Leadership Tri-State is looking for business and community leaders to take part in their eight-month region-exploring program.

Sharon Walker, executive director, said the non-profit organization seeks to develop the talents and harness the resources of the region’s future leaders.

“One of the biggest benefits of the program is simply learning about the Tri-State,” Walker said. “We need to know working together as one area we can get more accomplished than acting as three individual areas.”

Walker said the organization seeks to provide Tri-State leaders the opportunity to learn more about the area in which they live and work and provide the chance to build a solid networking foundation.

Jennifer Hatten, director of development and communications for Huntington, W.Va. Area Habitat for Humanity and Class of 2012 alumna, said she learned a lot by taking the class.

“Working full-time I don’t have a lot of time to commit to other things, but I’m glad I did this,” Hatten said. “I would encourage anyone to apply because it really is eye opening all the things you can learn about the area.”

Hatten said she has lived in Huntington, W.Va. for nine years when she took the class and was amazed to learn how little she knew about the area.

Walker said she had a similar experience, and that it does not matter how long you have lived in the area, there is always opportunity to learn something new.

“I’ve been the director since 1999, and in 2013, we visited a location I have never been to or heard of,” Walker said. “That’s the thing we try to integrate into the class. We want people to know what is in the area so they can become more involved.”

There is a tuition fee of $695 for the program. The fee covers program costs and meals provided during each session. Partial tuition assistance is available in some circumstances.

The application deadline is March 18 with sessions set to begin April 18.

Those wishing to receive an application, or nominate at candidate, can contact Sharon Walker at (740) 523-0443 or leadershiptristate@gmail.com.