Leadership Pocatello is a program sponsored by the Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce. The program consists of one year of training followed by the “diplomat” year. The Leadership Pocatello Alumni Association (LPAA) Board of Directors are responsible for the program/curriculum, participant selection, project selection, oversight of public relations, and finance. As a committee of the Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce the LPAA Board is governed by a set of Bylaws with the purpose of initiating and maintaining positive action-oriented leadership.

Leadership Pocatello was started in 1984 by Richard “Dick” Sagness. The program was started to prepare citizens of the community to step into leadership roles with organizations throughout the community. The first project completed by Leadership Pocatello was Simplot Square.

Each year in August a new class of 25 to 30 participants begins their two year program. The first year involves attending one full day class each month to learn about the community. Days include topics like Industry Day, Health and Human Services Day, Tourism Day and Law and Government Day. In addition, the class puts on an event each year called Leadership Presents and complete a community volunteer project.

The second year of the program is about getting involved in the community as "Diplomats". Class members get points for attending events and participating in Chamber involved in committees. If they earn enough points they graduate in June of the second year.

How Leadership Diplomats Earn Graduation Points
The above link breaks down what activities Leadership Pocatello Diplomats are required to participate in to earn graduation points.

Diplomat Graduation Points Tracking Form
The above link is a helpful Excel spreadsheet that allows Leadership Pocatello Diplomats to track their point progress towards graduation.