Leadership is often thought of as something that comes with a title—a seat on a board, a position in government, or a role within an organization. But true community leadership starts long before anyone is given a title. It begins with caring enough to show up and having the willingness to serve.
That is the heart of Lead Local, the Farmington Regional Chamber’s community leadership development program designed to prepare emerging professionals to become the next generation of civic and community leaders.
The program was born from a simple realization: many of Farmington’s longtime community and city leaders were approaching retirement age, raising an important question: Who will step into these roles?
Lead Local was created as part of the answer.
Designed for emerging professionals ages 25 to 40, the program brings a small group together for one full day each month over eight months. The intentionally small cohort allows participants to build meaningful relationships while gaining a deeper understanding of the community they call home.
“It is so rewarding to watch these wonderful young people,” said Candy of the Farmington Regional Chamber.
Throughout the program, participants explore the many sectors that make up St. Francois County, including government, education, healthcare, business, and public safety. They spend time with the mayor of Farmington, tour Mineral Area College, visit local businesses such as US Tool, and get an inside look at the 911 center, police department, fire department, and ambulance district.
One of the most anticipated experiences is the trip to Jefferson City. Participants tour the Capitol, learn about state government, climb to the top of the Capitol dome, and share dinner with state representatives.
But Lead Local is about more than field trips.
Each monthly experience incorporates leadership development lessons covering conflict resolution, team collaboration, negotiation, and influence. The lessons are led in part by Marcus Truman of Archangel Consulting, a leadership coach and former instructor at the Air Force Leadership Academy.
As participants move from one sector to another, they begin to see something they may not have recognized before: everything is connected.
Government, education, healthcare, business, public safety, nonprofits, and community organizations may operate independently, but each plays a role in making the larger community work.
The program also encourages participants to look inward. For some, the experience has meant discovering their own ability to lead and recognizing that they have more to offer their community than they realized.
“They realized they were actually capable of being leaders,” Candy said with a smile.
The results are already visible. Graduates from the inaugural cohort are now serving on the City of Farmington Board of Adjustment, Farmington Parks & Recreation Board, Farmington Planning & Zoning, and more.
The goal, however, is not simply to produce elected officials. Leadership can take many forms, from serving on a nonprofit board to volunteering, running a business, or simply stepping forward when the community needs someone to help.
“We can’t afford to have people in leadership that are not well prepared, or don’t care,” Candy said.
For participants, there is also a sense of gratitude woven throughout the experience. They are thankful for the business owners, community leaders, educators, and organizations willing to open their doors and share their time. And perhaps most importantly, they are thankful for one another.
Lead Local creates a space where people who may never have crossed paths otherwise can learn together, challenge one another, and build lasting connections.
“It makes me hopeful seeing these graduates and what they are already accomplishing,” Candy said.
In a community, there may be no greater reason to be thankful than knowing there are people willing to step forward and help shape its future.
Lead Local is not simply preparing people for leadership. It is preparing people to serve.
And that investment has the potential to reach far beyond one program, one year, or even one generation.
"I am forever thankful for this program, and what it did to help me through the course of my work, involvement, but most of all, allowing me to know I am worth it."
“It will be an experience that you will remember and grow from. Take in every bit, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone because you will grow in ways you do not think you are capable of."