Celebrating 50 years of Leadership Development in Peoria

Celebrating 50 Years of Leadership Development in Peoria

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the kickoff of this year’s Community Leadership School—an enduring tradition that has been shaping the future of the Peoria area for half a century. This milestone year marks 50 years of investing in the leaders of tomorrow, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to address the challenges facing our community and inspiring them to make a lasting impact.

At its core, Community Leadership School aims to unite 40 emerging leaders around a shared mission: to deepen their understanding of the region’s opportunities and challenges, build meaningful connections, and inspire greater community involvement. The program’s vision is summed up in its guiding principle: "to motivate and inspire its participants to a higher level of community awareness and involvement."

This year’s class has already embarked on an incredible journey of discovery and growth. Participants have had the privilege of hearing from some of the region’s most influential leaders, each offering unique insights into their leadership approach and the responsibilities they carry. Speakers have included:

• John Morris, President & CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum,
• Brent Eichelberger, CEO of Commerce Bank,
• Dean Heffta, founder of Clarus Results,
• Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, President of Illinois Central College, and
• Dr. George McKenna, Regional Superintendent at the Regional Office of Education.

These dynamic leaders shared their personal stories, leadership philosophies, and the lessons they’ve learned while driving progress in their respective fields.

Additionally, participants engaged in an interactive leadership assessment, providing valuable insights into their own leadership styles. This exercise sparked meaningful self-reflection and helped participants better understand how their unique strengths can contribute to our community’s success.

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce remains deeply committed to fostering leadership excellence in the region. Over the past 50 years, Community Leadership School has played a pivotal role in shaping leaders who go on to inspire change, create opportunity, and make Peoria a better place to live, work, and grow.

If you’re passionate about leadership and community impact, we encourage you to consider joining the next class of Community Leadership School. For more information on how to get involved, please contact Matt McVey at mmcvey@peoriachamber.org.

Together, we can build on this legacy of leadership and continue making a difference in the Peoria area for generations to come.