Programs

The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of programs to help develop leadership skills and provide networking opportunities throughout our community. Scroll down to learn more about our three primary programs listed below. Contact us for additional details or applications.

Leadership Pine Bluff

How to make a difference in nine easy lessons…

The Leadership Pine Bluff program, which graduated its inaugural class in 1982, is for individuals who want to make a difference in the community. This issues-oriented program broadens participants’ perspectives, examines community issues, expands opportunities to develop friendships from all segments of the community and strengthens leadership skills. Selected participants have a unique opportunity to work with area CEOs, professionals, elected officials and other fellow leaders as they study leadership techniques and community issues.

The course consists of nine, monthly day-long sessions. These session offer solid, first-hand information on community issues including a history of area leadership, local government, law enforcement, economic development, health and human services, state government and education. Leaders in their fields conduct the sessions. These facilitators address major issues in a unique and exciting format. Dialogue in the sessions is encouraged.

To get participants started on the same page for the course, the first session emphasizes business etiquette, team building, communications, problem solving and conflict resolution.

Leadership Pine Bluff class schedule

  • January — Opening session
  • February — History and diversity
  • March — Economic development
  • April — Culture, recreation, and tourism
  • May — Law enforcement and safety
  • June — Education and technology
  • July — State and local government
  • August — Health and human services
  • September — NCTR and Pine Bluff Arsenal
  • September — Graduation Dinner

Leadership applicants wanted
Leadership Pine Bluff welcomes and encourages applications from all walks of life. Participants will ideally represent businesses, professions, organizations, government, education and geographic areas. Applicants must live or work in Jefferson County and must attend all sessions. Enrollment is open November for a new year's class that starts in January. Applications are due by December 11. Classes meet the 2nd Thursday of every month from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Junior Leadership Pine Bluff

Nurturing future leaders

It is never too early to develop leadership skills. Based on that theory, the Chamber’s Junior Leadership Pine Bluff is for local young people who aspire to make a difference in our community. It is an issues-oriented program that broadens participants’ perspectives, examines community issues, expands opportunities to develop friendships from area schools, strengthens leadership skills, and motivates the students to excel in their academic studies.

The Program

The Junior Leadership Pine Bluff program focuses on key community issues and leadership skills. Five monthly two-hour sessions scheduled from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the third Thursday, January – May. These sessions offer solid, firsthand information and provide opportunities for dialogue about community issues. Leaders in these fields of endeavor conduct the sessions. Each session approaches the subject issues in a unique and exciting format.

The Participants
In December of each year, the Leadership Pine Bluff Alumni Association—working directly with our schools—selects a class of 25 sophomores representing the four public school districts and private schools in the Pine Bluff area. The procedure for selecting the class is identical to that used in selecting the adult Leadership Pine Bluff class.

Junior Leadership Pine Bluff students are selected on the basis of demonstrated leadership interest as well as evidence of community interest and commitment. Successful candidates will exhibit the following characteristics:

  • Enrolled in The Chamber’s Arkansas Scholars Program
  • Demonstrated leadership potential as well evidence of community interest
  • Potential for advancement to leadership roles in school and community

The Tuition
Tuition for the Junior Leadership Pine Bluff program is $50. Tuition is payable by the participant or a sponsoring organization prior to the January orientation. Tuition is applied to the cost of meals and program materials.

The Commitment
Participants in Junior Leadership Pine Bluff must make a commitment of time, energy, and money. Nominees must have full support and written approval of parents and schools they represent. Attendance at all sessions is required; students may miss no more than one session to graduate from the program. Professional conduct is expected of all Junior Leadership Pine Bluff participants during the training sessions.

JCYPN (Jefferson County Young Professionals Network)

Jefferson County Young Professionals Network, a program of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, is a dynamic group of individuals under age 45 who are dedicated to civic participation, professional and personal growth, and have a shared interest in making Jefferson County a more attractive place for young professionals to live and work.

Benefits of Membership

  • Contribute to projects that have an impact in Jefferson County
  • Receive invitations to Business After Hours events
  • Have access to members-only events
  • Have access to career-building workshops
  • Receive Monday morning Chamber e-newsletters
  • A collective voice for young professionals
  • Name printed in online Chamber Membership Directory
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Have a great time while making a difference

How to Join
Simply fill out the JCYPN Brochure and drop off or mail it to the Chamber office. Call 870-535-0110 for more details.

JCYPN Membership is $35 per year and includes:

  • Unique events that appeal to members’ interests
  • Opportunities to expand your social network by meeting and interacting with people you wouldn’t have met otherwise
  • Scheduled meetings