Leadership Torrance alumni are greeted by chamber members at the 2015 Alumni Mixer.
Excitement is in the air as a mixer to recognize alumni of Leadership Torrance has been set for Wednesday, September 25th, poolside at the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance – South Bay. The event will welcome all graduates of Leadership Torrance, as well as chamber members. Leadership Torrance is a six month professional development program designed to help current and future business leaders.
“Leadership Torrance gave me a wonderful and important overview of all that our City has to offer its residents and businesses. The special access to leaders and programs within the City was memorable and gave me a great appreciation of Torrance! The friends that I made during my time in the program was absolutely priceless,” stated Anne Lamaire, Executive Director of Operations – Southbay at Providence Little Company of Mary.
Leadership Torrance participants engage in day sessions approximately twice per month, which provide a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding our community. Day sessions include: History Day, Manufacturing and Industry, Education, City and Government Public Safety and more.
“Taking the nervous step and joining Leadership Torrance (LT) was one of the best decisions I have made in my professional career. Throughout the program I was introduced to professionals, who like me, wanted to grow personally and professionally while learning about the local business community operates. I truly believe if you want to provide a service to your community you must know the community. The professional and personal connections I made through LT have been invaluable to my business and personal life. I can truly say that I know the community that I work, live and raise my family in and LT had a lot to do with that,” stated Josh Thomas, South Bay Equity Lending.
Through the Leadership Torrance program, participants will explore and refine their leadership abilities, meet and make connections with leaders in the community, and discover opportunities for community engagement and involvement.
“As a graduate of LT 2004, I will forever be grateful for the experience and the opportunities I embraced as I gradually emerged into a leader within my industry and community. Through my participation, I gained knowledge, strength, security, lasting friendships, and a sense of value. Leadership Torrance provided access to networking, getting involved, professional connections but more importantly, provided personal growth and the realization of how capable I am,” explained Jennifer Olvera, Green Hills Memorial Park.
In addition to the sessions, each Leadership Torrance class selects, plans and implements a project that will impact Torrance and the surrounding community in a positive way. A highlight of the program is a two-day Sacramento trip which includes meetings at the Capitol.
“As a small business owner, who does business exclusively in the South Bay area, Leadership Torrance give me a unique insight in how local government, emergency service, transportation and the Chamber of Commerce all work together to support my growth. I had the opportunity to question local and state politicians, learn about the history of our unique city, visit our state capital and work directly with police and fire to better understand how they serve out city. I highly recommend this opportunity to any business owner for themselves or their employees who wants to better understand these areas and how they can help in long term growth,” stated Larry Halvorsen, Express Employment Professionals.
The Leadership Torrance mixer will reunite graduates from the past 35 years. Alumni and members are welcome to RSVP at www.torrancechamber.com/poolsidemixer or by calling (310) 540-5858.