of 2012, 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.
2011-2012 CALENDAR:
Retreat – September 16 or 23
October 6 and 20
November 3 and 17
December 1 and 15
January 5 and 19
February 2 and 16
March 1 and 15
Graduation - March 22
PROGRAM TOPICS:
• Agriculture
• 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 2011 graduated in March 2011. Here's what some of the recent BLI grads are saying about their experience:
“BLI allowed me to experience the community in ways that I've never imagined. Each class provided access to significant organizations and issues that you normally would never have access to BLI is a first-class experience" Susan M. Christensen, BLI Class of 2011, Director of Marketing, Bearsch Compeau Knudson Architects & Engineers PC
“The BLI experience was extremely beneficial for me after just having moved back to the area. It was the perfect tool to help re-connect me to our community. This had tremendous value both personally and professionally As an individual charged with community involvement it was an honor to experience some aspects of our area that many people take for granted.”
Jason Fiume, BLI Class of 2011, Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Roberson Museum & Science Center
“The BLI experience validates that there are many in our community who are sincerely motivated to go out of their way to make the world a better place.”
Art Frenz, Ph.D., BLI Class of 2011, Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice, Endicott, NY
“BLI was a great tool that presented the true benefits and challenges of the area. The BLI Program was greatly beneficial to me because it made me aware of the tremendous potential, resource and talent wise, this community posesses. The BLI Program is a call to action of sorts. The program presents the community you live in with all the benefits and challenges, and forces you to think of ways to enhance it.”
Sebastien Lafontant, BLI Class of 2011, Hardware Design Engineer, IBM
"As a life-long resident of the Binghamton area I thought I knew what our community had to offer. BLI has taught me more about our local resources than I ever knew. The education I have received has been invaluable and an experience that I will forever be grateful for."
Kim A. Stack-Myers, BLI Class of 2011, Vestal Board of Education Member 