Leadership Union Grove is a community-based program dedicated to developing caring, concerned, and committed leaders. LUG is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Village of Union Grove and the University of Wisconsin - Parkside.

Training sessions in the 9-month program include: overnight retreat featuring team-building activities; education, plus problem solving workshop; health and social concerns, plus conflict resolution workshop; law enforcement and justice; business and economic development; local government; joint leadership seminar at UW Parkside; volunteerism; and recreation and quality of life.

Participants also choose and implement a class project. Homework assignments include a ride-along with a sheriff's deputy, visiting the municipal court, and attending a village or town board meeting. While inside a correctional institution, the class hears from a panel of wardens and a panel of prison inmates.

Since the first class graduated in 1998, Leadership Union Grove alumni have been appointed to planning commissions and other municipal committees. They have run for public office. They have been elected as officers of the Chamber of Commerce. Alumni from every class have volunteered to join the Advisory Committee and ensure that the program continues.