Local Leadership Shines

by Gary Toebben

This past week I've been reminded of how important leadership is. We rely on leaders for direction, for courage and for inspiration -- in business, the social sector and, of course, in government.

Nowhere is leadership more important than at the local level, where real nuts-and-bolts change happens. We are most successful at addressing society's biggest challenges by working together with those in our region who are committed to common causes.

For example, this weekend, in partnership with leaders from United Way and other great organizations, we will fight to end homelessness at the 10th Annual Home Walk. Also this week is the Chamber's annual Cash for College event, where high school students will gain access to financial aid and other critical resources they need to ensure they can go to college -- in collaboration with leaders in schools, higher education, nonprofits and the private sector. Last year Cash for College resulted in $35 million in student financial aid for students right here at home.

Events like Home Walk and Cash for College create real change for thousands of people right here in our community. They are the result of leaders across sectors collaborating together, despite differences in ideology, culture, race and other factors, driven by commitment to a common cause.

That's why I'm proud to invite you to invest in the next generation of local leaders by supporting Southern California Leadership Network (SCLN), a partnership with the Chamber. On Dec. 8, SCLN will hold its annual Visionaries Awards at the iconic Theatre at Ace Hotel, honoring dynamic leaders from the public, private, social and philanthropic sectors. Proceeds from the Visionaries Awards support scholarships for up-and-coming leaders across our region who may not have the financial means to participate in SCLN's game-changing civic leadership programs.

I hope you'll join me in supporting the work of SCLN by attending and sponsoring the 2016 Visionaries Awards. Your investment in our next generation of leaders will pay dividends across our community for decades to come.

And that's The Business Perspective.