Supporting Your Community
Easy To Get To. Hard To Leave.
Alexandria, Minn., is ranked as one of the fastest growing micropolitans in Minnesota. According to the Chamber of Commerce, it is “Easy to get to. Hard to leave.”
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A part of Leadership Alexandria's class scavenger hunt, Big Ole' is 31 feet tall and was built for the New York State Fair to represent the Birthplace of America - Alexandria, Minn. He was moved to Alexandria in 1966. |
To ensure the city’s health and vitality remain strong and continue to grow, the Chamber offers Leadership Alexandria, a program that brings existing and emerging leaders together to understand the importance of supporting their community.
For the 23 years Leadership Alexandria has existed, 35 Alexandria Industries’ employees have spent 80 hours over nine-months learning about the City of Alexandria and how they can be part of a rich network of business leaders who support the city’s future growth. We asked a few of them to give us a behind-the-scenes look at this hugely successful program.
Tammie L.
What is the benefit of Leadership Alexandria to the community?
It allows you to network with other business professionals for a common cause. To make Alexandria a top city to live and work in Minnesota!
What was your most memorable day or event?
Each session taught me so much about our community and how we are intertwined. The Business and Industry Day was an opportunity to tour and listen to local business owners and learn how tourism affects the Alexandria community.
Describe what it means for you to become an active member of your community.
Even though I had lived here for 25 years and been involved in various boards or activities, it gave me a whole new perspective on how all the pieces come together to make our community a great place. I take pride in participating and representing Alexandria as my hometown!
How could other cities benefit from a similar leadership program?
This type of program is offered in several communities throughout the country and I would encourage others to participate, and to really understand their community.
Chris D.
What is the benefit of Leadership Alexandria to the community?
It develops people that are in-tune with the community and can offer assistance to help. It also helps to build networks within the community that will expand with time.
What was your most memorable day or event?
The most memorable event for me was the first day when we spent an overnight at a local lodge. It gave everyone a great opportunity to get to know our classmates better. Unfortunately, I missed the history day, which I heard is a favorite of most people.
Describe what it means for you to become an active member of your community.
The biggest take-away was that there is little community interaction at city council meetings. They also have a larger budget than I thought, and getting involved here could make for some nice changes in the community.
How could other cities benefit from a similar leadership program?
The benefit is having citizens who are more connected with the local government and with each other and can work together to improve the community. Having the understanding of what local government can do for you and how you can drive change is significant.
Patty H.
What is the benefit of Leadership Alexandria to the community?
Participants are able to gain insight about the organizations that make our community successful, vibrant and healthy. We become more engaged. Our class will be raising awareness and money for Lasting Imprint, a nonprofit organization for babies born with congenital heart defects.
What was your most memorable day or event?
Learning that there are four generations in today’s workplace and the differences among them. Each generation has certain working styles. Leaders who recognize this, and understand generational preferences, can help us all work better together.
Describe what it means for you to become an active member of your community.
To know I am making a difference. Who needs help? Where should I volunteer my time? What can I do to help others in need?
How could other cities benefit from a similar leadership program?
To have engaged members who care about where they live and work. We do the most good when we look for opportunities to help others. Leadership Alexandria attracts people who seek out ways to get involved. It also opens doors to areas in a community that need help.
In our city, Alexandria Industries is one of the largest business employers. Being active members and helping others in our community, can make a significant difference in the lives of our citizens. Without the support of our community, and the people who live here, we would not exist. Leadership Alexandria helps us see the many ways we are all interconnected and how we can help each other where we need it most.