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QUINCY, ILL. -- The Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce’s leadership academy program, Leadership Quincy, will have a new-and-improved format this year.

The program now consists of an orientation, five full-day sessions, and a graduation luncheon.

In addition, participants will complete out-of-class projects and assignments.

The new format of Leadership Quincy will provide participants with in-depth studies of specific topics as they relate to the community.

These sessions include tours, speakers and interactive programs designed to facilitate a better understanding of community issues and a greater appreciation of community resources.

Topics include: economic development; government; arts; health & human services; education; technology; media relations; and volunteer service.

Tentatively scheduled tours include: Quincy Riverfront; Lock and Dam #21; Quincy Junior High School; Quincy Community Theatre; Quincy Herald-Whig; Adams County Health Department; and a wind energy farm.

The 2009 Leadership Quincy program also includes a trip to the Tri-State Development Summit, which attracts community leaders from Western Illinois, Southeast Iowa, and Northeast Missouri to discuss economic development.

Team building exercises and leadership skill building opportunities round out the program.

Leadership Quincy will kick off Wednesday, Aug. 19, with an afternoon orientation.

Sessions will be held Sept. 16 and 30, Oct. 14 and 28, and Nov. 18.

Sessions begin at 8:00 a.m. and end by 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted; lunch will be provided.

As a prerequisite, participants will be required to complete an online Profiles Performance Indicator ™ assessment survey, which is designed to help them identify and make full use of their strengths, become aware of any areas that could be limiting their effectiveness, and achieve greater success by utilizing the information.

A full explanation of how to put the results to work will be included in the orientation program.

In addition, participants will be required to complete out-of-class assignments, such as attending civic meetings and visiting Quincy museums, as well as a communityfocused team project.

Participants will also complete a mock media interview on camera outside of normal class time.

Leadership Quincy applicants must have full support from their business/organization.

The cost is $229 for Chamber members if registered by Aug. 7 and $259 after Aug. 7.

Leadership Quincy is limited to 20 participants.

Call the Chamber at 222-7980 for more information or visit www.quincychamber.org.