Green Valley/Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

Elevate SGV Leadership Program

SAHUARITA/GREEN VALLEY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Elevate SGV Leadership Program

Charter

Elevate SGV is designed to cultivate and enhance the leadership of community members, empowering them to impact the community's growth and development positively. This program will focus on community engagement, governance, and personal development, particularly emphasizing the unique business and community needs within Sahuarita and Green Valley, AZ.

Goals

Leadership: Providing knowledge and understanding to enhance community leadership.
Community Engagement: Learning about the community and its opportunities.
Local Governance: Providing insights into the functioning of local governance and its role in community development.
Networking and Collaboration: Growing a network of individuals with a shared commitment to our community’s success.
Personal Growth: Encouraging personal and professional development.

Target Audience

The program is open to all Sahuarita and Green Valley residents, including:

Emerging leaders and young professionals
Community volunteers
Local business owners
Students and youth interested in civic engagement

Structure

The program will run for four months and will include the following components:

Workshops and Seminars:

Leadership Development: Topics such as effective communication and community leadership needs.
Local Government 101: Understanding the structure, roles, and responsibilities.
Community Engagement: Techniques for engaging with community members and encouraging participation.

2. Mentorship Program:

Pairing participants with experienced community leaders and town officials.
Regular check-ins and guidance on personal and professional development.

3. Community Projects:

Participants will work in teams to develop and implement community improvement projects.
Projects will address specific local issues and contribute to the town's development.

4. Networking Events:

Opportunities to connect with local leaders, business owners, and other community members.
Regular social events to build relationships and foster collaboration.

5. Field Trips and Site Visits:

Visits to local government offices, businesses, and community organizations.
Hands-on learning experiences to understand the practical aspects of community leadership.

Application Process

Interested participants can apply online through the GVS Chamber Website. The application will include:

A personal statement outlining their interest in the program.
A resume highlighting relevant experience and community involvement.
Two letters of recommendation from community members or local leaders.

FEE: One-time contribution of $435. Scholarships are available if needed.

Conclusion

Elevate SGV Leadership Program aims to empower residents with the skills and knowledge needed to make a lasting impact on our community. This program will help build a more substantial, vibrant Sahuarita/Green Valley region by fostering collaboration and civic engagement.

Program Schedule (sessions will run 9:00 am - 12:00 noon)

Application Deadline Aug 8, 2025
Interviews: Aug 13-20
Aug 27 : Orientation and Introduction to Leadership - Rose Snyder (Owner, Rose Snyder Consulting) and Brian Heithoff (CEO, Trico Electric Cooperative). Topic of effective communication and what leadership is for our communities.
Sept 9: Understanding Local Government - Shane Dille (Manager, Town of Sahuarita), Debbie Kenyon (President, Green Valley Council). Understanding the structure, roles, responsibilities, and growth challenges.
Sept 16: Education System - Manny Valenzuela (Superintendent, Sahuarita Unified School District) and Roxana Rico (Superintendent, Continental School District). Vision of the future of education, challenges, and growth.
Sept 30: Industrial Community - James Stewart (Director ESG, Grupo Mexico - ASARCO), Tina Czerwinski (Proving Grounds Manager, Caterpillar Inc.), and Matt Smogor (Social Performance Manager, Freeport-McMoRan). Mining in our community, environmental, growth, and government.
Oct 14 : Community Health/Safety - Brett Lee (Chief Administrative Officer, Northwest Healthcare), John Noland (Chief of Police, Sahuarita Police Department) and Chuck Wunder (Fire Chief, Santa Rita Fire District). How our community is currently served, current challenges, and growth challenges.
Oct 28: Community Food Bank/Non-Profits - Joyce Finkelstein (Program Manager, Green Valley Sahuarita Volunteer Clearing House), Monica Gonzalez (Client Services & Volunteer Services Manager, Community Food Bank - Green Valley/Amado), and Carlos Valles (Executive Director, Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center). Community growth needs, volunteer engagement, and enabling leadership-driven communities.
Nov 11: Senior Community - Joni Condit (President & CEO, La Posada Green Valley) and Joyce Finkelstein (Program Mgr., Green Valley Sahuarita Volunteer Clearing House). Diversity of our communities' growth, changing needs and strengthening our community.
Nov 25: Small Business Community - Randy Graf (President & CEO, Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce), Ryan Bennett (Co-Owner, Bill's Home Service Company), and Dru Sanchez (Publisher, Green Valley News & Sahuarita Sun). Business demographics, family-owned businesses and community leadership, growth opportunities and challenges.
Dec 9: Graduation - Town Councils SGV