Get ready… Get set… Go be a leader!
BY: RACHEL WUMKES
It’s hard to believe another Lake Leadership class is about to kick off their inaugural session this week. Lake Leadership is the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce flagship program. The class meets once a month from September through May on the third Wednesday from about 8AM to 4PM.
It is designed to educate civic-minded individuals by using our community as a classroom. Lake Leadership will take you behind the scenes in the Clear Lake area, providing you the opportunity to network with your peers and learn more about our community and area businesses.
It’s the perfect chance to become more engaged and familiar with Clear Lake and the surrounding area.
You’ll meet leaders from local institutions and businesses, hear their story and learn about the rich history of our community!
Coming from a Lake Leadership graduate (2018), I must admit it was one of the coolest things I’ve done in this job. And the relationships formed over the course of the year are still intact to this day. It doesn’t matter if you’ve lived here your entire life or are a transplant like me. Lake Leadership will open your eyes to a part of Clear Lake you probably never knew existed.
This year, we welcome 23 students from 22 different businesses and organizations. We hope they are excited because the committee has planned a spectacular year for them!
Here’s a sneak peek at their schedule:
Orientation Luncheon | September 21
At the orientation luncheon, meet your classmates and learn more about Lake Leadership’s seven sessions.
Education Day | October 19
In tomorrow’s session, students will discuss education issues with Clear Lake and NIACC administration and staff. They will also tour local education and support facilities.
Economic Development | November 16
This day will be spent learning about the area’s banking and finance system. Students will learn about economic development from the North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation and the impact of tourism in North Iowa from the Chamber team. The day ends with a tour of the Mason City Municipal Airport, including plane rides around Clear Lake (weather permitting).
Health & Recreation Day | December 21
Lake Leadership participants will get a firsthand look at the health services available in North Iowa, visit local healthcare institutions, and hear from Clear Lake’s Recreation Department.
Business, Industry and Media Day | January 18
Students will learn about Clear Lake’s businesses and industries, including tours of several large employers. Additionally, they’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at one of our local media service companies.
City and County Government Day | February 15
Always a favorite, the class will visit the County Law Enforcement Center, Police Station, City Hall, County Court House and County Emergency Management Services. Speaking with the County Auditor, County Supervisors, the County Sheriff, the Clear Lake Mayor and City Administrator and representatives from the Clear Lake Police and the Fire Departments.
Agriculture Day | March 22nd
Participants will tour area farming operations and allied companies to learn how progressive agriculture really is. This is an interesting and fun day!
City and County History Day | April 19
In the final day, the class will learn about the unique and colorful story of our community, sprinkled with gems about our county history.
Graduation Luncheon | May 17
During this session, students will receive their certificate of completion and hear from an inspirational guest speaker. A class picture will be taken and hung at the Chamber to recognize the Class of 2023. You did it!
It may seem like a long time from now, but we are currently building our list for the 2024 Lake Leadership Class.
If you are interested in attending next year, please reach out to Ashley at ashley@clearlakeiowa.com to secure your place.
I simply cannot stress enough how awesome my experience was with Lake Leadership. Even just typing out the schedule brought a smile to my face as I reminisced about the places we went, the people I met along the way, and the incredible bits of information I learned.
Buckle up kids, the bus leaves bright and early Wednesday morning.
Get ready… Get set… Go be a leader!