Bloomington-Normal, IL – The McLean County Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the graduation of the Leadership McLean County (LMC) Class of 2026, sponsored by GROWMARK, Inc. on Friday, April 17th, marking the completion of a rigorous nine-month leadership development program designed to cultivate informed and engaged community leaders.

Beginning in August 2025, participants embarked on a comprehensive journey focused on strengthening civic awareness, leadership capacity, and community engagement. Leadership McLean County equips individuals with the skills needed to understand complex community challenges, conduct meaningful fact-finding, and influence decisions that shape the future of McLean County.

Throughout the program, class members met every other Friday from September through April, engaging in both classroom instruction and hands-on experiences. Sessions explored a wide range of topics, including economic development, healthcare, agriculture, and the many roles' individuals play in building this thriving community.

A cornerstone of the LMC experience is the Community Impact Project, where participants collaborate in teams to develop actionable solutions to real community issues. These projects reflect the program’s commitment to not only learning about challenges—but actively contributing to meaningful, lasting change. Leadership McLean County continues to play a vital role in developing strong, informed leaders who are prepared to make a difference. This program empowers individuals to step into leadership roles across nonprofit, civic, and business sectors, strengthening our entire community.

With another successful class completed, the Chamber looks ahead to the continued impact these graduates will have across McLean County. Leadership McLean County remains a cornerstone program in developing the next generation of community-minded leaders dedicated to growth, collaboration, and civic engagement.