2026 Leadership Batesville Application

The Leadership Batesville Selection Committee seeks to identify individuals most likely to use their leadership abilities for the long-term benefit of the community, extending to Independence County. Current alumni of the program serve in a variety of leadership capacities, and it is expected that any participant be willing to serve if called upon.

The application period for the 2026 Leadership Batesville Class will close on Tuesday, February 17.

Leadership Batesville Application

The Leadership Batesville Selection Committee seeks to identify individuals most likely to use their leadership abilities for the long-term benefit of the community, extending to Independence County. Current alumni of the program serve in a variety of leadership capacities, and it is expected that any participant be willing to serve if called upon to do so.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Batesville Area Leadership Program prepares emerging leaders to serve our community. Through shared experiences and frequent interactions, participants will engage in a nine-month curriculum inspired by IMPACT Independence County.

IMPACT is a strategic plan developed with the input of more than 1,200 area residents. This plan identifies four areas of importance for the overall growth and sustainability of Independence County: Economic Prosperity, Educational Excellence, Placemaking, and Healthy Living and Well-being.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Class participants are highly motivated individuals interested in learning, gaining first-hand experience, and interacting with community leaders, businesses, and organizations. Upon graduation, Independence County will welcome a dynamic group fully equipped to take action and work toward a better community. Priority is given to members of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce.

TIMELINE

The application process for the Batesville Area Leadership Program opens in January. Qualifying participants will be notified in February. All participants will take part in a mandatory overnight retreat in February. Regular monthly programming will take place from March to November. Graduates of the program will be recognized at the Chamber's Annual Meeting in January 2027.

Tues., Mar. 3 - Wed., Mar. 4: Overnight Retreat at the Red Apple Inn
Wed., Apr. 1: State Government Session (Little Rock, AR)
Thurs., May 7: Workforce Development & Poverty Simulation Session
Wed., June 3: Business Expo / Community Engagement
Fri., July 17: Placemaking Session
Thurs., Aug. 27: Leadership Development
Fri., Sept. 25: Economic Development/Industry Tours
Wed., Oct. 28: Professional Development
Wed., Nov. 18: Education / Healthy Living and Wellbeing Session
Jan. 2027: Graduation at the Chamber Annual Meeting & Gala

ATTENDANCE
No more than two absences are allowed. Attendees who miss more than two sessions will be disqualified from the program. Participants are required to sign in and out of each session. Leaving early or arriving late will result in an absence unless prior approval has been granted. Refunds will not be issued for any reason.

Personal Info
Name

First NameLast Name
Preferred name, if different from above
Email
example@example.com
Current Age
Birth Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Organization Name
Who you will be representing
Title
As you would like it published
Cell Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Alt. Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Home Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Spouse/Partner Name, if applicable

First NameLast Name
Child(ren)'s name(s), if applicable
Schools Attended, Dates Attended, Degrees Obtained
Please include High School, College, Trade, etc.

Employment
Length of Employment with Current Business or Organization
Current Job Duties
Previous Employment
Please list employers, titles, length of employment, and reason for leaving.

Organizations and Activities

List (in order of personal value) community, civic, professional, religious, social, athletic, and other organizations of which you have been a member within the past five (5) years

	Organization	Date	Position Held/Your Contribution
1
2
3
4
5

How many hours per month do you currently commit to community, civic, professional, and other organizations/activities?
Describe your personality in three sentences or less, and identify your hobbies.
Why are you applying for the Leadership Batesville program?
In your opinion, what are three (3) of the greatest challenges facing our community today?
Are you a registered voter in Independence County?

YesNo
List any other information you would like the selection committee to know about you and why you should be chosen for the 2023 Leadership Batesville Program.

References

List two references in the community that the selection committee could contact for additional information.
- Reference Name
  
  First NameLast Name
- Reference Business/Organization
- Reference Title
- Reference Phone
  Please enter a valid phone number.
- Reference Email
  example@example.com
- Reference Name
  
  First NameLast Name
- Reference Business/Organization
- Reference Title
- Reference Phone
  Please enter a valid phone number.
- Reference Email
  example@example.com
- Do you have the full support of your employer to meet the time requirements of the program?
  
  YesNo

Commitments
Please indicate your and your employer's full support of you meeting the time and financial requirements of the program by entering your supervisor's email address below. We will immediately send your application to your supervisor requesting their approval.

Commitment Statement
- I wish to participate in the Batesville Area Leadership Program, Class of 2026.
- I have the support of my employer to participate in the program.
- If selected, the $1000 tuition fee will be paid before May 1, 2026.
- I understand that if I exceed two absences, I will be excused from the program.
- I understand the attendance policy and that no refunds will be issued.
- I understand that I must not be announced as a candidate for public office at the time of acceptance.
- I am willing to make the time commitment to attend the overnight retreat and the out-of-town sessions.
I have read and understand the above commitment statement and will comply fully if selected for the program. I attest that the information submitted with the application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Signature

Clear
Please upload your headshot here.

Cancelof
Supervisor's Email Address
example@example.com
The Leadership Batesville Program selection committee will select participants based on a comparative qualification assessment within the complete roster of applicants. The intent of the selection process is to identify the most qualified candidates representing a cross-section of interests within the community.
Should be Empty:

Leadership Batesville Application

Personal Info

Employment

Organizations and Activities

References

Commitments

Commitment Statement