Dakota County Leadership Academy
What are the benefits of investing and participating in the program?
The 2011 Dakota County Leadership Academy Awaits You:
Class size is limited to 25, so don’t delay! If you or an employee from your business is interested in participating in the 2011 Dakota County Leadership Academy, please contact Nicole at the River Heights Chamber of Commerce or call 651.451.2266. Partial scholarships may be available to Chamber members in need of financial assistance. We encourage you to take the next step to further your leadership capabilities!
Click here for the 2011 Application...Call the River Heights Chamber today at 651.451.2266 to sign up!
2010 Graduating Class
Bruce Bairaktaris, River Heights Chamber Board of Director & DCLA Graduate
River Heights Chamber DCLA Graduates
View more photos from the 2010 DCLA in the photo gallery!
View photos from Business Day at the Capitol and 2009 Graduation in the photo gallery!
What is the Dakota
County Leadership Academy?
It is a partnership of Dakota County Chambers and Inver Hills Community College to develop the leadership capacity within businesses throughout Dakota County. The program is a combination of leadership skills training, community awareness and addressing critical issues facing Dakota County. It will challenge and motivate individuals to make a difference through personal commitment and involvement in their local communities.
What are the benefits to enrollees?
Enrollees will become better leaders at work, in their
communities and at home. Specifically, participation in the
Dakota County Leadership Academy will benefit individuals,
employers and the community.
INDIVIDUAL BENEFITS:
■ Develop a great network throughout Dakota County.
■ Become a more effective and influential leader at work.
EMPLOYER BENEFITS:
■ Gain company exposure.
■ Develop a strong employee to increase the leadership
talent within the organization.
■ Create ambassadors for their company in the community.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS:
■ Support growth and investment in the community.
■ Employees and employers will gain a greater
understanding of their communities and take a more
active role in ensuring a strong, vibrant environment in
which business can thrive.
What Our Leaders Say...
"The Dakota County Leadership Academy was a great experience!! I learned many useful skills, especially in the Time Management class! I also enjoyed the unique behind-the-scene tours at the State Capitol and at the County Jail. I've never imagined that I would be inside a jail cell! I'm happy that I was able to meet so many great people; I will never forget my group project experience."
Mike Peterson, 2009 DCLA Graduate
Eagan CVB
"Most effective investment I have ever made. I would participate every year if I could."
Anonymous, 2009 DCLA Graduate
"The thing I liked most about the program is learning about myself more. I learned how to handle myself when I get into situations at work that I haven't come across yet. I really enjoyed each class...I was able to take something away from each session."
Anonymous, 2009 DCLA Graduate
"Participation in the Dakota County Leadership Academy provides professionals from any background an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills. Participants are able to serve their communities and network with other business representatives while learning valuable tools that they can immediately utilize in their workplace."
Lisa Dargis, 2008 DCLA Graduate
City of Farmington
"DCLA is a great, well-rounded program to sharpen leadership skills, learn more about our local government and encourage community involvement. The variety of speakers, topics, meeting locations and activities made every class a fresh, new experience. It provided an opportunity to meet a variety of up and coming leaders in the community. Finally, I had my first (and hopefully last) opportunity to see the inside of a jail."
Jack Phillips, 2008 DCLA Graduate
Frontier Communications
“I learned of the DCLA from the River Heights Chamber of Commerce. Having worked in South St Paul for six years I took part in the DCLA to become more familiar with the area in which I do business. The leadership classes were very rewarding. I have been able to apply much of what we covered in classes to my day-to-day interactions with customers and co-workers and even personal contacts. Classes were very organized and identified skills and ideas used by true leaders. I recommend the DCLA to individuals interested in bettering themselves and realizing their potential. It will open your eyes, and make you look at our communities in an entirely different light…and may even inspire you to be the leader you never knew you could be. I also recommend the DCLA to employers who would like to bring out the potential in their staff.”
Rick "Petey" Petersen, 2007 DCLA Graduate
Fury Motors Inc.
“My participation in the 2006 Leadership Academy gave me a better understanding of my role as a Manager to my staff and as a business partner within the Inver Grove Heights Community that I support. The classes showed me how to enhance both personal and leadership skills, thus allowing me to become a stronger Manager. I value the experience as one of the highlights of my professional career.”
Velita Frandrup, 2006 DCLA Graduate
Bank of the West
“Whether you are a novice in your field or are at the end of your career, I feel that the Leadership Academy would be a great investment. This opportunity truly gave me a better sense of my ability to manage people and how to be a better leader within my community, not to mention the awesome experience of meeting and building relationships with other business people within our community as well. Thanks again for making the 2005 Leadership Academy a milestone in my career!”
Beth Ayotee Naumann, 2005 DCLA Graduate
Service Master South Metro
"The broad subject matter provides good exposure at a very reasonable cost for developing or enhancing leadership and personal skills while at the same time, providing a blend of community leaders in the daily dealings with diverse issues and people situations."
Don Haugen, DCLA Supporter
Waterous Company
