The Effingham Chamber of Commerce is kicking off the new year for the Leadership Effingham program.

“This year we continue with big changes to our Leadership Effingham program made last year,” said Chamber president Dinah King. “We are going to limit our class size to 15 members and although our membership fee is going up to $150, each class member will now receive a Chamber Associate Membership as well. We hope members will continue their affiliation with the Chamber.”

Nominations for this year’s Leadership class are now being accepted through Aug 26. Nomination forms and information are available by contacting the Effingham Chamber. Class will be held every second Thursday of the month from October through June and dinner is provided for each session.

The Leadership Effingham program is designed to educate a new group of citizens each year to the inner workings of the county, municipal governments, education system, hospital, judicial system, social services, industrial sites and more. This provides a growing pool of informed citizens available to serve on local boards and organizations.

Class members will visit a local industrial plant in addition to the classroom sessions.

Chamber Director Rick Lott said he encourages local businesses to nominate employees for the new class.

“The Leadership program is one of the Chamber’s most important programs since it educates new people in how the county operates,” he said. “It really opens most people’s eyes to how things work in the real world.”

For more information, contact the Chamber at beckyshea@effinghamcounty.com or call 754-3301 for forms or information.