Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute celebrates graduation of second-year class

QUINCY — The Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce (QACC) Leadership Institute, presented by TI-TRUST, recently had a graduation ceremony for its second-year class during a breakfast at the Oakley-Lindsay Center. Twenty graduates were recognized for completing a nine-month program. Each graduate received a certificate and a Leadership Institute award in honor of their accomplishment.

The QACC Leadership Institute is a community-focused program designed to foster civic engagement and grow future leaders who are passionate about strengthening Quincy. Participants attend sessions covering a range of topics, including local history, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurship, manufacturing and government.

“This graduation ceremony is a testament to the Quincy Area Chamber’s commitment to developing strong, service-oriented leaders for our community’s future,” Bruce Guthrie, QACC president/CEO, said in a press release. “These emerging leaders care deeply about our community’s well-being, and we celebrate their accomplishments and their ongoing contributions to make Quincy a better place.”

The program immerses participants in the community’s social, cultural, political and economic landscape. Through sessions featuring local experts, the class gains a deep understanding of key community issues.

The 2024-25 graduation class:

• Amber Garner — Titan Wheel Corporation of Illinois
• Bethany Robertson — Salvation Army
• Britini Skirvin — Blessing Health System
• Chandler Fey — DP Construction
• Debbi Buckhold — Titan Wheel Corporation of Illinois
• Evan Canfield — Blessing Health System
• Jacob Campbell — Blessing Health System
• Jamie Kane — Blessing Health System
• Josh Chaplin — Commerce Bank
• Josiah Linberger — Titan Wheel Corporation of Illinois
• Julie Quinn — John Wood Community College
• Kristina Johnson — John Wood Community College
• Laken Schaefer — TI-TRUST
• Madelyn Haley — John Wood Community College
• Madison Peters — Great River Economic Development Foundation
• Scott Ruffner — Refreshment Services Pepsi
• Tanner Cannady — Knapheide Manufacturing
• Travis Brown — The Relish Jar
• Tyler Hall — NutritionHQ
• Vanessa Keppner — West Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging

Applications are being accepted for the 2025-26 Quincy Area Chamber Leadership Institute: https://www.quincychamber.org/leadership-institute