The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce joins Riverland Community College in congratulating the graduates of Leadership 2013-2014, a community-based leadership program for residents of Freeborn County.

Leadership is developed by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and the Riverland Community College Training and Development Department. The purpose of the program is to identify and assist individuals who are interested in developing leadership skills and increasing their involvement in the community.

At their recent graduation day, hosted by Wedgewood Cove Golf Club, the graduates presented a portfolio of their experiences throughout the year. Additionally, they presented a 10-minute summary in the format of their choice to their fellow Leadership graduates and course facilitators. At their graduation lunch many were joined by their immediate supervisor. During the lunch, Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, President of Riverland Community College, addressed the graduates and presented them with Certificates of Achievement and Completion.

The 11-month program consists of a series of intense thematic seminars including professional development training courses conducted by local, regional and nationally-known presenters. All sessions are facilitated locally at various locations and focus on topics directly affecting our community. Curriculum topics include education, public safety and law enforcement, business and economic development, local government, quality of life and diversity, health and human services and healthy living.

The Leadership 2013-2014 graduates include Sue Anderson of Cargill Value Added Meats, Matt Bissonette of Riverland Community College, Brandy Boettcher of St. John’s Lutheran Community, Tom Bunz of Pro Manufacturing, J.D. Carlson of the Albert Lea Police Department, Katie Davis of the Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea, Graham Frie of Mayo Clinic Health Systems of Albert Lea and Austin, Amy Gauthier of Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Lonny Hagen of Albert Lea Select Foods, Lindsey Hugstad-Vaa of Albert Lea Public Schools, Brad Kramer of Tandem Products Incorporated, Kelly Krieger of Krieger Beverage, Kathy Leidal of Mayo Clinic Health Systems of Albert Lea and Austin, Allyssa Sorenson of the United Way of Freeborn County, Phil Wacholz of the City of Albert Lea, Pam Wasmoen of Freeborn Mower Cooperative Services and Greg White of Cargill Value Added Meats.