The Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute is designed to assist current and emerging
leaders in understanding the dynamics of the Quincy area community and the role leadership plays in
building a healthy community. The Institute expands your network and develops leadership perspectives
through community exposure and engagement.
Mission: Enhance leadership skills, grow professional networks, and immerse participants in the
community.
OBJECTIVES
- Cultivate leadership potential and awareness.
- Educate participants about civic and service operations and opportunities.
- Develop leadership skills and form beneficial professional relationships.
- Mentor emerging and existing leaders to embrace opportunities to improve their community.
- Encourage expanded involvement in community affairs and the assumption of new leadership
responsibilities.
Presenting Sponsor
Testimonials
Benefits & Value
For Participants
Participants will receive a broad-based education about the community while developing a valuable
communications network among civic, business, and educational leaders. They will also develop
personal and professional skills that increase their effectiveness within their community and business
environments.
For the Community
The Quincy area benefits from the development of high-quality leaders with broadened perspectives,
prepared to address issues critical to the area's future.
For the Business Community
Businesses whose employees participate in the QACC Leadership Institute benefit from the graduates’
newfound knowledge of the city’s inner workings, as well as from the development of personal skills
that increase their effectiveness in the professional environment.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The 9-month program exposes rising leaders to the past, present, and future of Quincy and beyond. Participants will have unique access to inspiring leaders who share their passions and interact with the class. The 2025-26 class will go behind the scenes at unique locations around the area and meet executives from leading businesses, civic organizations, and non-profits striving to meet community needs.
COMMITMENT
Participants attend a monthly half-day meeting, typically on the second Tuesday of each month, from 8:00 am – 12:30 pm. Additional activities include community service, attending city, county, or school board meetings, participating in networking events, and learning about a local non-profit organization.
CLASS PROJECT
Participants will use their leadership, communication, and collaborative skills to complete a community project for a local non-profit, enhancing the quality of life in the community. This project also helps build strong relationships among the participants.
QACC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE SELECTION
Participants will be selected from a wide spectrum of the area’s population, representing business, government, religion, minority groups, organizations, medical, and other professional fields.
TUITION AND APPLICATION
Tuition: $1250 for Chamber members and $1500 for non-Chamber members. Tuition is due and non-refundable for accepted participants by September 2, 2025. Tuition includes meals, materials, speakers, site visits, and the final graduation.
Scholarships: The Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce will award a minimum of one (1) scholarship each in the following areas:
- Small Business Scholarship: Covers $500 of tuition. Eligible candidates are small businesses or entrepreneurs who live or work in Adams County (defined as businesses with 30 employees or less).
- Non-Profits or Government: Covers $500 of tuition. Non-Profits are defined as charitable 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations. Government is defined as elected officials or government (city, county, state, or federal) employees.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
The selection committee looks for participants who demonstrate:
- Commitment and motivation to serve the Quincy area.
- Ability to commit to the time and dates required by the program.
- Representation of a cross-section of businesses, non-profits, government units, professions,
ages, cultural perspectives, and ethnic backgrounds. - Commitment to volunteerism impacting the community.
- Demonstrated leadership through work and service.
- Promising young executives, new managers, newcomers to the area, and individuals who want to make the Quincy area a better place to live.
Application
Application deadline: August 8, 2025
2025 – 26 QUINCY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE CLASS SCHEDULE
CLASSES ARE 8:00AM – 12:30PM
(Breakfast Provided)
Locations TBD
Tuesday
September 9, 2025
Tuesday
October 14, 2025
Tuesday
November 11, 2025
Tuesday
December 9, 2025
Tuesday
January 13, 2026
Tuesday
February 10, 2026
Tuesday
April 14, 2026
Tuesday
May 12, 2026
Tuesday May 19, 2026 *Graduation Ceremony
** Class schedule subject to change
For more information or questions contact Bruce Guthrie, President/CEO at executive@quincychamber.org or 217-222-7980.