The Rowan County Chamber of Commerce has opened its application process for the 25th anniversary class of Leadership Rowan.

Created in 1992, the program aims to develop leadership and enhance abilities of existing leaders. More than 550 people have graduated from Leadership Rowan since it’s creation in 1992.

The deadline to apply for the 25th anniversary class is May 25. The class will run from August 2017 to May 2018.

Leadership Rowan class members commit one day per month to exploring the community and discovering what makes it distinctive. Topic areas in the program include: government, education, business, human needs and the arts.

Throughout the nine-month program, participants go on exclusive tours and have hands-on experiences with community leaders. Armed with new knowledge, connections and perspective, Leadership Rowan graduates are prepared to take their places as effective community leaders.

As the leadership class gets started, alumni will be invited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the program. The celebration, designed as a fundraiser, will be Aug. 22 at 5:30 p.m. in Firewater Restaurant — 127 S. Avalon Drive in Salisbury. The celebration will include a mini-SimSoc game, 25-year timeline of the community, networking, dancing and refreshments.

The celebration will recognize the charter class of Leadership Rowan and chamber leaders that helped start the program. Event organizers will also talk about the new Leadership Rowan Alumni Association and ask for input and advice about changes.

The event will be a fundraiser. The Rowan County Chamber of Commerce hopes to provide more scholarships to people who may not be able to attend because of price.

For more information about the next class or anniversary celebration, contact Charlene Deese at cdeese@rowanchamber.com or 704-633-4221.