Leadership Calhoun was designed and launched in direct fulfillment of the CCEDC Strategic Plan, with special emphasis placed on the priorities of Community Development and Capacity Building. The program was created to intentionally invest in current and future leaders while strengthening collaboration, civic engagement, and long-term community sustainability throughout Calhoun County.
The launch and growth of Leadership Calhoun would not have been possible without the generous support of grant partners, named sponsors, participating employers, and community advocates who recognized the importance of preparing future leaders for Calhoun County.
Special appreciation is extended to the Iowa Area Development Group Foundation for providing the first grant award that helped launch Leadership Calhoun and move the program from concept to reality. Their early confidence in the initiative provided meaningful momentum during the program’s development stages and demonstrated the importance of investing in rural leadership opportunities.
Additional appreciation is extended to the Iowa Rural Development Council through Empower Rural Iowa and the SPARK Grant Program and the Empower Rural Iowa Leadership Bootcamp for their continued belief and investment in the initiative. Their support helped expand educational opportunities and strengthen the overall experience for the first Cohort. More than $5,500 in grant support was invested into Leadership Calhoun for our first year program.
CCEDC also recognizes the outstanding partnership and sponsorship support provided by Fareway, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital & Clinics, Landus, NEW Cooperative, Calhoun County Electric Cooperative Association, Lauver Farm Solutions, United Bank of Iowa, Rockwell City Rotary Club, SeventyOne 30 and many additional community supporters who contributed financially, hosted sessions, provided speakers, or invested valuable time and resources into the program.
Equally important was the commitment shown by employers throughout Calhoun County who sponsored employee participation in Leadership Calhoun. Their willingness to invest in professional development, leadership growth, and community engagement demonstrates a shared commitment to the future success of rural Iowa.
“Leadership Calhoun has been one of the best professional development and personal growth experiences of my life,” said Brett Holtorf. “It was an incredible opportunity to connect with community leaders, peers, and learn more about what makes our county great. Although, with greatness comes challenges. I now have a much better idea on how to strengthen our rural communities and grow as a leader with the help of this program. I would recommend anyone to participate. Its benefits last long after the final session.”
Leadership Calhoun was created with the belief that strong communities require intentional leadership development. The success of this first year confirms that Calhoun County is filled with individuals, organizations, and businesses willing to work together to strengthen the future of the region.
“Leadership Calhoun is truly a legacy project for me — one that I hoped could someday become a reality for Calhoun County,” said Theresa Hildreth. “The original spark for this program came through my experience in Leadership Iowa and seeing the tremendous impact leadership development can have on communities and individuals. To bring that vision home to Calhoun County and watch our first Cohort grow together has honestly been a dream come true.”
Hildreth added, “Participating in the Leadership Bootcamp through Empower Rural Iowa provided tremendous guidance, encouragement, and ideas as we developed the framework for Leadership Calhoun. We are deeply appreciative of the grant support and statewide partnerships that helped move this program from an idea into a successful reality. Most importantly, I believe Leadership Calhoun is helping build stronger leaders, stronger relationships, and a stronger future for rural Iowa, specifically Calhoun County.”
As the first Cohort prepares to graduate in June 2026, momentum is already building for year two. Nominations and applications for Cohort #2 will officially open in July 2026 for the 2026–27 Leadership Calhoun series.
Leadership Calhoun is not simply a program — it is becoming a growing network of individuals committed to collaboration, service, and the continued growth of Calhoun County.
For more information about the program, to sponsor, host or participate, questions can be directed to the Calhoun County Economic Development office at ccedc@calhouncountyiowa.com or by calling 712-297-5601.
