Leadership Martin County is a program designed to enable candidates to learn about Martin County resources, values, strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. A learning experience geared toward providing an in-depth look at eight key elements of our community; education, economic development, government, healthcare, public safety, quality of life, agriculture, and culture & diversity. This program provides opportunities for candidates to exchange ideas, build networks and begin the process of identifying and solving important community issues. See article about Ag Day 2014 here.
About Leadership Martin County
Who: A pool of candidates who are current or prospective leaders in the Martin County community. Candidates are drawn from business, industry, education, public and private agencies, civic groups, non-profit and virtually all other facet of the professional community. Class size will be limited.
Program Development: A Chamber-designated “Leadership Advisory Committee” oversees the development of the LEADERSHIP Program. Riverland Community College and the Chamber will assist with individual seminar curriculum development in cooperation with designated day-leaders.
Where: This localized program was designed by the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Riverland Community College and its Training and Development Division. All sessions are facilitated locally and focus on topics directly affecting our community. Seminars are held at a different location each session.
Why: To develop candidate knowledge and understanding of our community…its assets, complexities and potential. To provide an opportunity for participants to meet and exchange ideas with each other and
current community leaders. To develop leadership skills through classroom instruction, interactive exercises and small group discussion.
How: A series of topical seminars held over a nine month period and conducted by local and regional professionals. Area leaders volunteer their time to raise awareness to the assets and opportunities of our community by providing an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at eight key elements of our community. Peggy Young, Business Consultant with Riverland Community College’s Training and Development Department will nurture leadership development by leading discussions that integrate community information through dialogue, interactive exercise and small group discussion.
Cost: $650 – Tuition is payable at the time a participant is accepted to candidacy. Scholarship opportunities are available.
When: Monthly sessions run September – May on the first Wednesday of each month. LEADERSHIP requires a serious commitment of time and energy. Candidates meet the FIRST WEDNESDAY, a full day each month. Attendance at the work sessions and all day program meetings is imperative. Class participants are expected to attend all sessions with the exception of an extreme emergency or illness.
Apply: Contact the Chamber for more information or to apply. The deadline to register is July 1st, 2020. Please return applications by mail to Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 826, Fairmont, MN 56031.
Sponsors: Financial support provided by FEDA, IGNITE, Mayo Clinic Health System – Fairmont and Rosen’s Inc.
Leadership Testimonials
Amber Ballard – Profinium, Inc.
“The knowledge a person gains from this experience is incredible and it’s difficult to find the rights words to express the magnitude of wisdom a person walks away with when the short 9 month course is complete.”
Joseph E. Brown, Sr. – Fairmont Area Schools
“LEADERSHIP Martin County was a special treat for me as a new resident and active member of the community. I feel as though I fully understand and appreciate the great potential we have as a regional center for quality living. I became impressed at the genuine commitment each individual segment of our community has in creating a better quality of life for all citizens. I also appreciate how business, education, city and county government, health care, and multiple organizations are connected to each other. What a great way to learn about the community you serve in just nine action packed days.”
Robert Bartingale – Mayo Clinic Health System-Fairmont
“For a new leader in the community I found the entire program to be excellent. It introduced me to and connected me to leaders and future leaders in the community. It provided an excellent and in-depth overview of the entire community. Most of all it demonstrated what an incredibly strong community we have in Fairmont and Martin County. We have a lot to be proud of and a great future to look forward to.”