NEWS RELEASE

The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce held its 13th Leadership Indian River County graduation dinner on July 23, 2019 with twenty-four individuals completing the 2019 program. The Chamber began Leadership Indian River County in 2006 and has since graduated 272 individuals. Former graduates have been inspired to open their own businesses, taken leadership positions in their companies and local organizations, and have been elected to public office.

TD Bank sponsored the graduation program. Guest speaker for the graduation was Alma Lee Loy. Alma Lee devoted the first 42 years of her career to the successful operation of Alma Lee’s Children’s Clothing Center. She also served as the first woman elected to the Indian River Board of County Commissioners (1968-1980) and holds the honor of being the first woman in the state to be elected chair of a county commission. Ms. Loy spoke to the graduates about the history of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. She shared how community leaders finalized the Chamber’s building campaign and raised $60,000 in 60 minutes at a luncheon in 2010! She is true inspiration to many.

Leadership Indian River County is a 7-month long community leadership program offered by Chamber. The program is based on a model that incorporates nourishing and developing community leaders by building community knowledge and gaining an understanding of community stewardship. The program brings focus on a variety of social, economic, and geographic issues.

The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce will accept applications for the 2020 Leadership Indian River County class now through November 2019. A new class will be named in December. Scholarships are available. The class begins in January of 2020 and runs through July with one day-long session each month. For additional information and an application, contact Emma White, Indian River County Chamber of Commerce 772-567-3491 or emmaw@indianriverchamber.com.