Developed by the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Duluth is a comprehensive leadership training program.  Leadership Duluth educates participants about Duluth’s cultural and business history, as well as the current issues facing the Duluth area.  The program focuses on the elements necessary to develop leaders who are invested in community health. In its 33 years, more than 1,300 area professionals have completed the Leadership Duluth program.

Unique to the 2020 class and the current participants, Leadership Duluth has had to adapt many of its offerings this year to a virtual format due to COVID-19 restrictions. Participants were  understanding, and able to finish the year strong with a heartfelt, virtual graduation ceremony. This current class was able to meet at the beginning of the program year and adapted virtually when restrictions tightened.

The resiliency of the Leadership Duluth program has paid off, announcing its return to in-person sessions this week.

On Wednesday, May 12^th, Leadership Duluth’s 35 class members met for “Transportation and Infrastructure Day” to discuss the critical sectors of transportation and infrastructure that impact Duluth’s economy. It was the first full day in-person session since October of 2020.

In an interview with Fox21 Duluth, Leadership Duluth Director Martha Bremer shared enthusiasm for its return.

“The excitement with the class to be back together again, it just, you can feel the energy, I think one of the benefits of the program is really getting to meet people from all different industries and develop those relationships is really hard over zoom,” she states.

The full day session began with a tour of the Minnesota Air National Guard 148^th Fighter Wing.

Then, class members ventured downtown for lunch and presentations at the St. Louis County Depot to hear from Minnesota Power regarding the EnergyForward Vision, followed by a transportation update from key industry leaders – the Duluth International Airport, Landline, and BNSF Railway.

Last, LD participants boarded the Vista Fleet to learn about the Twin Ports Interchange, current happenings with the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, and enjoy a scenic, narrated tour with the Vista.

COVID precautions were in place for the day.

For more than three decades, Leadership Duluth has been educating and empowering Duluth area leaders to take an active role in the betterment of their community and workplaces. The Chamber is proud of the creativity posed by Martha and the LD Steering Committee volunteers. Despite the challenges the program has faced in the last 14 months, Leadership Duluth was able to continue to provide class members with unparalleled community education and leadership training.

“Because of the virtual Courts and Law session, I am even more proud to be part of such a progressive and caring community,” states Bailey Vollom, Leadership Duluth Participant, Class of 2021.

Special thanks to Fox21 News for covering this story. View full article here.

Interested in learning more about Leadership Duluth?

Developed by the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Duluth is a comprehensive leadership training program.  Leadership Duluth educates participants about Duluth’s cultural and business history, as well as the current issues facing the Duluth area.  The program focuses on the elements necessary to develop leaders who are invested in community health. In its 33 years, more than 1,300 area professionals have completed the Leadership Duluth program.

Applications for the 2021-2022 Leadership Duluth program are now open through June 28, 2021. Those interested can learn more at www.LeadershipDuluth.com.