Invest in Leadership: Explore LLP’s Impact & Sponsorship Opportunities
Discover how Leadership La Plata develops dynamic community leaders—and how your sponsorship can help power that impact across La Plata County.
Invest in LLP - Available Sponsorships
Invest in Leadership, Invest in the FutureLeadership La Plata (LLP) is a premier leadership development program designed to cultivate informed, engaged, and forward-thinking leaders in our community. Since its inception, LLP has provided an immersive experience that empowers professionals to understand key issues, collaborate across sectors, and drive positive change. Our program thrives through the support of community leaders and businesses that believe in shaping the next generation of decision-makers.By becoming a sponsor, you directly contribute to the growth and sustainability of LLP, ensuring that we continue providing high-impact experiences for our participants. Your sponsorship helps cover costs such as food, supplies, venue rentals, event fees, and materials—allowing LLP to remain accessible and impactful.
We are extremely grateful for any support provided by the community, and welcome your inquiries to become involved in sustaining this worthwhile and popular county-wide program. Leadership La Plata thanks and honors all those who give their time, talent and treasures to enhance our community.
Why Support Leadership La Plata? Your sponsorship directly supports the cost of providing a high-quality leadership experience that fosters long-term benefits for our community. The funds raised contribute to:
Leadership Program fees
Venue and event space rentals
Meals and refreshments for participants
Speaker and facilitator travel reimbursement
Program materials and supplies
LLP graduates go on to serve as business leaders, elected officials, nonprofit directors, and engaged community members who actively contribute to the betterment of Durango and La Plata County. Your investment in LLP is an investment in a strong, well-connected, and visionary community. Become a Sponsor Today! Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders by committing as a Gold or Silver sponsor today. Together, we can ensure LLP continues to provide a transformative experience for its participants and our community. For more information or to secure your sponsorship, contact: Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce
About Leadership La Plata
History of LLP
Leadership La Plata's roots date back to 1980 when current head of the Colorado State Transportation Commission and former Bank of Colorado President, B. Stephens (Steve) Parker, moved to Durango and suggested the idea to then Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jasper Welch, now a business consultant and director of the Enterprise Center at San Juan College. Steve, who had lived and worked on the Front Range, had witnessed the success of Leadership Denver and saw the potential for a similar program in La Plata County.
Though the impetus was there, it took until 1988 when the Durango Area Chamber Resort Association (DACRA) was organized for LLP to be implemented. Parker, Welch and Harold Green assembled the first Steering Committee comprised of individuals representing a cross-section of the county. The founding fathers and mothers wanted to ensure LLP was “community-based” and not an elite “club,” and that directive continues today. Founders include Barney Anderson, Richard Ballantine, Dan Bowser, Alice Joiner, Joel Jones, Bill Mashaw, Dave Potter, Tom Compton, Bill Gardner, Kay James and Leonel Silva. Leadership Montezuma and Leadership San Juan were subsequently created based on the La Plata model.
Now a successful and honored program of the Durango Chamber of Commerce, LLP enjoys more than 500 graduates, ranging from politicians and businesspeople, to non-profit directors and involved citizens and retirees – because leadership is needed in every aspect of a community.
Structure
The Structure of Leadership La Plata Leadership La Plata is a program of the Durango Chamber of Commerce, and operates at the pleasure of its board of directors.
The “business” of LLP is overseen by the LLP Executive Committee, which includes alumni from various years of the program and Chamber staff. The LLP Executive Committee is responsible for LLP’s fiscal health and fundraising, as well as policy development and enforcement. The roles include chair, co-chair, secretary, treasurer, and a Chamber representative. The LLP Leadership Coordinator joins the meetings as an ex-officio member. There are 10 additional committees, each made up of LLP alumni. One member of each of these committees attends the bi-monthly Steering Committee meetings which generates the opportunity for collaboration and support. The committees include: * Alumni - plans events & activities for alumni * Curriculum - advises & supports the development of monthly programming for the current class * Data Collection - collects evidence tracking goals and progress * Diversity - provides guidance to multiple committees & LLP as a whole to ensure a culture of belonging * Graduation - plans the annual celebration for the current class * Leadership - coordinates the leadership portion of the monthly classes * Marketing - maintains communications across all outlets * Recruitment - promotes LLP to potential new class members * Retreat - coordinates the 3-day retreat that marks the beginning for the new class * Selection - interviews & makes recommendations for new class members
LLP classes are facilitated each year by members of the previous year’s class. The Curriculum Committee works with class coordinators to ensure consistency, help in coordination and offer ideas.
