Applications are now being accepted for the 2023-2024 Leadership Bedford class year for the adult class, and anyone interested is encouraged to apply as the selection is based on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Whether you are a newcomer to the area or have lived in Bedford County for years, the Leadership Bedford program is an impactful way to learn about Shelbyville and Bedford County,” said Joe Marchesoni, president of the Leadership Bedford board.

The Leadership Bedford program is open to anyone who lives or works in Bedford County and has an interest in learning more about Shelbyville and Bedford County.

“Currently, our youth leadership program is filled for the 2023-2024 class year, but we are actively accepting applications for the adult class,” Marchesoni said.

Leadership Bedford will kick off the year with a retreat on Sept. 9 at Webb School. The retreat features indoor and outdoor activities focusing on leadership and communication skills. The months following will focus on specific areas of “community leadership” beginning with the first official class day set for Sept. 13.

“The retreat is also an opportunity for class members to get acquainted,” he adds.

Class days focus on local industry and entrepreneurial businesses, education, medical and social services, public safety and military, local government and tourism, financial institutions and real estate, and agriculture. 

In the spring, the Leadership Bedford class will travel to Nashville to tour the Tennessee State Capitol and meet with state representatives and learn from various government leaders. 

Each year, Leadership Bedford participants organize a class project, which they determine. According to Marchesoni, the class projects are impactful as thousands of dollars are invested in the community each year thanks to the generous donations and support given to the assist with completing the projects.

“Since 2019, the program raised and invested more than $100,000 in our community through the different class projects,” states Marchesoni. “By partnering with local businesses and receiving their overwhelming support, these class projects have been made possible.”

In recent years, Leadership Bedford class projects have included the construction of an outdoor pavilion at the Senior Citizens Center, indoor and outdoor improvements at the Shelbyville Animal Shelter, the VFW building, and the Skills Development Center.

“Leadership is about using your skills and talents, whatever they may be, to make things around you better and helping others to succeed,” shares Marchesoni. “This is the type of personal leadership growth that participation in Leadership Bedford offers.”

Applications for Leadership Bedford are due by July 31, 2023, and can be found at the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce website, www.shelbyvilletn.com/leadership-bedford/ or request an application by emailing the Leadership Bedford board president at joe.marchesoni@gounited.net.

The fee for participating in the adult class is $500 and is due by Sept. 13, 2023. Adult participants may be individuals who are sponsored by their employers or individuals who wish to enroll in the program independently.

Leadership Bedford is a community leadership program sponsored by the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce and is overseen by a 16-member board of directors.