At 61 participants, the Conway Area Leadership Institute class of 2018 will be the largest class in the leadership program’s 30-year history.

CALI program facilitator Ed Linck, chief operating officer at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, said the class represents a cross section of Conway-area residents.

“The CALI program is stronger than ever and continues to produce exceptional leaders from a variety of backgrounds, industries, and experience levels who continue the tradition of building a better Conway and improving the city we call home.”

The eight-month curriculum for the Conway Area Leadership Institute is based on Conway2025, the city’s long-range strategic plan that was developed with the input of more than 1,400 area residents. The Conway2025 plan includes 132 goals spread across seven sectors: Keep Conway Active, Keep Conway Building, Keep Conway Creative, Keep Conway Learning, Keep Conway Moving, Keep Conway Safe, and Keep Conway Working.

Pete Tanguay, president of CALI underwriter Rock-Pond Solutions, said a focus on the city’s vision and future direction is a hallmark of the leadership program.

“Rock-Pond is excited to invest in the Conway Area Leadership Institute again in 2018,” Tanguay said. “The opportunities and momentum for growth, while improving the quality of where we live, are tremendous for the city of Conway.

“The Conway2025 plan is a clear and intentional vision for how we will seize these opportunities together. Communicating this vision to leaders who are committed to our future and plugging them in to key positions where they can make a difference is one of the most important things we can do. This is the mission of CALI, and I look forward to being a small part of its success.”

Since it was established in 1988, over 700 alumni have graduated from the program. To learn more about the Conway Area Leadership Institute and to view the Class of 2018, visit conwayarkansas.org/leadership.