The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation (Chamber Foundation) is pleased to announce the Leadership in the Valley (LITV) 2023-24 class of participants. This is the 5th year of LITV and will be the largest cohort to date, with 32 participants.
This cohort will begin their LITV journey with a Welcome Reception and Kick-off Day, September 13 and 14, 2023. The LITV Welcome Reception is sponsored by Royal Credit Union, who has supported the Leadership in the Valley program since its inception.
Leadership in the Valley is a nine-month program that runs from September through May. Classes meet in different locations around the community each month exploring a major topic covered by knowledgeable speakers and panels, tours, group activities, demonstrations and class discussions. Topics addressed include agriculture and environment, government, economic development/business, health & wellness, education, diversity-equity and inclusion, public safety and law, community and the arts and leadership development.
New this year, will be small group service projects.
“If you love this community and want to do a deep dive to learn more about our history, local trends and future strategies, this program is for you,” stated Robin Anthony, President of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation.
The LITV program gives participants the opportunity to better understand our community and to prepare for the challenges it faces by meeting with and learning from today’s leaders. LITV is an educational opportunity that broadens perspectives and allows participants to gain increased understanding of community dynamics and public issues. The makeup of each year’s class is intended to reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of our community.
Meet the cohort participants, class of 2024!
Katie Bang, Lake Elmo Bank
Colleen Cahill, Century College
Lyz Carlson, First State Bank and Trust
Nicki Castro, Washington County
Melody Fox, Big Red Dog Studios, LLC and Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More
Mike Funk, Stillwater Area Public Schools
Tim Gladhill, City of Stillwater
Stacy Greven, Royal Credit Union
Clare Gromoll, People's Congregational Church
Brenda Hall, Lakeview Hospital
Sara Jespersen, Sara Jespersen
Hunter Julien, City of Stillwater, Police Department
Brad Junker, City of Stillwater, Police Department
Eric Kivisto, Market & Johnson
Tony Klehr, Stillwater Area Public Schools
Emily Krawczewski, Washington County Historical Society
Amanda Lathrop, Lead Sheep Productions
Cassie Laurvick, Bridgewater Bank
Donna Luttinen, St Croix Soccer Club
Kenzie Markus, Zen Day Cleaning Services
Alexis McKim, Eckberg Lammers, P.C.
Dave Neuman, Datastream Connexion
Kelly Nygaard, Discover Stillwater
Kirsten Parker, Kirsten J. Parker Consulting LLC
Jenny Pater, Lift Bridge Cowork
Aimee Pelletier, Darn Knit Anyway
Sharon Provos, City of Stillwater
Heidi Stein, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
Matthew Stepaniak, Limitless Cycling
Anne Stoudt, Stoudt Law Ltd
Kayla Tebelius, Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Darrell Vesterfelt, Mount Haley Holdings, LLC
At the end of the Leadership in the Valley program year, a graduation ceremony and dinner will be held in recognition of the class, in May of 2024. After completing the program, graduates will join the 80+ members of the Leadership in the Valley Alumni group.
The Chamber Foundation is seeking Day Sponsors for the 2023-24 LITV program year.
Please contact the Chamber office with interest. (651) 439-4001 / Email
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