items in checked list box - visual studio

i have an application with several forms that use the same list of items in a checked list box.  over time, the list of items will evolve, so rather than continually update the ITEMS collection in each form separately, I'd like to use an easier method.  the list of items is also stored in a SQL database, and can be configured by application users.

a resource file is one option, as is retrieving the list from the database, but that means rebuilding the ITEMS collection every time one of the forms is loaded which happens often.  another option is to load the forms once, keep them loaded, and show and hide them rather than reload them.

Any other ideas welcome.