Leadership Torrance

“Leadership Torrance exceeded my expectations. The program is not only challenging and rewarding, but also afforded me opportunities to network and connect with political leaders, business and the community.” - Leslie Cortez, LT Class of 2009 Community Development Department City of Torrance

Since 1984, the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce has been a key component in supporting the development of leaders within our community through Leadership Torrance. As a participant you will see leadership in action within our city’s past, present and future through our eight-month long program starting in January with a mixer and welcome orientation and culminating in August with graduation.

Each class defines leadership differently through experiences such as History Day, City Day, County Day, and our visit to our state capitol in Sacramento. You will also learn about our local education, non-profit, business, and healthcare communities. Additionally, a portion of the curriculum will include the creation and implementation of a group community project.

As one of the “crown jewels” within the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Torrance gives current and emerging leaders the opportunity to access key city and community dignitaries they would normally not be able to meet

VISION
To create visibility for leaders and build a stronger community.

MISSION
To develop effective leaders by encouraging community connections through partnerships with city officials and local businesses.

OBJECTIVES AND BENEFITS

1. Network with influential leaders of the South Bay:
   Build a great rapport with highly motivated and aspiring leaders in the community while discovering innovative ways to enhance interpersonal relationships through networking and collaboration.
2. Engage in highly visible activities while making an impact in Torrance:
   Increase your awareness of the Torrance community and its infrastructure (business, political, educational, non-profit, etc.) to identify challenges and opportunities by examining factors affecting everyday life in the city.
3. Discover and/or enhance your leadership abilities:
   Develop your leadership skills and understanding of various leadership styles through course materials, discussions with current leaders, and “hands-on” activities in developing a community project to benefit Torrance.
4. Elevate your business relationship within the community:
   Examine the principles and best practices from various organizations within the community to help promote and increase your business.

HOW IT WORKS

Leadership Torrance achieves its objectives by combining learning and doing with a strong focus on leadership through a series of daylong sessions spread over an eight-month time period. We will expose you to an impressive array of speakers representing the power base of the South Bay, as well as provide access to many closed-door areas of our infrastructure. You will complete the program with a much deeper insight into the South Bay’s rich history and understand the current issues facing different sectors of the community. The process provides you with ample opportunities to “fast track” your networking circle in all areas.

Leadership Torrance provides you with access to leaders in:

• Torrance & South Bay Businesses
• City, County, State and Government
• Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce
• South Bay Community Organizations
  

Class of 2012 Schedule*

January 19
February 2
February 16
March 1
March 25-26
April 5
April 19
May 24
June 7
June 26
July 19
August 2

*Dates subject to change

Upon graduation, you will become part of the Leadership Torrance Alumni Association, broadening your circle of contacts even more than your 25-30 classmates that were in your class.

Leadership Torrance is unique because each class chooses the leaders for the next year’s class. These are the people that they feel will do a great job representing their class, planning the program for the next year, and continue their legacy on to the next generation of Leadership Torrance students. The Class of 2012 will be led by:

Larry Takahashi, Executive Director
(424) 247-7268; larry@larrytakahashi.com

JC Bass, Co-Director
(213) 639-7630; JCBass@ymcala.org

Josh Thomas, Co-Director
(310) 647-7224; josh@southbayequity.com

Apply for Leadership Torrance 2012! Click here for more information. Click here for the application form.

Torrance Chamber Office
3400 Torrance Blvd., Suite 100
Torrance, CA 90503
Tel: 310-540-5858
Fax: 310-540-7662

Applications are due by January 13, 2012.