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

“Each Leadership class gets so excited with their newfound knowledge of our county,” said Chamber President Scott Hinson. “Each class member will receive a Chamber associate membership as well and we hope members will continue their affiliation with the Chamber.”

Nominations for this year’s class are being accepted through Aug. 24. 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, the 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,” Lott said, “since it educates new people in how the county operates. 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.