• Leadership Tulare Application


  • Important Information Regarding the Leadership Tulare Program

    In order to be considered, the leadership Tulare Application for the 2026-2027 Class must be returned to the Tulare Chamber of Commerce by July 24, 2026, 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.

    Objectives:

    • 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.
     
    Application Instructions
    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 27 – July 31. Information meetings are in person on July 1st at 12pm, July 13th at 5:30 pm at the Tulare Chamber. Two Information meetings will be offered via ZOOM on June 30th at 7:00 am and July 8th at 5:30 pm. You will be notified regarding interview times. Professional attire is recommended.
     
    Program Topics

    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 24 & 25, 2025.

     
    Schedule 2026-2027*
    Interviews

        By Appointment

    Welcome Reception and Class Orientation

        Thursday, September 10, 2026
            Orientation & History Session: 1:00 pm – 5:15 pm

        Monday, September 14, 2026
            Reception: 5:30 pm

    Retreat

        September 24-25, 2026 (overnight)

    All-Day Sessions (8 am to 5 pm):
    • October 15, 2026 – Economic Development
    • November 19, 2026 – Education
    • December 17, 2026 – City & County Government
    • January 21, 2027 – Healthcare
    • February 18, 2027 – Public Safety & Criminal Justice
    • March 18, 2027 – Agriculture & Water
    • April 21-22, 2027 – Sacramento State Government Trip
    • May 20, 2027 – Closing Session & Graduation

     

    Evening Sessions (6 pm to 8 pm):
    • October 1, 2026
    • November 5, 2026
    • December 1, 2026 (Includes City Council Meeting)
    • January 7, 2027
    • February 4, 2027
    • March 4, 2027
    • April 1, 2027
    • May 6, 2027

     

    Additional:
    • October 15, 2026: Chamber Business After Hours
    • January 29, 2027: Annual Awards Banquet
    • TBD: Signature Class Fundraiser
    • April 3, 2027: Cars on K
    • TBD: Class Community Service Project
    • Chamber Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting, Participants are required to attend one meeting before March 2027. Meetings are held second Monday of each month.
     
    *Please Note: Extracurricular meetings for class projects and other Leadership Tulare programming will be required outside of this schedule.
     
    To complete your application, please submit the following:
    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 24, 2026 by 12:00 PM For questions you may call the Tulare Chamber of Commerce at 559-686-1547.