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Strengthening Our Community One Leader at a Time
What is Leadership Springfield?
Leadership Springfield (LS) is the premier leadership training program in the Capitol City. Leadership Springfield is a 14 week series of half day programs during which participants gain leadership skills and in-depth exposure to critical issues affecting the Springfield area. During the program, participants interact with community leaders and decision makers who share diverse perspectives on significant accomplishments and opportunities within the Springfield community. Interactive professional development is a cornerstone of Leadership Springfield.
Why Leadership Springfield?
Leadership Springfield is a program that aims to develop, strengthen and equip local professionals to benefit the Springfield area. The curriculum represents a number of different facets of life and commerce in Springfield. Topics for the Leadership Springfield program typically include:
- Leadership Development
- Agriculture
- Cultural Intelligence
- Education
- Healthcare
- Homeland Security
- Local & State Government
- Team Building
- Tourism
- Technology & Innovation
Below are testimonials from previous Leadership Springfield graduates.
Leadership Springfield granted me the opportunity to connect with other local business leaders, while also exploring the community through our weekly meetings with key community business stakeholders. The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce realizes the importance of building relationships that foster greater future collaboration between businesses. Leadership Springfield hits the mark connecting people, while providing educational opportunities for leaders and future leaders in our market.
-John Ridley ’22, Memorial Health
I have lived in Springfield for over a decade. In this time I thought I had learned what Springfield has to offer, but Leadership Springfield showed me that the area offers so much more than I was aware of prior to the program. We have world class companies and opportunities here in our backyard. Truly a terrific, eye-opening, program.
-Craig McFarland ’20, University of Illinois Springfield
As a transplant to Springfield, this program elevated my sense of pride to live in and be a part of this great community, while learning new interpersonal skills that continue to assist in my professional growth and development.
-Eric Hills ’22, Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc.
Leadership Springfield had a huge impact on me, not only as a professional, but in every aspect of my life. It was a tremendous honor to be a part of Leadership Springfield and I wish nothing but the best to my fellow class mates and future professionals who have the opportunity to participate in it.
-Brett Jackson ’20, Bank of Springfield
Leadership Springfield was invaluable in showing me all of the opportunities to be engaged in my community as well as the assets and opportunities for growth across Springfield. However, I’m most thankful for the new friendships and peers that I’ve added to my personal and professional life.
-Chris Davis ’22, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) - Illinois
What an amazing opportunity to learn more about Springfield and the leaders and businesses that call Springfield home! It's amazing to be a part of such a great community! I highly recommend Leadership Springfield to anyone who wants to help grow their business, create life long networking relationships, or wants to challenge themselves personally! Thank you again!!!
-Fred Weber ’20, Flat Branch Home Loans
When I started Leadership Springfield I knew it was going to be an experience to remember but little did I know, it would end up being life changing in a way I never expected. Not only did I learn more about myself (the good and the bad), but it also strengthened my love and appreciation for our local community. Having class on the House Floor is only an experience a few will ever have; being at our Capitol the day after an election was an honor and a moment in time I will always treasure. The people I met and the stories they shared are experiences I will never forget.
-Tiffany Bauman ‘22, Hanson Professional Services Inc.
How do employers benefit from sponsoring an applicant?
In general, employers of all kinds benefit from the employee’s improved leadership, and team and problem-solving skills. Through their employee’s involvement, employers gain access to a broad network of prestigious leadership contacts across all sectors, and extensive knowledge of the issues facing the community. The consensus is their employees learn the “who’s who” of the community and the value of the power of individual influence around regional change.
History of Leadership Springfield
Established in 1986 by The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the Junior League of Springfield, Leadership Springfield has over 1,100 graduates since its inception.