Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates inaugural Leadership Institute class

QUINCY — The Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce (QACC) Leadership Institute, presented by TI-TRUST, held its graduation ceremony May 23 for its inaugural class at the Oakley Lindsay Center.

Nineteen graduates were honored with a luncheon. Each graduate received a certificate and an honorary Leadership Institute award.

The QACC Leadership Institute is a nine-month program focused on developing community engagement skills. Participants attended sessions on a wide range of topics, including local history, non-profits, entrepreneurship, manufacturing and government.

“This graduation ceremony is a testament to the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to fostering leadership excellence and community engagement,” QACC President/CEO Bruce Guthrie said in a press release. “These emerging leaders are dedicated to our community’s success, and we celebrate their accomplishments and bright futures.”

The program immerses participants in the community’s social, cultural, political and economic landscape. Participants gain firsthand knowledge of critical community issues by engaging with local experts. Each year, the class collaborates on a project that benefits Quincy and aligns with the chamber’s mission.

The Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute 2023-24 graduation class roster:

• Aiden McDonnell – Encompass Life and Wealth Strategies
• Ashley Houghton – United Way of Adams County
• Austin Pieper – Titan Wheel Corporation of Illinois
• Brandon Berhorst – Titan International
• Adam Holtschlag – John Wood Community College
• Eric Foster – John Wood Community College
• HK Giltner – John Wood Community College
• Heidi Lanier – Quincy Public Schools Foundation
• Kaleena Gentry – Schmiedeskamp Robertson Nue and Mitchell LLP
• Kayla Wentz – John Wood Community College
• Kenyetta McFall – Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce
• Kiona Wright – Blessing Health System
• Kristen Powell – Blessing Health System
• Lauryn Oshner – TI-TRUST, Inc.
• Michael Simmons – Titan International North America Wheel Division
• Rachel Vogel – Blessing Health System
• Taylor Hockman – Blessing Health System
• Trent Lyons – Kohl Wholesale
• Trenton Murfin – Edward Jones

The mission of the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce is to connect members, advocate for business and promote the community.