About the Council

BUILDing You In Leadership

BUILD (BUILDing You in Leadership Development) is a Council within the Walton County Chamber of Commerce Foundation designed to serve as the primary source for high-quality leadership mentors for the community. The council is a catalyst dedicated to assisting those desiring to advance their personal and professional growth. Additionally, young professionals will gain exposure to available opportunities (civic, cultural, political) for involvement they may not have been aware existed. If you would like to be engaged in any stage of this process please note that BUILD is accepting applications for those who desire to be a mentor and also those who desire to be a mentee.

Vision

Bridge the gap between today’s leaders and the leaders of tomorrow through placement in opportunities to excel

Mission

Develop a comprehensive mentorship program for present and prospective community leaders

Our Story

walton area chamber of commerce BUILD (BUILDing You In Leadership Development) was created by the 2006-2007 Leadership Walton class as our legacy to future classes and the community. It is our desire to partner with other established programs across the region to serve as the primary source for high quality leadership mentors. In addition to this valuable resource pool, our goal is to offer guidelines, benchmarks, and effective techniques for a successful partnership between mentor and mentee.

In August 2007, we partnered with the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce and the incoming Leadership Walton class. Leadership Walton is a unique and innovative approach to the traditional community-based leadership model. The program provides the opportunity to develop an individual’s leadership, entrepreneurial and team BUILDing skills while increasing their value to their organization and to the greater community. Participation in Leadership Walton is open to recognized and emerging leaders with demonstrated commitment to community service.

In September 2007, we formed a partnership with the young professional group, Emerald Coast Emerging Leaders (ECEL). Founded in April 2005, ECEL is a joint effort of the Destin Area and Walton Area chambers of commerce. Targeting the ages of 21 - 41, ECEL is now more than 285 young professionals strong. Through a mixture of educational and social venues, this dynamic organization encourages personal and professional development, confidence BUILDing, and connections to the community and to each other.

We were thrilled to have 40 active mentoring relationships in our inaugural year!

In August 2008, a new partnership formed with the Professional and Inspired Leaders of Tomorrow (PILOT). Recently solidified as a committee through the Crestview Area Chamber, PILOT's mission is to encourage and enhance profession al development in young leaders of the Crestview community ages 21-41 by providing social interaction and networking opportunities; by presenting topics related to personal and professional enhancement; and by participating in civic duties and activities to strengthen and develop our community.

Calendar of Events

Please join us for one of our Council meetings to discover how you can become more involved. Calendar of Events