We've Launched Alabama's First Statewide Business focused Tweet Chat - #BizChatAL . During the second chat, the director of Urban Engine and Emily Mendez joined us to discuss the importance of developing the community leadership in your organization. Toni and Emily actively work in the @HuntsvilleAla Startup community and brought a wealth of insight to this week’s chat.

Community leadership means serving others! Everyone on the @urban_engine leadership team abides by that rule of thumb to include our nonprofit board, staff and (incredible) team of volunteers. Our mission to propel ideas forward exists only to serve entrepreneurs and innovators in our community. We use all our events and community building initiatives to advocate and support members in our community. #BizChatAL

At @urban_engine we found that our community programs really took off once formal, staffed leadership was brought on board. Community leadership ensures the mission and purpose of an organization is nurtured and sustained. #BizChatAL

Community Leadership requires flexibility, grit, courage & dedication. Those leaders who inspire the most tend to have a way of keeping everyone's eyes on the vision of success while driving their community through the daily grind to get there. #BizChatAL

From a #bizdev perspective, it is critical. Networking within the right circles can be the difference between making it and breaking it for some. There's definitely some truth to the saying it's all about who you know. From a founder's POV, plugging into your local community has rewards beyond having a network, access to capital and insight into best practices. #Entrepreneurship is HARD - finding friends who get it can be what gets you through! #BizChatAL

Leadership is the platform to represent a range of businesses for a common goal. It is the bridge between problems and solutions. Articulating the vision is the hardest part. But once it's something you've found a way to get out of your head in a way that clicks when you share it with others - there will be no such thing as over-communicating it internally or externally. #BizChatAL

A lot of municipalities have local leadership groups that take place during the entire school year. Getting plugged into a group like that can help learn more about the opportunities to serve in your area. Put yourself out there and #juststart !! But (!) there are some don'ts... Don't duplicate efforts and don't reinvent the wheel. Instead, team up with leaders that share your vision to get more done together. #BizChatAL

There are so many amazing orgs in the @HuntsvilleAla #startupecosystem. We @uahi2c , @catalyst_center , @asmartplace (@huntsvillealcoc ), @HuntsvilleW. @RocketHatch, and @hudsonalpha & many others that collaborate through @innovatehsv! #BizChatAL

Many Thanks to Toni and Emily for being a guest on #BizChatAL Join us every Thursday on Twitter from 2-3PM/CST on our twitter account: @mtlakeschamber

Biz Chat 002 Importance of Community Leadership with Toni Eberhart