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Download the 2010 Ambassador Program Application
The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce is currently recruiting participants for the Pine City Ambassador Junior Leadership Program.
The program is designed to develop youth leadership skills that will enable the students to work and serve their community. Students from diverse backgrounds gain an expanded knowledge of their communities, develop new relationships, and acquire skills in order to assure a more active and effective volunteer role.
The monthly workshops are facilitated by a faculty of experienced community leaders and professionals. A variety of learning methods including tours, onsite visitations, presenters, role-playing and skills practice sessions are incorporated.
Topics throughout the nine-month program include Leadership Skills Development I & II, Business & Industry Day, Local Government, State Government and Economic Development. Students also attend a one-day retreat to get acquainted as the ambassador “team” and participate in team building activities.
The students also assist with the Chamber’s special events. These include the Back to School Breakfast, Annual Meeting, Fall Festival, Christmas Parade, Spring Clean-Up and Graduation.
“The objective of the program is to build awareness of the current challenges and opportunities that exist in our community. The students become passionate about working with one another to step forward and assume leadership roles in our area.” said Chamber Director, LaShaunda Holly.
Jackson High School, Jackson Academy and Leroy High School received applications for the program this week and will begin distribution immediately to interested students. Any student who is a junior is eligible to apply for the program. Applications can also be picked up from the Chamber Monday thru Friday from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM.
All application packets must be returned or postmarked by Friday, March 26th to the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Selection Committee will review the applications and choose a group of finalists to be interviewed. Each school will be granted positions in the program based on Junior class (11th Grade) enrollment. There are 16 students selected to participate in the program.
The 2010-2011 program will run from July 2010 through April 2011.
 The Pine City Ambassadors attended an Economic Development workshop held at the Merchants Bank main office in Jackson, Alabama. Guest speakers from Merchants Bank included Joe Bedwell, Executive Vice President; and Althea Thomas, Public Relations Officer.
“We have purposely maintained a steady and rapid growth. Our mission is to continue the practices that have earned us a reputation for friendliness, honesty and financial soundness,” said Joe Bedwell, Executive Vice President, Merchants Bank.
“In terms of economic development and the local economy, most business owners are focused on keeping their doors open. We are community minded and committed to providing services that are beneficial to our customers,” said Althea Thomas, Public Relations Officer, Merchants Bank.
Mayor Richard Long defined economic development on local terms. “The City of Jackson has so much to be proud of. We are in the process of building a new Senior Citizens Center, just completed the White Smith Memorial Library project, have completed the new spec building on Hwy 177 and are actively seeking other industrial prospects,” said Mayor Long.
After a question and answer session, the ambassadors were treated to refreshments, a tour and goody bags filled with Merchants Bank marketing materials. “We are so appreciative of Merchants Bank for sponsoring our workshop and for their commitment to our Chamber and community, said LaShaunda Holly, Executive Director, Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Pine City Ambassador Junior Leadership Program is designed to develop youth leadership skills that will enable its participants to work and serve in their communities. It includes 16 high school seniors from Jackson High School, Jackson Academy, Leroy High School and Solid Rock Christian School.
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