Leadership Longview 2025-2026 Application

PLEASE READ THIS APPLICATION CAREFULLY. Application deadline is Friday, May 30, 2025 at 5 pm. The two required letters of recommendation are also due on that date (see additional info later in this application on the nature of those letters).

Fields marked with an * are required.

Personal Information

First Name *

Last Name *

Address Line 1 *

Applicant's home street address or PO Box #

City *

State *

Postal Code *

Phone *

Applicant's cell phone #

Email *

Applicant's preferred email address

Check here if you have applied to Leadership Longview in the past.

T-Shirt Size *

T-shirts will be worn for the MANDATORY opening retreat.

XXL

XXXL

XXXXL

Would you require any special accommodations? (If yes, please explain (allergies, medical, etc.)

Please note that in relation to the food provided, we are unable to meet dietary needs such as gluten free, dairy free, Keto, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, etc. Much of the food is donated. If this is important to you, you will want to bring your lunch on class days.

If you have a severe allergy (as in you cannot be in the same room with certain food items), we will do our best to accommodate you.

How did you hear about Leadership Longview?

Check all that apply.

Chamber of Commerce Website

Leadership Longview Alumni

Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Facebook

Friend

Business Associate

Other

Essay Questions

1. Why do you want to participate in Leadership Longview? *

2. Throughout your life, where have you focused your volunteer efforts or community involvement? *

This may include civic organizations, church or faith-based ministries, schools, charitable non-profits, etc.

3. Describe three significant achievements/contributions through your volunteer/community work. *

This may include civic organizations, church or faith-based ministries, schools, charitable non-profits, etc.

4. What do you see as the biggest challenge(s) facing Longview today? *

5. What skills/abilities do you bring to the class? *

6. What has been your greatest learning experience and what did you learn from it? *

(Preferably something involving conflict with others and how you handled it)

7. Please provide a brief bio. Please write this as if someone else were using it to introduce you. *

If selected, this will be used to introduce you to your classmates and the public. Note that you are limited to about 200 words.

Company/Business Information

Company/Organization *

Company Mailing Address

Company/Organization Phone Number

Financial Assistance (Skip if not requesting)
The policy of Leadership Longview is to provide a limited amount of tuition assistance to those candidates who are accepted into the program and demonstrate financial need that would otherwise prevent their participation. Award amounts are based on the number of requests received and the amount of funds available each year. Assistance will only be granted for up to 1/2 of the tuition fee and is only available to organizations that are members of the Longview Chamber of Commerce.

Please provide reasoning for your tuition assistance request:

Tuition
Tuition for the class year is as follows: Members of the Longview Chamber of Commerce = $1500.00 - Non-Members = $2000.00. Tuition is payable upon notification of acceptance and must be received no later than Friday, August 29, 2025. Tuition is not refundable.

Please indicate if your company/organization is a member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce: *

Member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce

Not a member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce

Participant/Employer Commitment

LEADERSHIP LONGVIEW CLASS of 2025-2026 PROGRAM DAYS

Fall Overnight Retreat

Monday & Tuesday, September 22 & 23, 2025 (Leave at approx. 8 am Monday, return approx. 5 pm Tuesday)

(MANDATORY TO ATTEND AND RIDE THE BUS TO AND FROM RETREAT)

Community & Economic Development

Thursday, October 9, 2025 (8 am - 5 pm)

Quality of Life

Thursday, November 13, 2025 (8 am - 5 pm)

Health and Emergency Services

Thursday, December 11, 2025 (8 am - 5 pm)

Criminal Justice/Public Safety

Thursday, January 8, 2026 (8 am - 5 pm)

Education

Thursday, February 12, 2026 (8 am - 5 pm)

Tour Day

Thursday, March 5, 2026 (8 am - 5 pm)

Project Open House/SWOT Day

Thursday, April 9, 2026 (8 am - 5 pm)

(MANDATORY)

Graduation

May 14, 2026 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

(This is your last full day. Graduation is a part of the Small Business Solutions Luncheon).

Each participant cannot miss more than 12 hours total. This policy will be strictly enforced. Please note the MANDATORY days above.

The class is expected to complete a project for a local non-profit. Your participation in project days is critical to the success of the class. The amount of time outside of class days is determined by numerous factors that change from year-to-year. Your class will need to make a decision about the time commitment of class members based on the scope of the project. The class will have time to discuss and choose the project based on submissions made to the Longview Chamber of Commerce. You will NOT be given time to work on your project on class days. Project work is done on your own time and according to the scope of the project.

*Your commitment: "I have cleared my calendar to participate in the Leadership Longview Program. I commit to attending the opening retreat, all regular sessions, my class project (including the open house and SWOT analysis), and the graduation celebration. If applicable, I have my employer's support. If selected, I will devote the time and resources necessary to complete the program. I understand that if I miss more than 12 hours of the regular class sessions for any reason, I will be asked to withdraw from the program." **Please note that there are no refunds.

Please indicate your acceptance of the time commitment listed above by submitting today's date: *

Unless self-employed, please indicate your supervisor/employer's acceptance of the time commitment:

By providing your supervisors email address, you indicate their acceptance of the time commitment, which includes participation in the class project outside of class days.

Letters of Recommendation & Photo

Acceptance Criteria

To be accepted to the program, you must submit two letters of recommendation as well as a headshot. One letter should be from a personal reference and one from a professional reference. The letters should include the following:

Why this applicant will be a good candidate for this year's Leadership Longview class, including examples of their leadership abilities.

These letters can be emailed to Dave Jochum at djochum@longviewtx.com or mailed to Dave at the Longview Chamber of Commerce 410 N Center St. Longview, Texas 75601. The letters must be received by the deadline notated at the beginning of this application.

The headshot is for promotional purposes when introducing the class and also needs to be submitted by the deadline. Please provide a professional headshot and not a selfie.

SELECTION PROCESS

The Leadership Longview Class will be selected through an essay evaluation process and an interview (depending upon the number of applicants). Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision by email no later than the third week of July. Selection will be made on the following criteria: Commitments to civic involvement and to the Longview community; potential for community leadership as well as professional and personal achievement. Leadership Longview reserves the right to limit any employer to two participants in a class year. Applications must be answered completely to warrant consideration. There are no guaranteed appointments or selections.

The Longview Chamber of Commerce has final approval of all applicants.

I have read and understand all of the requirements, including the time commitment. *

Please verify that you have checked the “I'm not a robot” checkbox.