Every year, the local chambers of commerce take up-and-coming businesspeople and send them back to school. The classroom and the subject is the Dubuque Region: its economy, resources and challenges. Upon graduation, the programs mint a new batch of leaders; a diverse group of individuals with a renewed commitment to their local communities, and the skills, contacts and information to turn commitment into action.
The program lasts 9 months and provides courses ranging from business development and networking programs to leadership programs designed to help businesspeople become more active in the community by becoming volunteers and participating in local government. The programs invite entrepreneurs and private-sector, nonprofit and government executives to apply for admission.
