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Leadership Program

Leadership West Bend, offered by the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce, is an immersive program designed to introduce emerging leaders to the inner workings of West Bend’s public and private businesses and organizations. The goal of this program is to inspire community leadership by providing valuable insights, networking opportunities, and mentorship.

🌟 Leadership West Bend, Class of 2026 Applications Now Open! 🌟

The Leadership West Bend Class of 2026 is already halfway full, and we just started accepting applications!

This nine-month, hands-on program is designed to help participants grow as leaders while connecting with the people, organizations, and businesses that keep our community strong.

Whether you're looking to develop a standout team member or invest in your own leadership journey, this program is a powerful step forward.

📝 Apply now to secure your spot before the class fills completely:
🔗 Click Here for Your Application 

✅ Tours of local businesses and key institutions
✅ Practical leadership development
✅ Professional networking and community engagement

📅 Application deadline: July 31, 2025, or sooner if the class fills early!

We can't wait to welcome the next class of West Bend’s future leaders.

Call for Community Project Proposals

The Leadership West Bend Alumni Board invites local nonprofit organizations to submit a community project proposal for the Leadership West Bend Class of 2026. These projects are designed to connect class members with area nonprofits, build awareness of community needs, and give participants the opportunity to apply their leadership skills in a hands-on way.

Community Project Guidelines:

• Projects may not involve financial solicitation.

• Each project will be assigned to a team of 4 to 5 class members.

• The project should be designed to stay within 40 hours of volunteer time, taking place between October 16, 2025, and April 16, 2026.

• Your project proposal should clearly outline goals, scope, and the expected impact on the community.

• Projects should provide space for participants to practice leadership skills such as project management, communication, delegation, decision making, accountability, and teamwork.

• Your organization must designate a staff member to serve as a liaison and mentor for the class team.

• Applicants will be asked to present their proposed project to the Leadership West Bend Alumni Board via Zoom before final selections are made.

• New this year: You may also request individual or small-group volunteer support, including roles that could lead to committee or board service.

• A representative from your organization must attend Retreat Day on September 19, 2025, to introduce your project to the class.

• A representative must also attend Graduation on May 21, 2026, to support your team (a $35 attendance fee applies).

Be part of this meaningful opportunity to strengthen local leadership and support your organization’s mission. Applications are due by June 15, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified by August 31, 2025.

Submit your proposal today!
For questions or more information, please contact the Chamber office.

Betty Pearson Community Leadership Award

The West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce and Leadership West Bend Alumni Association are proud to announce Nicole Pretre, MS, CPG, President and CEO of Cedar Community and 2014 Leadership West Bend graduate, as the recipient of the 2025 Betty Pearson Community Leadership Award.

Presented annually, the award honors Leadership West Bend alumni who exemplify outstanding service, visionary leadership, and a lasting impact in Washington County. Nicole embodies these qualities through her distinguished career and community dedication.

As the head of Southeastern Wisconsin’s largest nonprofit senior living organization, Nicole has championed local and statewide initiatives. She has served as a Chamber Board Member and Ambassador, contributed leadership to United Way of Washington County, and volunteered with organizations including Interfaith Caregivers, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and youth programs like West Bend Little League and YMCA basketball.

Her influence extends nationally through service on the LeadingAge Wisconsin Board, the U.S. News & World Report CEO Advisory Council for Senior Living, and as a national liaison for elder care 
advocacy. She was also named a 2025 Wisconsin Titan 100.

Nicole is a member of TEMPO Milwaukee, Milwaukee Women Inc., and an adjunct instructor at 
UW–Milwaukee, where she helps shape future leaders. Her leadership is marked by compassion, clarity, and a deep commitment to community—making her a deserving recipient of the Betty Pearson Community Leadership Award.

The West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce and the Leadership West Bend Alumni Association congratulate Nicole Pretre on her 2025 Betty Pearson Community Leadership Award and 
applaud her ongoing commitment to community service and leadership.

The Leadership West Bend Alumni Association expresses heartfelt gratitude to the past recipients of 
the Betty Pearson Community Leadership Award for their exemplary dedication and contributions to our community. 

Betty Pearson (2001), Nancie Heaps (2002), Michael Bloedorn (2003), John Duwell (2004), Ric Leitheiser (2005), Linda Esselman (2006), James N. Hodges (2007), Bruce Wilk (2008), Kevin Steiner (2009), Michael Schilling (2010), Carole Klotz (2011), Ken Meuler (2012), Kirk Emerich (2013), Mary Kurer (2014), Rose Petitte (2015), Candy Sarauer (2016), Craig Hoeppner & Mike Nowack (2017), Mary Driscoll (2018), Peter Rettler (2019), Amy Schmoldt (2020), Tim Dehring (2021), John Spartz (2022), Debra Cahoon (2023), Chris Zwygart (2024)

Thank you all for your outstanding leadership and commitment to making a positive impact in West Bend.