The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the 12th class of Leadership Fairfield, an eight-month leadership and professional development program designed to develop informed, connected, and engaged community leaders, according to a press release from the chamber.
Beginning on the first Tuesday in September, the program runs through April and features full-day sessions each month. Participants gain an in-depth look at the people, businesses, organizations, and issues that shape Fairfield while developing leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. Each monthly session focuses on a different aspect of the community and includes leadership development activities, behind-the-scenes tours of local businesses and organizations, discussions with community leaders, and hands-on learning experiences. Participants leave with a greater understanding of Fairfield’s economic, educational, healthcare, nonprofit, government, and business sectors, while building lasting relationships with fellow community leaders.
One of the program’s most impactful components is the class community project, in which participants work together throughout the program to identify a community need and develop a project that creates meaningful, lasting impact. Past class projects have included connecting volunteers with volunteer opportunities, promoting an inclusive playground, developing resources for local youth activities, creating community member spotlights, organizing community information in one central location, and expanding access to Reading to Recover materials. The Chamber is currently seeking community project ideas and encourages anyone who knows of a challenge, opportunity, or gap that a Leadership Fairfield class could help address to email their ideas to Info@FairfieldIowa.com.
Bridget Mellott of Cambridge Investment Research spoke to the program’s impact on 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.”
Leadership Fairfield is open to individuals who live or work in the Fairfield area, whether emerging professionals, seasoned leaders, or those looking to become more involved in the community. Businesses are encouraged to invest in their employees by sponsoring their participation and are also invited to host a class tour or serve on a panel during one of the monthly sessions.
Early bird registration for Chamber members ends Friday, August 7th at 5:00 p.m. Applications and program information are available at FairfieldIowa.com under the Chamber Events tab. Additional sponsorship opportunities are also still available. For more information, to register, sponsor a participant, host a class session, or learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce at 641-472-2111 or email Mendy at Chamber@FairfieldIowa.com.
The program is made possible through the generous support of sponsors including 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, and Snack Sponsor TDT CPAs and Advisors.
