CANTON -– A few slots remain open for the 2011-12 St. Lawrence Leadership Institute. The application deadline is Sept. 2.

The nine-month series is open to any resident with an interest in learning about the critical challenges facing St. Lawrence County, improving their leadership skills, and gaining access to a diverse network of other community leaders.

Participants meet from 4 to 8 p.m. the second Thursday of each month, September through May. Class locations will be announced at a later date and will be listed on the organization’s website, www.slli.org.

A candid self-assessment of one’s own leadership style, with its advantages and disadvantages, is an important first step to the program. Each month, participants also discuss a public policy issue with countywide impact. Typical topics are agriculture, technology, economic development, issues of the environment, healthcare and public safety, education, and the arts.

“My participation in SLLI gave me a broad understanding of the economy, government and organizations within St. Lawrence County,” said SeaComm Federal Credit Union Potsdam Branch Manager Miki Crary. “The Institute also provided many networking opportunities with classmates and presenters as our group developed and improved leadership skills.”

Created in 1993, SLLI’s mission remains “to foster the development and engagement of emerging and existing leaders for the advancement of St. Lawrence County and its communities.”

The scope and relevance of the program make it a valuable experience for lifelong or long-time residents of or workers in St. Lawrence County as well as newcomers to this area.

More than 250 county residents have completed the program. SLLI alumni work in small businesses and major industries, elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, government and the non-profit sector.

Tuition is $550 and includes all course materials for the nine sessions, graduation dinner, and meals at the monthly classes. An additional non-refundable application fee of $25 can be waived if applicant is recommended by an alumnus. Many employers are eager to provide the program to up-and-coming leaders. Tuition assistance is also available thanks to the Sweetgrass Foundation, the Development Authority of the North Country, the United Way, and SLLI alumni.

SLLI is a function of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and operated by a volunteer board of directors: Jill Chamberlain-Winters, Community Relations, New York Power Authority; Ben Dixon, Coordinator of Regional Development, St. Lawrence University; Scott Dosztan, News Director, WPDM-WSNN, Potsdam; Patti Fisher, Model Schools Coordinator, St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES; Loren Fountain, Labor Relations, NYSUT; Michael Guimond, General Manager, Stephens Media Group; Paula Guyette, Operations Supervisor, Social Security; Mark Hall, Supervisor, Town of Fine; Lisa McKeel, Supervisor of Adult Education, St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES; Pat McKeown, Executive Director, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce; Kevin Wells, Sheriff, St. Lawrence County; Jeff Yette, Sales Engineer, Slic Network Solutions; Robert Zimmerman, Manager of Dining Services, St. Lawrence University. Zimmerman is the current SLLI president.

For more information, call Suzanne Casaday, Program Coordinator, 386-4000 or visit www.slli.org.