Honoring 50 Years of Leadership: CLS Graduation Celebrates a Powerful Legacy

Last Wednesday night, we celebrated a powerful milestone for the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and our community at large with the graduation of the 50th class of Community Leadership School (CLS), proudly sponsored by Commerce Bank.

For five decades, CLS has been a cornerstone of leadership development in Greater Peoria. CLS brings together passionate, committed individuals from across sectors to deepen their understanding of the challenges facing our region and to rise as leaders ready to make a lasting impact.
Since its founding, CLS has graduated over 1,700 individuals — many of whom have gone on to serve in senior leadership roles, elected office, nonprofit boards, and civic initiatives. More than 300 companies have supported this program by sending participants, speaking to the class, sponsoring events, and opening their doors for tours. Together, our CLS community has completed over 250 community projects, addressing complex issues and delivering real solutions to support small businesses, local governments, and regional development efforts.

This 50th class represents the best of what CLS stands for: curiosity, courage, collaboration, and commitment. They came together to learn from some of Greater Peoria’s most influential leaders, to explore the forces shaping our economy, civic institutions, and communities, and to grow both personally and professionally.

Their graduation was a night to remember. Dressed in graduation regalia alongside our incredible co-chairs and partners from Commerce Bank, I had the honor of celebrating this class in true ceremonial style. Friends, family, coworkers, employers, CLS alumni, and community leaders gathered at The Gateway Building by Childers to cheer on these graduates as they received their certificates and tassels— a fun gift nodding to both their achievement and the responsibility that comes with leadership. The ceremony closed with a joyful tassel toss by the graduates.

                                                                            

I believe that leadership is about showing up your authentic self, staying curious by asking questions with an open ear, and choosing to be part of the solutions when others say it can’t be done or choose only to complain. CLS continues to embody that belief year after year, building a powerful network of changemakers who are deeply invested in a stronger, more vibrant Peoria. Less than one week prior to graduation, I had the opportunity to hear the seven groups from this year’s class present their projects to assist nonprofits and improve our region. I’m left inspired and excited for the future of Greater Peoria.

Congratulations to the 50th graduating class. You are part of a legacy that continues to transform our region, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll do next!

With pride and optimism,
Jessica Linder Gallo
President & CEO
Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce