The 23 members participated in an orientation session that featured presentations by members of the inaugural class. Presentations included "You as Leader" by Lincoln-based Talent Plus staff, "Leading Through Giving" by Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein of the Peter Kiewit Foundation, "Nebraska's History" by Dr. Bob Manley, "Leading Nebraska Through a Continuum of Change" by futurist Ed Barlow and "Great Leaders in Changing Times" by Cy Wakeman.

Class 2 members come from across Nebraska and range from volunteers, business leaders, philanthropic workers, educators and agricultural entrepreneurs. Central Nebraska class members are Mike Henke, Associated Staffing, Doniphan; and Diane Keller, Memorial Community Health, Aurora.

"The program is aimed at persons who have demonstrated community and professional leadership experiences," said Bob Harris, chairman of the State Chamber's Leadership Nebraska Council. "The program provides six sessions per year that would give class members an opportunity to develop and hone leadership skills and gain a broader understanding of issues facing Nebraska."

The rest of the sessions will include a session on public service in Lincoln in March; an education session in late April and early May; the economic development session in Omaha in late June; the agriculture session tour to Scottsbluff in early August; and the health/health care/human services session in Norfolk in September. A commencement ceremony will be on Oct. 24.