For years now, the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce has sponsored an annual program the result of which makes our community’s leaders stronger and makes Vicksburg a better place in which to live.

Leadership Vicksburg aims providing up and coming leaders in our community with a deeper understanding of critical issues affecting Vicksburg and Warren County, and what resources are available to all of us.

The group of 15 to 20 or so individuals in each year’s class is nominated typically by the businesses for which they work, and the business typically makes the monetary investment for each class member necessary to operate Leadership Vicksburg.

The class members spend most of a year working together to learn about our community. For one day a month, the class is educated through field trips about government, law enforcement and courts, businesses, education and industry here. In addition, each Leadership Vicksburg works to complete a project of benefit to our community. The dog park at the Vicksburg airport and community gardens is one such project.

One of the activities of this year’s Leadership Vicksburg class is the Downtown Movie Night set for Friday, July 27, at 8:30 p.m. in front of the Old Depot Museum. The movie is “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.” While there is no cost for attending the movie night, those who bring a canned food item will receive free popcorn. The canned goods collected will be donated to the United Way of West Central Mississippi, which will in turn distribute them to participating organizations.

Moviegoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or towels for seating. In addition to popcorn, food truck vendors will also be on hand, and beginning at 7:15 p.m., a car show sponsored by Vicksburg Car Cruisers will be held.

For leaders in every business, having a real-life understanding of the workings within our community is critical. Members of the classes of Leadership Vicksburg are well educated on our community’s assets and needs.

Next year’s Leadership Vicksburg class will form soon. Consider sponsoring someone in your business or organization for this vital training.

Call the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce at 601-636-1012 for more information.