Preparing the Next Generation of Business and Civic Leaders

The IEEP is taking a lead role in preparing the next generation of business and civic leaders through its Regional Leadership Academy. The unique program enrolls about 30 people who work for employers that run from private industry (Bank of America-Merrill Lynch, California Steel Industries, Cutting Edge Capital, Syntech Group, Southern California Gas Company) to the public sector (San Bernardino Community College District, the San Bernardino County sheriff and probation departments, and Riverside County Economic Development Agency) to health care (EPIC Management, Redlands Community Hospital Foundation, Blue Shield of California), and conducts a year-long program. At the end of that year, the participants come away with a much better understanding of how the Inland Empire works and how we fit in to the bigger picture of Southern California and the entire state. The program is a Business World 101 syllabus that includes visits with key local and regional government officials and day-long trips to major businesses. Stops this year include California Steel Industries in Fontana, one of the region’s largest manufacturers, the new medical school at the University of California Riverside, an inside look at Southern California Edison’s regional headquarters in Irwindale and a boat tour of the Port of Los Angeles. There are also scheduled discussions with major economic leaders in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties and a two-day visit to Sacramento in May to meet with the Inland Empire’s elected officials and others. At the end of the syllabus, in June, participants of the Regional Leadership Academy receive certificates endorsed by California State University San Bernardino and California Baptist University. We believe the Regional Leadership Academy will get us that much closer to improving the quality of life for the region’s 4.3 million people, by turning out 25 people a year with advanced knowledge and perceptions about how the area works. For more information or to Apply to the program contact Michelle Cazares at (909)382-6000, ext. 200, or via email at mcazares@ieep.com