Chamber’s longest-ever leadership class comes to an end

The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce (GLCCC) 2020 Leadership Las Cruces class (LLC27) – the longest in the 27-year history of the program – came to an end Dec. 3 as participants graduated with a lunch program at Memorial Medical Center (MMC).

“We support each other in this community,” MMC CEO John Harris told the class.

“I think we have enormous potential to work together,” he said, adding that MMC, like Las Cruces, is continuing to grow. The hospital is at work on a new 7,000 square-foot ear, nose and throat institute, Harris said.

LLC27 member Cory Leiferman of Virgin Galactic was recognized as the class’s outstanding member because of his support of class programs and participants.

“Our LLC27 began their journey in August of 2019,” said GLCCC President and CEO Debbi Moore. “When Covid forced closures in March 2020, the classes were interrupted until the fall of 2021. This incredible group of participants persevered and graduated recently. During each LLC class, we do our best to showcase our wonderful region, but also share leadership skills, types and best practices along the way. LLC27 were given a ‘hands-on’ approach to their learning due to the pandemic. I salute this class for all they have already done to make a difference and impact in our community.  Job well done, LLC27, well done!”

LLC is a professional development program sponsored by GLCCC that includes participants from businesses and organizations throughout Las Cruces and the surrounding community. The class meets monthly for about a year to visit educational, governmental, nonprofit and other offices and programs throughout Doña Ana County and beyond to learn about all aspects of life in and around Las Cruces.