Leadership Leavenworth-Lansing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Leavenworth‑Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Launch of 2026 Community Leadership Class
 Program Begins Thursday, February 26, 2026


Leavenworth, KS — The Leavenworth‑Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of the next Community Leadership Class, beginning Thursday, February 26, 2026. Business leaders, bother for-profit and nonprofit, should enroll their emerging leaders in this inspiriting program.

This year’s cohort will participate in an eight‑month leadership and community development program designed to equip emerging and established leaders with the knowledge, relationships, and skills needed to strengthen the region.


The program features eight monthly sessions, each focused on a key dimension of community leadership. Participants will receive training in leadership development, civic engagement, and the systems that shape the well‑being and future of the Leavenworth‑Lansing area.


Throughout the program, participants will meet with and learn directly from leaders across multiple sectors, including:

  • Local and state government officials
  • Healthcare providers and public health leaders
  • Education institutions and district leadership
  • Law enforcement and public safety professionals
  • Economic development organizations and business leaders


These sessions offer participants a behind‑the‑scenes understanding of how the community works, how decisions are made, and how leaders across sectors collaborate to support long‑term prosperity.


“The Community Leadership Class is one of the Chamber’s most important investments in the future of our region,” said the Leavenworth‑Lansing Chamber of Commerce. “Each year, we see participants grow in confidence, capability, and commitment to serving the place they call home.”


For additional information about the program, enrollment details, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Leavenworth‑Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mission of Leadership Leavenworth-Lansing

To educate and develop community leaders.

The Goal of the Leadership Program is to establish a network of community leaders and provide upcoming leaders an opportunity to grow and develop with the guidance and assistance of those currently in leadership positions. The Program is designed to develop future leaders.

2023-2024

Graduation dinner picture.

About Leadership Leavenworth-Lansing

The Leadership Leavenworth-Lansing Committee's approach to the Leadership program is based on the concept that there are a variety of ways for citizens to become involved in the community. This approach, which is exemplified by the multi-faceted curriculum, seems to best facilitate identification of potential leaders by providing areas that stimulate interest and/or align with personal expertise. Accordingly, the course includes sessions on local history, the local economy, the legal and legislative systems, health and social service agencies, civic and community groups, education programs and technology. The individual skill which align with these topics include stewardship, team building, boards and committees, meeting management, consensus decision making, communication, ethics and change process. Each Leadership class selects and executes a class project.

Those interested are invited to contact the Chamber of Commerce office by calling (913) 682-4112, or emailing lauren@llchamber.com.

Leadership Leavenworth-Lansing, as with all Chamber Councils, Committees, & Programs, is open exclusively to Chamber Members. If you're interested in becoming a Member of the oldest Chamber of Commerce in the State of Kansas, let us know, so you can begin to be involved today!

The History of Leadership Leavenworth-Lansing

The Chamber of Commerce initiated the Leadership Leavenworth-Lansing program in 1985 when local government, schools, and community based organizations reported difficulty in filling positions on committees, boards of directors and other responsible organizations that rely on citizen input and participation to make decisions for the benefit of the community as a whole. It was determined that many citizens were reluctant to volunteer because of lack of familiarity with the issues and organizations and a feeling that they were not prepared or qualified to participate in deciding community issues. The initial thrust of the Leadership program was to create an environment within which individuals willing to make a commitment of time and energy to the community were made familiar with community organizations and issues and urged to participate in leadership positions with confidence. This remains an underlying basis of the Leadership program and its curriculum.