House Republican Press Release

March 20, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Klarides and Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Host Aspiring Leaders at State Capitol

HARTFORD- Representative Themis Klarides (R-Derby) and other legislators recently hosted the Greater New Haven Leadership Center at the State Capitol.  The Leadership Center is a project of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and is a leadership development and training program.  The group identifies aspiring community leaders and seeks to support their growth through leadership training and community education inspiring positive change in the Greater New Haven Community.

Several aspiring leaders visited the State Capitol, took a tour including the Capitol building and State Library, and engaged in panel discussion with Klarides and other legislators.  The group then observed the legislature in process.

“It really was an honor and a pleasure to host these men and women who are the future of our state and our communities,” said Klarides.  “I was pleased to be asked by the Chamber to host and participate in this event.  I think there was an incredibly diverse group of participants, both in backgrounds and in fields of expertise, and I hope they took away some great lessons and experiences from a day of watching state government in action, and interacting with those who create policy and law.  I would like to think this experience may have deepened their interest in public service.”

The Leadership Center courses each last for 10 months, with each month focusing on a specific topic.  Other goals of the training focus on decision-making, public speaking, team building and diversity.  This year’s class contains 34 participants.

More information about the program can be found at www.gnhcc.com.