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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.

Participants will:

• Tour local businesses and places of importance
• Develop leadership skills like emotional intelligence and decision-making
• Build relationships with influential community leaders
• Learn how giving back strengthens community success

🌟 Leadership West Bend Program – Class of 2026 Interest List Now Open! 🌟

While the current Leadership West Bend Class of 2025 is underway, we are excited to announce that applications for the Class of 2026 will be opening soon. With limited spots available and classes filling up quickly, we encourage you to join the Interest List to secure early access to the application process.

By joining the interest list, you'll receive:
🔑 Early access to the Class of 2026 application
📣 Exclusive program updates and announcements

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative leadership experience in West Bend.

🔗 Join the Class of 2026 Interest List

We look forward to seeing you grow as a leader in our community! 

Call for Community Project Proposals

The Leadership West Bend Alumni Board of Directors invites local non-profit organizations to submit community project proposals for the Leadership West Bend Class of 2026. This initiative aims to connect our class with area non-profits, deepen their understanding of community needs, and apply the leadership skills they are developing.

Community Project Guidelines:

1. Proposed projects may not include financial solicitation.
2. You will be collaborating with a class project team of 4 to 5 people.
3. The project scope should not exceed 40 hours of volunteer service from the class project team.
4. Your proposed project description, goals, and benefits must be clear.
5. The proposed project should allow for the class project team to exercise the following leadership skills: Project management, decision making, delegation, effective communication, accountability, and team building.
6. Your organization must commit one staff member to work with the class project team as a liaison and mentor.
7. A representative from your organization must attend the Leadership West Bend Graduation. 

Join us in making a positive impact on our community! Submit your application today and help our future leaders gain invaluable experience while supporting your organization’s mission. For more information, contact the Chamber office.

Betty A. Pearson Community Leadership Award

The Leadership West Bend Alumni Association and the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce that Chris Zwygart is the recipient for the 2024 Betty A. Pearson Community Leadership Award. Chris has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the West Bend community through his leadership and service in various nonprofit organizations.

As Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at West Bend Insurance Company, Chris has demonstrated a deep commitment to giving back and making a positive impact in the community. His dedication to non-profit service is evident through his extensive involvement in organizations such as the West Bend School Board, Cedar Community Foundation, Froedtert & Community Health System, and many others.

Chris's leadership roles and contributions span over the years, where he has served on numerous boards, committees, and advisory councils, focusing on areas such as education, healthcare, and community development. His passion for promoting leadership development and non-profit excellence has made a lasting impact on the West Bend area.

In his nomination statement, Chris expressed his gratitude for the nomination and highlighted the importance of leadership development programs like Leadership West Bend. He emphasized the value of community collaboration and the role of businesses in supporting non-profit initiatives.

The Betty A. Pearson Community Leadership Award, named in honor of former Chamber President and founder of Leadership West Bend, Betty Pearson, recognizes individuals who exemplify exceptional leadership qualities and make significant contributions to the betterment of the West Bend community. The award ceremony will take place on May 16, 2024, at the Leadership West Bend Class of 2024 Graduation held at Cedar Community.

The West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce and the Leadership West Bend Alumni Association congratulate Chris Zwygart on his 2024 Betty A. Pearson Community Leadership Award and applaud his ongoing commitment to community service and leadership.

Leadership West Bend (LWB) is a community stewardship program that began in 1991 and is sponsored by the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce. 

To date, LWB has welcomed 582 graduates and created a strong alumni network of individuals with a wide range of experience and knowledge ready to serve the community. The primary purpose of LWB is to seek out emerging leaders in the West Bend area and prepare them for positions of public influence and decision making.

For more information on LWB and our graduates, take a look at our 2023 Alumni Directory.