Kankakee, IL: The Leadership Committee of the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Bourbonnais Township Park District and support from the Manteno Chamber of Commerce are encouraging area youth ages 14 to 18 to learn more about Kankakee County by taking a tour of the area as part of a summer leadership development program titled Future Leaders of Kankakee County.
Each Wednesday starting with June 13 until July 25 (a break for the Fourth of July holiday is included), students will board a park district bus to take a tour of the County organized around Industry, Healthcare, Education, Agriculture, History and Tourism, and Civic and Government.
Students will take guided tours through companies such as Plochman’s, Innovel Solutions, Nucor Steel, CSL Behring, VanDrunen Farms, FutureCeuticals, Riverside Medical Center, and Presence St. Mary’s to name just a few. “Engaging our students at a young age and sharing all the areas of opportunity Nucor can offer is an investment in the leaders of tomorrow and our own future” states Aundrea Lollar, Nucor Steel Environmental Engineer. “Fostering awareness and curiosity early is essential to helping build well-rounded teammates.”
Community and Educational leaders will provide information on the area’s educational resources and opportunities, including scholarships, apprenticeship programs, and certificate programs. The Manteno Chamber of Commerce assisted in the development of the Future Leaders itinerary and worked with the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Committee. “Through the support of our top industries, schools, and Chambers of Commerce, we are coming together as a community to reach our youth.”, says Sarah Marion, Executive Director of the Manteno Chamber of Commerce,” The Future Leaders Program is designed to demonstrate to students that there is opportunity for a strong and prosperous career in our county. If we can guide just one student to their future career through this program, it is a success!”
Young leaders will also be able to meet with the County’s government officials and understand how our local judicial system works. They will take a tour of the County building and learn all about the services the County provides. KCCC Leadership Committee member Melissa Kahoun from Aqua Illinois believes that “attendees will develop a greater understanding of local issues and community needs and will be equipped with the knowledge to make a difference and get involved in the communities they live. This is an invaluable experience for students as they explore their wants and needs for their future.”
Participants will also be able to get their hands dirty as they learn about the area’s agricultural economy and the opportunities within that sector Kankakee County has to offer. Providing young leaders with a chance to explore Kankakee County and its plethora of resources and opportunities will help spark their interest in working and living in Kankakee County. Area businesses have jobs to offer and the creative economy provides a rich quality of life in which to enjoy. Future Leaders of Kankakee County provides an opportunity for the area youth to experience all this first hand.
“It wasn’t until my late 20’s when I realized just how beautiful our County was when I visited a farm out in Hopkins Park.”, said Barbi Brewer-Watson, President and CEO of the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce. “After that I started looking around more and seeing all of the diverse job opportunities here and the community arts events everyone enjoys. I am excited that high school students don’t have to wait until their older to come to know what I know now. They can sign up and take a tour of the County and see it for themselves” states Brewer-Watson.
Transportation for the Future Leaders program is provided by the Bourbonnais Township Park District. The Registration fee is $20 per day or $100 for all 6 days. Lunch, water, and snacks are provided to the attendees each day. The registration process also includes an application with liability waivers for parents to sign. Scholarships are available, and discounts are provided to multiple registrations in one family. To start the registration process, visit kankakaeecountychamber.com or call the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce at 815.351.9068.
