Growth Association wraps up latest Leadership Academy
The RiverBend Growth Association recently celebrated the completion of its sixth Leadership Academy with seven graduates.
The nine-month program included presentations from local business and political leaders and exercises in public speaking and communication enhancement. Lewis and Clark Community College’s Corporate & Community Workforce director Kathy Willis conducted sessions I-Speak and Emotional Intelligence sessions.
Additionally, sessions included information on the area’s transportation network by industry leaders, Dave Miller of St. Louis Regional Airport, SJ Morrison of Madison County Transit and speakers from the barge industry.
Public and private school administrators spoke to the group about the changes they’ve made and issues they’re experiencing. Other subject matter included healthcare, healthcare reform, media, tourism and area industry. Field trips included visits to the Madison County Administration Building with presentations by county elected officials and department heads and a tour of the Recorder’s Department.
In April, the Academy went to Springfield to see state legislators in action and where they also were able to meet with lobbyists and legislators. In addition to the interesting and educational presentations, the participants networked among themselves and say they forged lasting relationships within and outside of their own career tracks.
Participant Neena Frisch of TheBANK of Edwardsville said, “This was such an informative, fun and engaging way to learn more about our area and businesses that move our area forward. I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity to learn about our area in such a handson way, and given the time and attention from so many movers and shakers in our area. It has really helped my career to understand how the Riverbend area is able to prosper and grow and see how it is all connected.”
Other participants were Meredith Elfrink and Angie Holtkamp of State Farm Insurance and Financial Services – Karen Wilson; Katie Haas and Laura Inlow of Lewis and Clark Community College; Trish Holmes of the RiverBend Growth Association, and Lee McRaven of OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center.
The RBGA will hold its next Leadership Academy in the fall of 2018 and will make a call for nominations in July of 2018. Nominees should be between the ages of 21 and 40 and be up and coming employees in the businesses in which they work. For more information about Leadership Academy, contact Monica Bristow at (618) 467-2280.
— From the Illinois Business Journal
