THE LEADERSHIP MARION! PROGRAM

Registration for the 2026-2027 program is now open in addition to registration for the NEW Ala-Cart opportunity available to Leadership Marion! Alumni. This ala-cart option allows Leadership Marion! alumni who graduated from the program to enroll in single Leadership Marion! sessions. These spots will be reserved on a first response basis. More details on the Leadership Marion! 2026-2027 program and the ala-cart option are available by contacting the office at 740.382.2181 or by emailing klittle@marionareachamber.org.

What is Leadership Marion? This program provides participants an opportunity to enhance the leadership skills they already have, make meaningful connections, hear tips/tricks from local business leaders and tour facilities that are in our community. Through nine sessions leading up to graduation, participants will hear from a variety of knowledgeable presenters on a wide range of topics.

How it started: The Marion Area Leadership Program was initiated in 1991 by a group of citizens concerned about the lack of new leadership in the community. As Marion continued to grow and develop, it was felt that there would be a need for a continuous pool of individuals to fill diverse leadership needs throughout the community. Since its inception, over six hundred individuals have participated in the Marion Area Leadership Program. Each of these individuals was sponsored by an organization in the community, typically the individuals' own employer. The diverse list of sponsors includes businesses, industries, educational institutions, health care providers, social service agencies, and government entities.

Mission Statement:

It is the mission of Leadership Marion! to invite high-potential candidates from throughout the Marion area to join in a journey to better understand Marion’s history, its current challenges and its future possibilities. Together, they explore essential aspects of our community – from education, business and government to health care and social services.

Benefits of Program Participation

Benefits to the participant include:

development of leadership and management skills that are both personally and professionally beneficial
insight into the county of Marion
preparation for rewarding and stimulating community leadership positions

Benefits to the sponsor include:

response to community need
leadership skill development for their employee

Registration for 2026-2027 is now open, including the ala-cart option. To view the program years agendas, to register, or to ask questions, please reach out to the office at 740.382.2181 or by emailing klittle@marionareachamber.org.

Tuition: Chamber Members: $900

Non-Members: $1,500

Ala-Cart: $75/session

For additional information,
call the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce, 740.382.2181.

Below are videos from some of the latest Leadership Marion! Class projects.

Class of 2021/2022’s Community Project: “Youth Community Center”

Recording of the Marion Area Chamber Leadership Marion! 2021-2022 Class graduation including the announcement of their class project, the Youth Community Center. Also includes the presentation by keynote speaker Luke Henry with ProScape Lawn & Landscape Services, LLC and Main Street Reimagined.

Class of 2018/2019’s Community Project: “Dan Stewart Edible Forest & Community Garden”

Video created by the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce. Shown at the Leadership Marion! graduation ceremony, the video highlights class members and programs from that year. It also includes information on the Leadership Class Project, The Dan Stewart Edible Forest & Community Garden. More information on Leadership Marion! at http://www.marionareachamber.org/leadership

Class of 2017/2018’s Community Projects: “PEP” and “Leadership Youth” and Graduation

Video created by the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce. Shown at the Leadership Marion! graduation ceremony, the video highlights class members and programs from that year. It also includes information on the Leadership Class Projects, The Park Enhancement Project and Leadership Youth Program.

Class of 2016/2017’s Community Project: “The Forge” and Graduation

Video created by the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce. Shown at the Leadership Marion! graduation ceremony, the video highlights class members and programs from that year. It also includes information on the Leadership Class Project, The Forge, Marion County's Business Accelerator.

Class of 2015/2016's Community Project: "Restore the Glory" Event

The video for Leadership Marion! Class of 2015-2016 Project: Restore the Glory of Lincoln Field. More information on Restore the Glory can be found on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Restore-The-Glory-Marion-1106201006099300 More information on Leadership Marion! can be found at http://www.marionareachamber.org/leadership

Class of 2014/2015's Community Project: "A Taste of Marion" Event

Class of 2013/2014's Community Project: "It's Time" - Instill Pride in Marion Event

The 2013/2014 Leadership Marion! class, facilitated through the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce wants to invite the Marion Area Community to experience why we should be proud of Marion. Be Inspired, Get Involved and Become an Influence! This video is the outcome of the 2013/2014 Leadership Marion!

Class of 2012/2013's Community Project: Create a 5k race to benefit the Marion Tallgrass Trail

A video wrap up of the Marion Area Chamber Leadership Marion! 2012-2013 Class Project: Marion Tallgrass Trail 5k. Created by 2012-2013 class facilitator Tom Toney, President of family.life.church.