Leadership Tulare Application

APPLICATION – CLASS OF 2025-2026

Must be returned to the Tulare Chamber of Commerce by July 25, 2025, at 12:00 pm. Leadership Tulare is a program developed to prepare, involve, and sustain leaders from diverse backgrounds who are committed to using their talent and competence to address community challenges and make an impact in the greater Tulare area.

• Engage individuals from a variety of geographic, ethnic, institutional, and economic backgrounds with an interest in, and the leadership ability to, address emerging and ongoing community issues.
• Prepare the participants with information, training, activities, experiences, and motivation to assume responsible and demanding roles in addressing community challenges.
• Involve our emerging leaders through simulation and assignment in using their talent, resources, and expertise to impact their employment environment, community, and county.
• Sustain the involvement, interest, and association of current and emerging leaders.
• Through the program curriculum, participants will develop and refine their leadership skills as they meet current leaders, participate in problem solving discussions, and observe the operation of community and business efforts.

1. Respond to the six short-answer questionsin section 3 of this application. Please feel free to upload the answers on a word document. All responses must be concise, typewritten and no more than a total of two (2) pages.
2. Submit two (2) letters of reference: one personal and one professional. The letters must be current and typewritten.
3. Submit a recent resume.
4. Complete the participation agreement in section 4 of this application packet to be considered for the Leadership Tulare program. Please be certain that you have original signatures on the application when it is submitted to the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. Your signature indicates your agreement to abide by the requirements of the Leadership Tulare program which includes payment of fees, attendance, participation, and program assignments.
5. Attend a Leadership Tulare Information Session and an interview with the Leadership Tulare Selection Committee to be scheduled July 28 – August 1. Information meetings are in person on July 8th at 12pm, June 10th at 5:30 pm at the Tulare Chamber. One Information meeting will be offered via ZOOM on July 14th at 5:30 pm. You will be notified regarding interview times after the application deadline of July 25th. Professional attire is recommended.

Sessions on local history, agriculture, marketing and media, economic development, government and politics, health care, education, quality of life, leadership development, communication and group dynamics will be included in the curriculum. The program will begin in September with the Orientation and Welcome Reception, followed by an overnight two-day Retreat, September 25 & 26, 2025.

    By Appointment

    Thursday, September 15, 2025
        Orientation & History Session: 11:00 am – 5:15 pm
        Reception: 5:30 pm

    September 25-26, 2025 (overnight)

• October 16, 2025 – Economic Development
• November 20, 2025 – Education
• December 18, 2025 – City & County Government
• January 15, 2026 – Healthcare
• February 19, 2026 – Public Safety & Criminal Justice
• March 19, 2026 – Agriculture & Water
• April 22-23, 2026 – Sacramento State Government Trip
• May 21, 2026 – Closing Session & Graduation

• October 2, 2025
• November 6, 2025
• December 2, 2025 (Includes City Council Meeting)
• January 8, 2026
• February 5, 2026
• March 5, 2026
• April 2, 2026
• May 7, 2026

• October 15, 2025: Chamber Business After Hours
• October 21, 2025: Class, Steering & Board Members Mix & Mingle Mixer: 5:30pm
• January 23, 2026: Annual Awards Banquet
• March 20, 2026: Signature Class Fundraiser, Killer Dueling Pianos
• April 4, 2026: Cars on K
• TBD: Class Community Service Project
• Chamber Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting, Participants are required to attend one meeting before March 2026. Meetings are held second Monday of each month.

1. Completed application;
2. Upload sponsor/employer agreement with signature
3. Responses to questions 1-6;
4. Two (2) Letters of Reference;
5. Scholarship Request Letter if applicable; and,
6. Complete the participation agreement.

Please complete and submit your application NO LATER THAN: Friday, July 25, 2025 by 12:00 PM For questions you may call the Tulare Chamber of Commerce at 559-686-1547.     

Click the link below to apply online.

2025-2026 Leadership Tulare Application

Leadership Tulare Employer Form