The Oneida County UW-Extension and the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce are now accepting applications for the 2012-13 Leadership Oneida County program.

Leadership Oneida County is a nine month program that cultivates and prepares leaders in Oneida County. Upon graduation of the program, Candidates will obtain an enhanced awareness of services and organizations within the County. The program also seeks to reinforce the individual’s call to civic responsibility and citizen involvement.

Leadership Oneida County will inform community leaders of local resources, and will foster relationships and self-awareness of Candidate’s leadership potential. Program activities will include touring Oneida County businesses, meeting with community leaders, and completing a community project.

The program will kick-off on Sept. 19 with an overnight retreat at the Treehaven Environmental Learning Center. Leadership Oneida County will then meet each month for day-long sessions beginning in October and conclude with the graduation ceremony in May. Each monthly session will focus on a specific area within the County including business, industry, medical, education, government, and community services. Program activities will include touring Oneida County businesses, meeting with community leaders, and completing a community project.

The program fee is $350 per participant, and will cover all fees including the overnight retreat, lunches for each monthly session and program materials. Program days will be held on the second Thursday of each month from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Leadership Oneida County is open to all Oneida County residents and/or employees of Oneida County businesses. Two 50 percent scholarships are available, and will be awarded based upon need and candidate qualifications. The 2012-13 Leadership Oneida County program is limited to 20 participants.

For application materials, please contact the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce at (715) 365-7464. Program information and the application materials are available on the Chamber’s website at rhinelanderchamber.com. The application deadline is Friday, Aug. 24.