Calling All Those Interested in Growing as a Leader
Applications are now being accepted for the 12th class of Leadership Fairfield, the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce's premier leadership and professional development program designed to develop informed, connected, and engaged community leaders.
Beginning on the first Tuesday in September, Leadership Fairfield is an eight-month experience featuring full-day sessions each month through April. Participants gain an in-depth look at the people, businesses, organizations, and issues that shape Fairfield while developing valuable leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
Each monthly session focuses on a different aspect of the community and includes leadership development, behind-the-scenes tours of local businesses and organizations, discussions with community leaders, and hands-on learning experiences. Participants leave the program with a greater understanding of Fairfield's economic, educational, healthcare, nonprofit, government, and business sectors, while building lasting relationships with fellow leaders from across the community.
This program would not be possible without our amazing members who step up to sponsor this opportunity! Thank You to Our Leadership Fairfield Sponsors!
The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce extends sincere appreciation to the businesses that make Leadership Fairfield possible through their generous support.
- Presenting Sponsors: Agri-Industrial Plastics and Iowa State Bank
- Book Sponsor: AERON Lifestyle Technology
- Curriculum Sponsor: Jefferson County Health Center
- Food Sponsor: First MainStreet Insurance
- Snack Sponsor: TDT CPAs and Advisors
Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. Secure your sponsorship today and help shape Fairfield's next generation of leaders while showcasing your business throughout the program.
One of the most impactful components of Leadership Fairfield is the class community project. Throughout the program, participants work together to identify a community need and develop a project that creates meaningful, lasting impact while strengthening teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
The Chamber is currently seeking project ideas from the community. If you know of a challenge, opportunity, or gap that a Leadership Fairfield class could help address during the eight-month program, email your ideas to Info@FairfieldIowa.com.
Past class projects have included:
- Connecting volunteers with volunteer opportunities
- Promoting an inclusive playground
- Developing resources for activities for local youth
- Creating community member spotlights
- Organizing community information in one central location
- Expanding access to Reading to Recover materials
Leadership Fairfield is open to individuals who live or work in the Fairfield area. Whether you are an emerging professional, a seasoned leader, or someone looking to become more involved in the community, the program offers valuable personal and professional growth.
Businesses are also encouraged to invest in their employees by sponsoring their participation. Companies interested in hosting a class tour or serving on a panel during one of the monthly sessions are invited to contact the Chamber.
Participant Spotlight
Bridget Mellott of Cambridge Investment Research shared how Leadership Fairfield impacted both her career and community involvement:
"As an introvert, Leadership Fairfield was outside of my comfort zone. It challenged me to make connections within the larger Fairfield community, and not just within my employer. It helped me form business and personal relationships with people I never would have met otherwise. I've been able to use those connections both professionally and through my volunteer board service.
The community project challenged me to think of new ways to serve and improve Fairfield. It also helped me better understand how important community participation truly is.
Finally, I learned so much about businesses and organizations in Fairfield that I had never really thought about before. I discovered just how many opportunities exist here and how diverse our community really is.
I could not recommend this program more."
Early bird registration for Chamber members ends Friday, August 7, at 5:00 p.m.
Applications and program information are available at www.FairfieldIowa.com under the Chamber Events tab.
For more information, to register, sponsor a participant, host a class session, or learn about remaining sponsorship opportunities, contact the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce at 641-472-2111 or email Mendy at Chamber@FairfieldIowa.com.
