Leadership Siouxland to Hold 40th Anniversary Celebration

Leadership Siouxland is holding a celebration on November 13, 2024, to mark 40 years of success educating and training community members to make a positive  impact within the tri-state area.

All past alumni, community leaders, supporters and past presenters as well as individuals who are interested in becoming a class participant are welcome and encouraged to attend the 40-year celebration, which will be held at The Warrior Hotel, 525 6th Street, Sioux City from 4:30 – 6:30.  The celebration will include a Siouxland Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting at 4:30; and a short program at 5:30.  Speakers at the program will include Lynn Swanstrom,  Jim Wharton and Amanda Beller.  A cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres will be available.  All events will take place at Woodbury’s Steakhouse within The Warrior.

In 1984, a group of community leaders got together and discussed their vision – the creation of an organized way for people to work together to gain valuable leadership skills to impact the community in their workplace and beyond.  Started as a branch of the Sioux City Chamber of Commerce and with financial support from several prominent businesses and individuals, within a year of the initial founders’ meeting the group was ready to launch the program.  The first 9-month class started in September 1985 – May 1986.  Lynn Swanstrom, wife of Colonel Dennis Swanstrom who was serving as the Fighter Wing Commander of the 185th National Guard, was the first executive director.

Over the last 40 years, hundreds of Siouxlanders have been sponsored by employers or local organizations or have self-funded their own participation in the program.  The curriculum has evolved to fit the times we are living in, and includes topics such as Self-Care, IDEA, Change Cycle Management, and Mindfulness.  Participants learn about their own skills and interests, the needs of the community, and network with other professionals and community leaders within the tri-state area.  The positive impact the program has had on Siouxland is extraordinary – yearly projects with sustainable results have changed our community for the better.

Plan to attend to mingle with board members, former classmates and community leaders, learn how the program continues to evolve, and celebrate with us!

For further information on Leadership Siouxland, visit Leadership Siouxland on Facebook, www.leadershipsiouxland.org, or email executive director Peggy Smith at exdir@leadershipsiouxland.org or call 712-898-8594.