LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES

The Willmar Lakes Area Leadership Perspectives program is designed to develop effective community leaders with vision and insight. Session topics include individual and team building; heritage and diversity; government and media; health, human services and volunteerism; law and justice; education; industry and tourism; entrepreneurship and opportunities. Each session focuses on the issues critical to our region's future success. The next class is will start in September. Please stay tune for more information! Contact the Chamber to be added to the waiting list.

Enrollment is limited to the first 40 participants.

Deadline: August 31, 2025

Apply Today!

Mission

A leadership program designed to develop leaders who are informed, dynamic, qualified and motivated.

History

Established in 1992, Leadership Perspectives was developed to bring critical issues to the attention of potential community leaders and encourage their active participation in our future. It is a “positive force” in shaping the communities of Kandiyohi County, and is a dynamic and interactive educational experience sponsored by the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

Valuable for Employer

Exceptional community training opportunity for employees for less than $55 per day. Includes all meals, session materials and transportation
Reinforces skills and imparts knowledge to participants
Provides a package of effective, cost efficient training
Offers exposure for you, your company, and your participating employees
Paves the way for cooperative efforts on current and future community projects

With the Community as a Classroom

You are committed to leadership and community stewardship.
You want to build a diverse long-term network of colleagues.
You have a strong desire and interest to promote the organization you represent.
You want to contribute to the community even after graduation.
Develop an awareness of issues and challenges affecting the Willmar Lakes Area

Leadership Skills

“Leadership Skills” topics are incorporated into our sessions. Topics to be included are:

Public Speaking
Networking
Motivation/Motivating Others
Emotional Intelligence
Ethics/Integrity
Conflict Management
Philanthropy
Multi-Tasking
Business Professionalism
Time Management/Planning
Balance Work & Life
Team Building

From Our Alumni

“I was so thankful to be apart of the Leadership Perspectives Class. It is amazing what our Community offers along with the Companies we work for. I highly recommend the program to anyone that is able to participate.”
2019-2020
Julia Orth, Jennie-O Turkey Store

"I had the good fortune to represent Ridgewater College in the 2021-2022 Willmar Lakes Area Chamber Leadership Perspectives cohort. The Leadership Perspectives program has allowed people from a variety of business and industry sectors to build and develop rapport with both individual and entire organizations. The collaboration includes learning about our regional service sectors, emergency management personnel, non-profit, State of Minnesota agencies, private, and public organizational collaborations. The collaboration and learning highlight the area’s strengths and provides opportunities for individuals to become more involved to create a more prosperous and thriving region. I believe the Leadership Perspective program has been a great professional and personal development opportunity for me and the emerging leaders."
Jeff Miller