The Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce is now taking applications for one of its most valuable programs, Leadership Beaufort.

The Leadership program offers participants an up-close, in-depth look at all aspects of life in our community, including topics such as city and county government, education, health resources, non-profit organizations, law enforcement, the courts, and economic diversity.

Leadership is not a program unique to Beaufort County. It has proven to be a fun, educational and rewarding program in many different communities, all of them interested in developing informed and motivated leadership talent.

It’s a great introduction to the community for people who recently relocated here, but life-long residents have also lauded the program as rewarding and enlightening.

Many participants point to relationships built with their Leadership Beaufort classmates as an unexpected bonus.

As a graduate of the program in 2012, that was certainly my experience as well.

The Leadership Beaufort program is well worth the $400 tuition, which covers course materials, lunch during each session and transportation during various parts of the program.

Participation also requires full commitment to attend eight all-day sessions and a graduation event. Realizing the value of the program, many local employers are supportive of this time commitment. Some even offer tuition support.

If you have any interest in exploring different aspects of your community, networking with others and developing your leadership potential, I encourage you to apply for the 2014 class of Leadership Beaufort. You won’t regret it.

Deadline for applications is Feb. 1, 2014. Applications can be picked up at the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce in downtown Washington or downloaded from the chamber website, www.wbcchamber.com. For more information, call 252-946-9168.

Ashley Vansant is publisher of the Washington Daily News. He can be reached at ashley.vansant@thewashingtondailynews.com.