By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom and River Region Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chassity McComack were among 41 business, civic and community leaders from a 10-parish region who recently completed the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute.

The nine-month program, which is a branch of the Greater New Orleans Inc. economic alliance, is designed to enhance personal leadership skills and examine issues central to the advancement of the Greater New Orleans region.

The class brings together business, civic and community leaders representing all races, genders, industries and communities in the region.

“It was one of the best networking experiences I’ve ever been a part of,” McComack said. “We had the chance to connect with people that we don’t normally connect with. It allowed us all a chance to promote our regions.”

Robottom said the program not only provided an opportunity to expand participants’ knowledge of the region, but it also set up activities to facilitate critical and creative decision-making.

“The economic future of the Greater New Orleans area rests solely on the ability of its leaders to work toward a common purpose of improving educational and employment opportunities, providing a safe and crime-free environment and cultivating the talents and strengths found only in this region,” Robottom said. “The success of our efforts will be evident when the quality of life improves for all of our residents.”

According to NORLI Chairman John Little, the institute’s course began with a two-day overnight retreat, followed by seven monthly full-day educational sessions and ended with another mandatory two-day retreat. Each month’s session focused on issues of concern to the region, such as public policy, the environment, economic development, education and workforce development, diversity, crime and public safety and health care.

During the program, presentations were made by community and government leaders to stimulate discussion throughout the institute and beyond.

“NORLI graduates are poised to be effective change agents for the Greater New Orleans area,” Little said. “They understand the critical issues and challenges facing the region and have strengthened their professional networks allowing them to connect and collaborate with other regional leaders.”