15 graduate from Henry County Leadership Program

Fifteen people graduated from the Henry County Leadership Program. Henry County Leadership is designed to provide the community with an enduring source of diverse leaders who are prepared and committed to serving this region.

Mike Patten, General Manager of the Walmart Distribution Center, served as the keynote speaker challenging the class to 'Discover their Why” and to use their passion in their business and for the good of their community. Jesse Aynes, from Innovairre, was selected to give the class presentation thanking his fellow classmates for the experience and the employers who made it possible for the graduates to complete the program.

As a skills-building program, Henry County Leadership aims to identify and motivate emerging community leaders; provide an educational experience with a strong emphasis on both leadership skills and community awareness; and challenge participants to apply their talents within their community while providing an opportunity to become involved. Congratulations to the 2018-2019 Henry County Leadership Graduating Class.

Jesse Aynes, Innovairre

Braden Blake, Wayland State Bank

Sarah Donnolly, Walmart Distribution

Nikki Fennern, Iowa Wesleyan University

Megan Fritz, Two Rivers Bank & Trust

Scot Lamm, Mt. Pleasant Community Schools

Melissa Herbaugh, West Liberty Foods

Mikayla Mabeus, Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber

Andrea Malone, Innovairre

Shelly Masterson, 5 Star Community Credit Union

Kelly Prickett, Southeastern Community College

Devan Rhum, Henry County Health Center

Julie Scott, Midwest Old Threshers

Anna Villareal, Iowa Wesleyan University

Normita Watson, Community 1st Credit Union

Thanks to a wonderful partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach-Henry County class members experienced three-hours of intense leadership training during each session. Following the leadership training, they traveled around the county to learn more about its challenges and opportunities. The nine sessions included specific topics such as Education; Health Care & Social Services; Economic Development; Local Government, Crime and Safety; State Government; Arts, Culture and Tourism; and Agriculture.

The Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance exists to improve the quality of life for Henry County residents through economic growth. The Chamber consists of 350 businesses, organizations and individual members. The Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance encompasses the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, Mt. Pleasant Area Development Commission, Main Street Mount Pleasant and Henry County Tourism.