Suffolk Tomorrow, Paul D. Camp Community College, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce-Suffolk Division, and the City of Suffolk announce the Fourth Annual &uot;Suffolk Leadership Academy.&uot; The program will begin with a kick-off session Tuesday, March 4 in the Suffolk City Council Chambers, and end with a closing banquet and awards Tuesday, May 27 in the Suffolk Holiday Inn.

According to Dr. George H. Barnett, Suffolk Tomorrow chairman, the academy is designed to develop and strengthen leadership skills for citizens desirous of serving the community in various roles, as well as to foster a better understanding of the workings of city and state government.

Sessions will include instruction in the theory and the practical application of leadership by W. Ross Boone and associates.

&uot;The topics this year will include local and state government, education, economic development and volunteerism. A special class has also been created in which former mayors, the current mayor, and key members of city staff will address the class to talk about plans for Suffolk’s future. These programs may be viewed by members of the Suffolk Community on the Suffolk Municipal Channel,&uot; Barnett said.

Sessions and topics will include the following schedule:

5:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, City Government

5:30-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, Education/City Council

5:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, Corporations in Suffolk

5:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, Economic Development

5:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, Volunteerism

5:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, Former Mayors Forum

The instructional portion of the class generally lasts from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; and the guest speaker portion of the class will begin at 7 p.m. and end promptly at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $250, which includes the materials needed to conduct the class.

&uot;Many participants over the past two years have been unable to afford the tuition and members of the business community have provided scholarships so that these students could attend this program,&uot; he said. &uot;Therefore, many businesses have enrolled one of their best and brightest employees.

Regardless of whether you sponsor your own employee or another participant, your donation is greatly appreciated.

Sponsors are formally recognized at the opening ceremony brochure and during the closing banquet.

To send for an application, to nominate a future leader for the program or to become a participant, call Barnett at 539-8183, or contact him by writing to P.O. Box 4047.

Applications should be returned by Friday, Feb. 21.

William C. Giermak is the chairman of Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce/ Suffolk Division, Dr. Douglas W. Boyce is president of Paul D. Camp Community College, and Steve Herbert is city manager for the City of Suffolk.