The Lake Norman Chamber is again hosting its Academy of Political Leadership - essentially a candidate training program for anyone interested in running for political office: local, county, or state. The program is non-partisan. Graduates of the program, which was created in 2003, include current United States Senator Thom Tillis, Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox, current town commissioners Dave Gilroy, Dan Boone, and Lance Munger as well as past commissioners Michael Miltich, Tricia Sisson, and Mark Gibbons among others. 

It is presented by EnergyUnited and supported sponsors Duke Energy and WSIC FM.  The program is chaired by Andy Yates. The deadline to participate is Friday, April 28 5:00pm. For information about the program or how to apply call Bill Russell 704-650-8987 (cell) or email Russell@lakenormanchamber.org .

2023 Academy of Political Leadership

Hosted by Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce

The academy is a nonpartisan program designed for members of the community interested in running for elected office. Training sessions will feature presentations and discussions on ethics, campaign planning, research, targeting voters, fundraising, and messaging with a get out the vote effort. All sessions will be taught by experts in their field with extensive experience right here in our Lake Norman Community

There are two sessions from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. One session, on Saturday May 6^th is dedicated to communications with participants taking part in a simulated radio interview and the recording of a radio ad. The cost to participate is $120 and is open to anyone wishing to run for elected office. Contact the Lake Norman Chamber at 704-892-1922.

Upon completion of this training session, you’ll be able to:

• Assess whether you possess the basic traits necessary to run for office
• Relay in 30 seconds why you are running for office
• Describe the elements necessary for developing a campaign plan and begin the planning process
• Discuss research needs based on your target audience and your budget estimates
• Based on your campaign’s and your individual strengths, plan for the fundraising methods that can prove most effective and lucrative
• Determine the best methods for contacting your target audience, based on voter demographics and budget
• Analyze the digital/electronic campaign options available and determine which will prove most effective for your outreach

AGENDA

Session I: Laying the Groundwork for your Campaign

Saturday, April 29, 2023 Location: Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce – Marion Board Room

9:00AM Welcome from Chamber & Sponsors

9:30AM Campaign Ethics

10:00AM Opportunities and Challenges of Running for Office and Public Service

               Panel Discussion with Current and Former Elected Officials

12:00PM Lunch

12:30PM Messaging

1:15PM Communication Assignment (Prep for Interview/Commercial)

 Session II: Communication

Saturday, May 6, 2023 Location: WSIC Radio 1117 Radio Rd, Statesville, NC, with Joe Vagnone – Local Biz Now

Times are individual and will be determined later.

Session III: Nuts and Bolts 

Saturday, May 20, 2023 Location: Williamson Wealth Group – Raymond James 7632 Norman Island Dr, Cornelius, NC

9:00AM Opening Comments

9:15AM Filing Requirements/Deadlines for Iredell and Mecklenburg Counties

10:00AM Fundraising

11:00AM Take away from Communication Exercise

12:00PM   Lunch

12:30PM Campaigning in a Digital World

1:30PM Strategy (Tying together all you’ve learned and building a campaign plan)

2:30PM Close

Application Information

Interested applicants must apply by Friday, April 28 at 5pm. Include name, address, telephone, and email address. Also include political affiliation, if any, along with what office you might be interested in running for at some time.

Emails should be sent to Bill Russell     russell@lakenormanchamber.org

Tuition for the program will be collected at the first session Saturday, April 29^th.