The 2013-14 Leadership Carbon class will be holding a graduation ceremony today at Mahoning Valley Country Club. Guests will register and network at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and program will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Keynote speaker will be state Sen. John T. Yudichak, Senate District 14, serving Carbon and parts of Luzerne County.The Leadership Carbon Class of 2013-14 decided the importance of technical/vocational education was one of the top priorities needed in Carbon County. As a result, the class hosted a very successful Earth Day Hippie 5K Walk/Run on April 26 to raise funds to support one Carbon Career & Technical Institute student from each of the county's school districts who are furthering their education after graduation in a technical field.The class also solicited and received a grant and organized improvements, including picnic tables and a kiosk, at the Lehighton Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor trail head. This was to promote awareness of the trail and the area's connection of the trail through other parts of the county. The trail head was officially recognized on Earth Day.Sponsors were Mauch Chunk Trust Co., Ohl Fuel, Commissioners Wayne Nothstein and Tom Gerhardt.Leadership Carbon is developed by a team of community leaders with diverse perspectives and roles in Carbon County and sponsored by many area businesses and agencies. The program is a comprehensive leadership development program for any adult who lives or works in Carbon County and iS interested in becoming involved in their community but feels unprepared for such a task. Leadership Carbon identifies recruits, educates and motivates current and potential leaders and seeks to help its participants recognize their leadership potential and identify ways in which they may use their abilities to benefit their communities.Carbon County Economic Development Corporation is accepting applications for 2014-15.For more information or to attend the event, contact Linda Rex at 610-379-5000 or email

lrex@carboncountychamber.org.