Do you want to learn more about Scotland County? Do you want to want to learn how you can give back to the community and broaden your professional network, too? If so, The Laurinburg/Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2009-2010 Leadership Scotland class.

The purpose of Leadership Scotland is to familiarize future community leaders to the highlights and challenges of Scotland County and to build relationships with other business and civic leaders. “Leadership Scotland was a great way to meet other business people in the community,” said Scott Johnson of FCC and graduate from the 2008 Leadership Scotland class. The group will meet once a month beginning in May and ending in April of next year. Areas of concentration include industry, city and county departments, county history, educational opportunities and public policy. This year’s group will also have some classroom instruction at St. Andrews Presbyterian College for orientation, media relations and business ethics.

“I enjoyed the class, and now I have a better understanding of the community,” said Cliff Smith, of Butler Manufacturing and 2008 Leadership Scotland graduate. “The chance to get involved with other Leadership members and community leaders gave me a better understanding of what roles they have in Scotland County.”

The deadline for entry is April 24, and the cost of the program is $675, which includes orientation, transportation, meals and awards.

For the first time since the program’s beginning, a scholarship is available for small businesses and non-profits with 10 or fewer full-time employees.

“I would recommend this program to anyone interested in learning about the Scotland County community,” Johnson said.

For information or to request an application, call the chamber at 276-7420 or visit www.laurinburgchamber.com.