Statewide program graduates local leaders from area
Three area graduates The Iowa Association of Business and Industry Foundation announces the graduating class of Leadership Iowa 2008-2009.
Local graduates include Lorie Bennett of the City of Humboldt, Humboldt; Jim Vermeer of Corn Belt Power Cooperative, Humboldt; and Cindy Litwiller of the Development Corp. of Fort Dodge and Webster County, Fort Dodge. The class graduation was held recently in Okoboji, at the Annual ABI Convention.
Leadership Iowa, a program of the ABI Foundation for 27 years, is a statewide, premier issues-awareness program. The program is designed to instill passion in current and emerging leaders while fostering a high level of civic engagement. The 2008-09 class attended an integrated series of monthly two-day sessions from October through June at various locations throughout Iowa. They learned from experts about natural resources, education, government, entrepreneurship, energy, transportation, economic development and more.
"Leadership Iowa is a highly interactive program allowing participants to immediately apply newly developed skills to real life issues," says Dan Anderson, Iowa Area Development Group, chair of the Leadership Iowa Board of Governors.
Since its inception in 1982, Leadership Iowa has graduated over 800 individuals from both the private and public sector, representing every geographical region of Iowa. Each year, approximately 40 talented individuals are selected. Each year's applicant pool is unique with selection based on achieving the best balance of qualified candidates for a particular year.
The ABI Foundation's mission is to build partnerships between business, education and communities. A non-profit organization created by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, the Foundation also provides resources and forums that develop professional and personal responsibility and leadership for our communities and our state. More information about Leadership Iowa may be found at www.leadershipiowa.com.
