Leadership Burke Application
It’s our community’s premier program for identifying future leaders and equipping them with the information they need to understand how Burke County works. Limited to 30 participants, Leadership Burke provides Chamber members a unique opportunity to recognize up-and-coming or new leaders in their company or organization with an exciting immersion experience into five of Burke County’s key sectors:
– Business, Manufacturing and Economic Development
– Healthcare and Human Services
– Education
– Arts, Culture and History
– City, County, State and Federal Government
Leadership Burke 2014 will begin on October 2-3 with an outstanding two-day orientation, leadership development and team building program led by Linda Lindsay that has been one of the highest rated activities by past participants. Subsequent sessions will combine classroom settings, guest speakers, panel discussions and extensive fields trips across the county for a firsthand look into what drives the economy, decision-making, learning, healthcare, the social safety net, culture and much more. The call for participants will be e-mailed to Chamber members today with a deadline for participant applications of Friday, September 26. Tuition for participants employed by Chamber members is the same as last year at $450. Tuition for non-Chamber members is $550. If you or a participant from your company would like to enroll, click here for the application form.
Do you want to grow your social capital, develop more leadership skills, learn from your peers, and best of all build new friendships with people around the community? If you are between the ages of 21-40 and would be interested in joining the Burke County Emerging Leaders, please submit your application below. Someone from our team will be in contact with you.
Tonia Stephenson began serving the Burke County community on July 9, 2018 as the
President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. She has spent most of her professional
career in the Chamber world, beginning with the High Point Chamber of Commerce, then
the Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce serving in different capacities.
For six years, Tonia served as the Executive Director for The Salvation Army Boys &
Girls Club in High Point. At the Boys & Girls Club, her focus was to revitalize the Club
facilities, raise the number of children served, provide quality programming, and put the
Club in good financial standing.
Tonia is a graduate of High Point University, with a double major of Business
Administration and Home Furnishings Marketing. She is a graduate of the U. S.
Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute at Villanova University and became a
Certified Chamber of Commerce Executive in 2014. She is a member of VEDIC
(Valdese Economic Development Investment Corporation) and CACCE (Carolinas
Association of Chamber Executives) Board of Directors. Tonia was named the Business
Woman of the Year from the High Point Chamber of Commerce, one of the 40 Leaders
Under 40 from The Business Journal, and was named the Member of the Year for the
Archdale/Trinity Chamber of Commerce, where she served on the Board of Directors for
six years.
Tonia is married to her best friend, David, and loves to spend time with him traveling for
long weekends. She also enjoys hiking trails, cross-stitching, and reading.
As a business owner, you play an essential role in Burke County’s success. Business owners like you are the leaders, job creators, community builders, and the engines of our economy. When you join the chamber, you’ll enjoy more opportunities to advance your business and our community and a generous package of exclusive perks and member benefits.
Burke County businesses come in all shapes and sizes and so do Chamber memberships. Whether you’re a startup or a billion-dollar corporation, there’s a membership level that’s tailored to fit your business.
Joining the Burke County Chamber of Commerce is an investment in your business, your brand and your community. No other business organization is as deeply plugged into what is happening in Burke County. No other business organization brings together the decision makers and leaders who make things happen.
To learn more about how membership with the Chamber will benefit your business and our community complete the form below and a member of our staff will contact you.
For more information, contact us today!
Click here to Join Now
Thank you for your interest in the Burke County Chamber of Commerce. Your information has successfully been submitted. Someone from our staff will contact you shortly to discuss we can serve you.
We look forward to serving YOU!
YOUR Burke Chamber of Commerce Team
110 E. Meeting St, Morganton NC 28655
O: 828.437.3021 | F: 828.437.1613
In the meantime, Stay Up To Date! Sign up for Exclusive Chamber Updates
Follow us on Social Media
The Emerging Leaders began in early 2019 when the Burke County Chamber of Commerce and the Burke County United Way came together to create a steering committee. Both saw a need for the development and support of the young professionals in our county, and more opportunities for them to connect, network and give back to their community.
The mission of the Emerging Leaders program is to create opportunities for enriching professional development, networking and community engagement to young leaders in Burke County.
Through networking events, volunteering opportunities and leadership training, our members leverage the powers of other Burke Emerging Leaders to connect, serve, and grow both professionally and personally. Burke County Emerging Leaders is completely open to all young professionals aged 21-40. There are currently no yearly membership fees.
Since the pandemic began, the Emerging Leaders Steering Committee has been cautious about holding public events. As we enter into 2022, we plan to begin hosting local events once again that allow young professionals to network, grow professionally and give back to their community through service or philanthropy. Past philanthropy opportunities have included collecting items for a different local charity organization at each event, and “adopting” a family for Christmas. To stay on top of upcoming events and other updates, visit the Emerging Leaders Facebook Page.
For more information on joining the Burke County Emerging Leaders, fill out the contact form here!