Leadership Council Bluffs Class 36

         The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Council Bluffs Alumni Association are proud to introduce the 36th class of Leadership Council Bluffs.  For 36 years, the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Leadership Council Bluffs Alumni Association, has been helping to grow and develop leaders in the Council Bluffs community. Leadership Council Bluffs is designed to identify and develop leaders. Bringing individuals together from diverse backgrounds, Leadership Council Bluffs connects leaders with unique viewpoints by engaging them in impactful experiences to deepen awareness, increase knowledge, and strengthen leadership skills with the goal of bettering our community.
            “The time tested and successful curriculum of Leadership Council Bluffs provides each Class with the background, history, and knowledge of how our great city, county and state works at all levels. Enabling the graduates to lead their careers, businesses, and Council Bluffs into a more successful future.” says Barry Cleaveland, Interim president & CEO of the CB Chamber.  Please welcome the participants of Leadership Council Bluffs, Class 36:

• Danielle Bemis, City of Council Bluffs

• Adam Buckentine, Pillar Property Management

• Rachel George, The Daily Nonpareil

• Lori Goodman, CHI Health Mercy Hospital

• Amy Grigsby, American National Bank

• Josh Hawkins, U.S. Bank

• Brenton Hoesing, Lewis Central CSD

• Blake Hunter, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate

• Meggan Jensen, Benchmark Mortgage

• JoAnn Jensen, Jennie Edmundson Foundation

• Jacey Kallsen, American PCS

• Alexys Kouri, Kouri Management

• Jenny Kruger, Iowa Western Community College

• David Lawrence, Edward Jones

• Jennifer McInroy, Children's Square USA

• Kimberly Schneckloth, The Acres

• Kim Smith, Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs

• Kendra Soechtig, ADP

• Amber Strohbehn, Valley View Veterinary Clinic

• Maria Torres, Local Public Health-Pott. Co Public Health

• Catrina Trabal, Community Foundation for Western Iowa

• Michelle Wodtke Franks, Iowa West Foundation

• Cody Wragge, Availa Bank

        
Participants in the Leadership Council Bluffs program will attend ten powerful sessions focused on different aspects of the community including education, healthcare, government, economic development, nonprofits, public safety, and community history.  LCB sessions are designed to provide participants with an overview of the accomplishments and challenges facing Council Bluffs by exposing participants to presentations and discussions with current leaders, experiencing behind-the-scenes tours, and networking with community decision-makers. LCB class members are brought face to face to explore the challenges Council Bluffs is facing and to inspire responsibility and action for providing necessary leadership. Social opportunities encourage participants to network and foster an atmosphere for collaboration to support our growing and changing community.
         In addition, participants will enhance their personal leadership abilities, enrich their team-building skills, and have the opportunity to engage in philanthropy through a partnership with the Community Foundation for Western Iowa and Omaha Community Foundation.  The participants in the Leadership Council Bluffs program will also be required to complete a Community Trustee Project. 
         “Leadership Council Bluffs is a unique, memorable experience that helps our community foster strong leaders. We’ve seen alumni of LCB elected to local positions, serve on boards and commissions, and continually improve the community we live in,” says Sarah Beth Ray, director of leadership and young professional development for the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce, and Director of Leadership Council Bluffs. “It will be exciting to see how Class 36 continues this great legacy."