Charles City Leadership Development Program Applications Being Accepted

Applications are being accepted for the 2025 Charles City Leadership Development program, designed to educate, encourage and empower participants to unlock their leadership potential in their personal lives, at work and in the community. 

Spearheaded by the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce, the program provides participants an opportunity to become more familiar with and engaged in the community, what it has to offer, what resources are available, how things work and why. They’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at local businesses, non-profit organizations, and governmental entities, as well as hear from and interact with panel discussions featuring local leaders and organization representatives.

Leadership program graduate Selena Jensen says, “I cannot recommend this enough! Having lived in this community for most of my life, I’ve learned so much more about it through this program. It truly makes you feel invested in your community and inspires a desire to get involved.”  

Fellow graduate Rachel Conrad adds, “These sessions provide tools and framework that help leaders at all levels as well as help navigate conflict, foster team engagement, and lead with purpose. It’s not about having the answers, it’s about committing to growth, self-awareness, and the ability to adapt. The course isn’t just valuable – it’s essential.”

Program participants will meet one day a month, starting September 18th, from 9 am to 4 pm for nine months, concluding with graduation next May. 

Curriculum was developed in collaboration with Floyd County Extension, NIACC, the Charles City Community School District, local employers and best practices gleaned from other community leadership programs.

Contact the Charles City Chamber for more information, including enrollment fees and other program requirements.

Full info from Chamber below:

Applications being accepted for next Leadership Development Program in Charles City

         Applications are being accepted for the 2025 Charles City Leadership Development program, which is designed to educate, encourage and empower participants to unlock their leadership potential in their personal lives, at work and in the community. Learn how you can make a difference, both big and small, as well as work with and influence others around you.

This program, spearheaded by the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce, also provides an opportunity to become more familiar with and engaged in the community, what it has to offer, what resources are available, how things work and why. Get a behind-the-scenes look at local businesses, non-profit organizations, and governmental entities, as well as hear from and interact with panel discussions featuring local leaders and organization representatives. Professional leadership coaches will also be involved in some of the sessions.

“I cannot recommend this enough! Having lived in this community for most of my life, I’ve learned so much more about it through this program. It truly makes you feel invested in your community and inspires a desire to get involved,” said program graduate Selena Jensen. “On a personal note, I have seen significant growth in my confidence and knowledge, not just in my professional life but also in my personal endeavors. This experience has been transformative for me, and I am truly grateful for it.”

Added fellow graduate Rachel Conrad, “These sessions provide tools and framework that help leaders at all levels – whether you are new to the role or seasoned in it – as well as help navigate conflict, foster team engagement, and lead with purpose. It’s not about having the answers, it’s about committing to growth, self-awareness, and the ability to adapt. If you’re serious about becoming the kind of leader others want to follow, the Charles City Leadership Development course isn’t just valuable – it’s essential.”

Program participants will meet one day a month, starting Sept. 18th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for nine months, concluding with graduation in May. Enrollment will be determined by the number of sponsorships and scholarships available, with the $600 fee either covered by a business or organization sponsoring an employee or member, or else sponsoring a scholarship for someone in the community to go through the program. Participants will have an attendance requirement, as well as need to complete so many hours of community service and a group project in order to graduate the program.

Sessions will be held at different locations around town, include bus and walking tours, a wide variety of guest speakers and panelists, as well as lunch and snacks provided. The curriculum was put together in collaboration with Floyd County Extension, NIACC, the Charles City Community School District, local employers and best practices gleaned from other community leadership programs.

For more information, to apply, or to become a sponsor for the 2025 Leadership program, contact the Chamber office at (641) 228-4234 or email [email protected]. The application deadline is August 29th, and the class will be limited to the first 20 participants.