The Chamber's leadership luncheon, in conjunction with international business development, will feature former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani on June 15, 2006.

Rudolph "Rudy" Giuliani cleaned up Times Square, closed the Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island and worked tirelessly to stamp out corruption in his city.  In his early years as mayor, his actions earned him enemies and caused division.  He was called "The Boss" and he demanded responsibility and loyalty.

Early in the 2000 race for the U.S. Senate seat from New York, Guiliani was diagnosed with prostate cancer, forcing him to end his Senate run.  He decided to dedicate his last 18 months as mayor to mend relationships.  September 11 changed everything. He led a city in mourning through its darkest days and kept New York moving forward - rebuilding but never forgetting. 

Mr. Giuliani was named the 2001 Person of the Year by Time magazine.  He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and was presented the Ronald Reagan Presidential Freedom Award by former first lady Nancy Reagan.  After his mayoral tenure he formed Giuliani Partners, a consulting firm, joined the New York law firm of Bracewell & Giuliani and wrote the New York Times bestseller Leadership.

Rudy Giuliani has become a symbol of leadership to many.  As Leadership Dallas celebrates 30 years of development and leadership in the community, there is no better person to emphasize the importance of leadership.

Leadership Dallas is an application only, leadership development program aimed at increasing the leadership pool for community activities in the Dallas area. The program's selection committee seeks diversity in age, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic factors and business. Candidates should be interested in civic involvement and have a history of voluntary leadership.

The 10-month program addresses human services, government and politics, economic development, diversity, health care, criminal justice, education, and arts and culture. 

Applicants should realize the significant time commitment involved.  Participation involves an overnight orientation retreat in September, a full-day session per month from October to June, preliminary assignments for each session, a class project, and curriculum committee meetings.  Applicants must meet attendance requirements to graduate. 

For more information on the leadership luncheon, other leadership programs or to receive a Leadership Dallas application, contact Megan Inman at 214-746-6746 or leadership@dallaschamber.org.