The city is looking for a few good leaders.

Suffolk Tomorrow, Paul D. Camp Community College, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce-Suffolk and the city will kick off the seventh annual Suffolk Leadership Academy on Feb. 7. The 11-session course is designed to help develop and strengthen participants’ leadership skills and give them a better understanding of city and state government.

Participants will hear from a distinguished line-up of city and community leaders and will have an opportunity to discuss current issues facing Suffolk as it continues to grow and assume a role of greater prominence in Hampton Roads, according to Dr. George Barnett, former mayor and founder of the city’s first academy.

Topics that will be covered include Suffolk history, local government, economic development and regionalism, tourism, agriculture, education and volunteerism. Participants will also take a trip to the general assembly in Richmond and a tour of Suffolk.

The weekly courses will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, with dinner being provided for participants. A closing banquet will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn and Suffolk Conference Center on Apr. 25.

Sessions will be held at Suffolk City Council Chambers at 441 Market St.

W. Ross Boone will provide instruction in theory and practical application of leadership skills for the first portion of each class. The second half of the class time will be spent with various guest speakers.

Tuition is $250, which covers the cost of the materials needed for the class. Companies can also sponsor employees to attend the class. Corporate sponsorships are gold for $1,000, which includes one student sponsorship and four tickets to the closing reception; silver, $500, one sponsorship and two tickets; or $250, one student sponsorship.

For information, call Kenda Council at 539-8789, ext. 3339. Submit applications to Suffolk Leadership Academy, P.O. Box 4047, Suffolk, Va. 23439 before Jan. 30.