Our History:

Since LN was founded twenty six years ago, Leadership Niagara has cultivated over one thousand community leaders through its adult and youth leadership programs.  

In the 1980's with many challenges facing Niagara County, a study funded by the Niagara Gazette though a grant from the Gannett Foundation identified the need to develop a complete "needs assessment" of the community and to initiate a new leadership-training program.

An alliance of the Society for the Promotion, Unification and Redevelopment of Niagara, Inc. (SPUR), the Niagara Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, and involvement of the Eastern Niagara Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas, resulted in the creation of the training program called the Community Leadership Development Program of Niagara County, Inc. in 1984, making it the oldest leadership program in New York State.

As large industries left the area, Niagara County needed to develop leaders across the county to impact boards, public offices, and provide community leadership.  The program attracted a who's who of business, nonprofit, government, and academic leaders committed to strategic planning, leadership training, and serving our community.

Today Leadership Niagara has cultivated over one thousand community leaders through its leadership programs and has become a trusted resource in developing leaders and building community. 

Leadership Niagara's new mission: "to strengthen regional leadership" reflects our proud history and helps our organization to reach new goals.