GREATER STILLWATER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2023-24 LEADERSHIP IN THE VALLEY CLASS

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation (Chamber Foundation) is pleased to announce the Leadership in the Valley (LITV) 2023-24 class of participants. This is the 5th year of LITV and will be the largest cohort to date, with 32 participants.

This cohort will begin their LITV journey with a Welcome Reception and Kick-off Day, September 13 and 14, 2023. The LITV Welcome Reception is sponsored by Royal Credit Union, who has supported the Leadership in the Valley program since its inception. 

Leadership in the Valley is a nine-month program that runs from September through May. Classes meet in different locations around the community each month exploring a major topic covered by knowledgeable speakers and panels, tours, group activities, demonstrations and class discussions. Topics addressed include agriculture and environment, government, economic development/business, health & wellness, education, diversity-equity and inclusion, public safety and law, community and the arts and leadership development. 

New this year, will be small group service projects.

“If you love this community and want to do a deep dive to learn more about our history, local trends and future strategies, this program is for you,” stated Robin Anthony, President of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation. 

The LITV program gives participants the opportunity to better understand our community and to prepare for the challenges it faces by meeting with and learning from today’s leaders. LITV is an educational opportunity that broadens perspectives and allows participants to gain increased understanding of community dynamics and public issues. The makeup of each year’s class is intended to reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of our community. 

Meet the cohort participants, class of 2024! 

• Katie Bang, Lake Elmo Bank

• Colleen Cahill, Century College

• Lyz Carlson, First State Bank and Trust

• Nicki Castro, Washington County

• Melody Fox, Big Red Dog Studios, LLC and Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More

• Mike Funk, Stillwater Area Public Schools

• Tim Gladhill, City of Stillwater

• Stacy Greven, Royal Credit Union

• Clare Gromoll, People's Congregational Church

• Brenda Hall, Lakeview Hospital

• Sara Jespersen, Sara Jespersen

• Hunter Julien, City of Stillwater, Police Department

• Brad Junker, City of Stillwater, Police Department

• Eric Kivisto, Market & Johnson

• Tony Klehr, Stillwater Area Public Schools

• Emily Krawczewski, Washington County Historical Society

• Amanda Lathrop, Lead Sheep Productions

• Cassie Laurvick, Bridgewater Bank

• Donna Luttinen, St Croix Soccer Club

• Kenzie Markus, Zen Day Cleaning Services

• Alexis McKim, Eckberg Lammers, P.C.

• Dave Neuman, Datastream Connexion

• Kelly Nygaard, Discover Stillwater

• Kirsten Parker, Kirsten J. Parker Consulting LLC

• Jenny Pater, Lift Bridge Cowork

• Aimee Pelletier, Darn Knit Anyway

• Sharon Provos, City of Stillwater

• Heidi Stein, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

• Matthew Stepaniak, Limitless Cycling

• Anne Stoudt, Stoudt Law Ltd

• Kayla Tebelius, Washington County Sheriff’s Office

• Darrell Vesterfelt, Mount Haley Holdings, LLC

At the end of the Leadership in the Valley program year, a graduation ceremony and dinner will be held in recognition of the class, in May of 2024. After completing the program, graduates will join the 80+ members of the Leadership in the Valley Alumni group. 

The Chamber Foundation is seeking Day Sponsors for the 2023-24 LITV program year. 

Please contact the Chamber office with interest.  (651) 439-4001 / Email

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