DAVIS COUNTY — Members of the Davis Chamber’s 2009 Leadership Institute finished their six-month management course the same way they’ve conducted it during the past six months; learning while having fun.

The graduation ceremony for the this year’s course took place near the Utah State University Ropes Course in Logan. Participants had just concluded showing their leadership and team building skills 40 feet in the air.

Each year the Davis Chamber sponsors a training and networking program for some of Davis County’s most promising business professionals. Over the course of the program, participants from leading corporations and community organizations learn practical business leadership skills from experts in several fields.

They also tour sites throughout Davis County to become better aware of local institutions and the business practices in place there.

Tuition for the Leadership Institute is paid by the participants employers who recognize the Chamber’s Leadership program as a valuable way to develop their professional staff and to increase their connections in the community.

Participants in this year’s Institute toured sites including the Davis County Correctional Facility, Davis Hospital, and Hill Air Force Base.

At Hill Field they watched a fighter jet practice flight from an exclusive viewing area 10 stories above the landing strip on the deck of the observation tower.

Topics studied this year included several types of management theory, team building, and styles of leadership. In addition, participants put their learning to the test for the benefit of the community by producing operational plans for the Family Connection Center based on research they conducted over the course.

The program ended with a test of leadership skills at the Utah State University Ropes Course on May 29.

The Chair for the Leadership Institute is Kim Bowerbank of Vital Solutions Group. Companies interested in participating in the next Davis Chamber Leadership Institute should contact the Davis Chamber at 801-593-2200.

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