The deadline to nominate Iowans in your community for Leadership Iowa’s 2024-25 class is fast approaching. Leadership Iowa is the state’s premier issues-awareness program provided by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation.
Each year, 40 Iowa leaders are selected to participate in the program, which begins in October and runs to June. The group observes eight, two- or three-day monthly sessions throughout the state. Each session provides class members with a wide range of firsthand insight exploring the opportunities and challenges facing Iowa.
The ABI program provides resources for motivated Iowans to effect change within Iowa’s organizations and communities. More than 1,400 Iowans have graduated from Leadership Iowa in its 42 years.
“Leadership Iowa has been the best networking and professional development experience in my career,” said Allyson Krull, Mason City Chamber of Commerce’s vice president for workforce & leadership development and a 2022-2023 Leadership Iowa participant. “I enjoyed seeing best practices spanning a variety of industries in communities across the state, but above all, I had the privilege of meeting incredible leaders, who quickly became close friends.”
Variety of nominees sought
Each ABI Leadership Iowa class is carefully selected to be representative of a wide variety of industries, professions, backgrounds, civic engagement, and geographic locations in the state. The outcomes of Leadership Iowa are far greater, ABI said, when diverse participants can connect across industry and county lines. The connections forged often result in future collaboration and lasting friendships.
Workplaces and communities across the state benefit from representation in the ABI program, as the ideas and inspiration gained through their participants can often be applied locally. Leadership Iowa is one way that companies can retain talent and invest in the personal and professional development of their employees.
Nominations will be accepted through Monday, April 1, for the upcoming class. Individuals must first be nominated in order to apply for the program. Self-nominations are allowed and encouraged. To nominate individuals or learn more, visit www.LeadershipIowa.com.
ABI also hosted Business Horizons 2024, a five-day innovation program for Iowa high school students.
