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

"This year there are some big changes to our Leadership Effingham program," said Chamber president Talbert Edenfield. "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 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.

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.