The LMC Program Promotes knowledge, awareness and insight into our community.
Crafted by the Board of Directors, comprised of members and staff of the various Chambers in Montgomery County, the program provides an educational forum and mentoring opportunity for participants. Students meet on a Thursday of each month at various locations. Maps, agenda and speaker biographies are provided for students prior to each class.
October 3 & 4 - Retreat : The initial group activity is a retreat held at the beginning of each class year. The retreat includes a get acquainted session and an in-depth study in understanding and appreciating individual differences and leadership styles. It also includes a "Challenge by Choice" ropes course. A variety of activities are conducted to help class members bond as a team and discover individual strengths as leaders. Planning, coordination, individual contributions, teamwork, coaching and supporting each other are learned throughout this fast-paced portion of the retreat.
At the end of the retreat, all agree that it is a most meaningful experience, as well as a good time. The participants make new friends and look forward to the next nine months of the LMC sessions designed to enable them to become better leaders in Montgomery County.
October 13 - Quality of Life: "Quality of Life" does not always mean the "good" life. This session shows the broad spectrum of living conditions in the county. A bus tour covers the northern part of the county, to the Industrial Park, the Fairgrounds, and a stop at the airport. Part of the tour includes the Crighton Theatre and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. November 3 - Infrastructure: Many of the people who live and work in this great county are unaware of what it takes to make it run smoothly. The speakers for this session on county infrastructure enlighten the participants as to the mechanisms that are in place and the management it takes for all of us to enjoy excellent roadways, water, sewer and drainage services, utilities and telecommunications. The speakers emphasize the many choices that consumers will have in the future for the various services for home and business.
December 1 - Government: Commissioners' Court is an excellent way to begin an understanding of how the government maintains the quality of life in Montgomery County. Through presentations and interaction with the County Judge, the participants learn the responsibilities of the Commissioners' Court related to budgeting, tax abatements, emergency management, and workforce development. In addition, a discussion about the Municipal Utility Districts, Road Districts, Improvement Districts and how they all play an important part in the county government matrix is enlightening. Representation from our state and federal legislators is an important highlight of this session that everyone enjoys.
January 5 - Public Safety/Criminal Justice: This is a real eye-opening experience - a first hand view of what goes on behind the bars of one of the largest county jails in the state of Texas. Law enforcement experts explain to the participants how public safety is maintained in Montgomery County through the system of city, county and state law enforcement agencies and five constable offices. Part of the day is spent in a courtroom to experience how the justice system operates and to view the use of technology in the courtroom. Also included is a tour of the County Jail and the Juvenile Justice facility.
February 2 - Economic Development: The Economic Development Session paints a broad picture of the wide variety of businesses and industries flourishing in the area. In addition to hearing presentations by local economic development experts in Montgomery County, the group is taken on a tour of several emerging companies. During the tours, the group has an opportunity to ask questions and expand their base of knowledge regarding economic development in one of the fastest growing counties in the United States, our own Montgomery County. March 1 - Healthcare: The Healthcare Session was added in 2002 as the result of a suggestion that one of the class participants made on the Session Evaluation. She felt that healthcare in Montgomery County is so important that it deserved its own session. The Board agreed. During the day, we get information on the major hospitals in the county and the services they provide, hear from some of the specialty healthcare providers, have a presentation on the Montgomery County Hospital District, learn about healthcare insurance, and have a tour of one of our state-of-the art local hospitals. April 5 - Education: This session is hosted at an educational facility in Montgomery County. Participants gain a better understanding of current educational challenges, such as funding, high growth areas, and safety for our students. An overview of Montgomery College or the University Center is another highlight of this day. Presentations by representatives from area private schools outline their mission, enrollment challenges and future plans. May 3 - Leadership Development: This session often encompasses a training session devoted to leadership behavior, best practices and what it takes to understand team dynamics. The format varies, but is always activity driven and very interactive. The participants come away with a better understanding of their own leadership styles, and what it takes to motivate and lead others. This is one of the favorite sessions of the curriculum, and one that participants remember for many years to come.
May 23 - Graduation: The nine-month course ends in a celebration honoring the participants who complete the requirements of the program. The event is a combined luncheon of the members of the Greater Conroe Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce and the South Montgomery County/Woodlands Chamber of Commerce. The luncheon includes the presentation of certificates of completion to the participants and graduation plaques to the graduates.