The Next Generation of Leaders: CLS Class of 2026 Launches
The 51st class of Community Leadership School is officially underway. Last night, thirty-five area leaders gathered at Distillery Labs to meet one another and kick off their CLS journey together as the Class of 2026, presented by Commerce Bank and Farnsworth Group.
This group is stepping into a program with more than 1,300 alumni behind it, and it is easy to feel optimistic about what they will bring to the Peoria area in the months and years ahead.
CLS is a sixteen-week, intensive experience focused on leadership growth both professionally and personally. It is designed to meet participants where they are and encourage them to grow their leadership and engagement in their careers, volunteer work, and everyday lives. No two CLS experiences are exactly the same, because no two leaders are.
Orientation night was the first time this year’s cohort came together, and it was also a chance to hear from leaders who have seen the impact of CLS firsthand. Brent Eichelberger, CEO of Commerce Bank Illinois, and Karen Jensen, CEO of Farnsworth Group, shared what the program has meant for their organizations, the difference they have seen in employees who have gone through CLS, and the impact of their own CLS experience in their careers. We are grateful for the support of Commerce Bank and Farnsworth Group.
Participants also heard from Megan Wineland of CEFCU, chair of the CLS Steering Committee, who offered encouragement and a few words of wisdom as the class begins the journey. She introduced the rest of the Steering Committee, whose time and commitment make CLS possible. We are thankful for their leadership and support: Doug Cruitt of Distillery Labs, Jada Culberson of Children’s Home, Jesse “JT” Jackson-Hohmann of Nest Egg Wealth Management, Inc., Matt McVey of Grand View Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, Adam Shaw of the Greater Peoria Sanitary District, Ronni Stalter-Madeira of Illinois Central College, and David Sumner of Commerce Trust Company.
One of the most meaningful parts of CLS is the community project component. Participants are placed into groups with people they may not know yet, giving them the chance to build new relationships while working together to solve real challenges. This year’s class will take on six projects focused on talent attraction and retention. Last night, project groups met for the first time to learn what they’ll be working on over the next four months. It’s amazing to hear how fast groups started brainstorming and sharing creative solutions, and we cannot wait to see their final products.
We are excited to follow the Class of 2026 as they learn, grow, and lead over the next sixteen weeks. If you have been through CLS before, what advice would you give this year’s participants as they get started? Be sure to follow along at www.peoriachamber.org.