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Buchanan County Economic Development Commission

The Buchanan County Economic Development Commission fosters economic growth by supporting local businesses, enhancing tourism, and promoting community development initiatives to create a vibrant and sustainable environment for residents and visitors.

LEAD Summit is a two-day leadership development experience designed for emerging and established leaders who want to strengthen their impact in the workplace and community. Participants will learn from dynamic speakers and leadership experts on topics including purpose-driven leadership, managing workplace challenges, ethical decision-making, and confident communication. Sessions feature practical strategies, real-world examples, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities with fellow leaders from across the region. Featured presenters include Kent Stock, a nationally recognized speaker and former Iowa high school baseball coach known for his leadership story centered on resilience, purpose, and inspiring action. Marcie Van Note brings extensive experience in leadership development and organizational culture, helping leaders identify and manage workplace &ldquo;Energy Vampires&rdquo; while building healthier, more productive teams. Dan Cohen, former Buchanan County Conservation Director, draws on decades of leadership experience in public service and conservation to guide participants through ethical decision-making and values-based leadership. Dr. Joseph VanderStel, educator and communication specialist, equips leaders with practical tools to build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and improve presence in presentations and everyday leadership situations. Jim Thompson focuses on attitude, vision, and community leadership, helping participants understand how to identify strengths, build strong teams, and engage partners to move organizations and communities forward. The summit also includes networking lunches, collaborative activities, and a fun team-based leadership challenge to reinforce key concepts from the event. Whether you&#39;re leading a business, organization, team, or community initiative, LEAD Summit will provide valuable tools, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections to help you lead with greater confidence, purpose, and effectiveness. The summit is put on in cooperation between Buchanan County Economic Development, Buchanan County Tourism, Buchanan County Extension and the Independence Area Chamber of Commerce. &nbsp;It is made possible by the Iowa Rural Development Council Spark grant and by sponsors including: Veridian Credit Union, BankIowa, Independence Premium Foods, AP Casting, Certified Title of Buchanan County, Kegler, Kegler and Arend and the Investment Center.

LEAD Summit - Community Leadership

Join us for our Tourism Insider Meeting, hosted in Independence by Buchanan County Tourism. The Tourism Insider Meeting series provides opportunities for industry partners from across the state to gather, collaborate, share ideas and network with colleagues in new locations. Tentative Agenda:<ul fr-original-style="text-align: start;" style="text-align: start; box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">9:30 AM-10 AM Coffee</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">10 AM-10:10 - Welcome</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">10:10-11 - Iowa Tourism Office update</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">11-11:45 - Panel #1 Downtown Revitalization</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">11:45-12:30 - Lunch (provided)</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">12:30-1:15 - Panel #2 Utilizing our unique assets</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">1:30 Bus to Cedar Rock State Park</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">1:30-3:30 - Tour Cedar Rock State Park</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">3:30 - Bus back to Downtown Independence</li></ul>Hotel rooms are available at <a fr-original-style="text-align: start;" href="https://www.choicehotels.com/iowa/independence/comfort-inn-hotels/ia250?mc=llgoxxpx&brand=EV&mc=smamimusevn&pmf=admedia&kw=choice+hotels+near+buffalo+wyoming&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=admedia&utm_account=admedia&clickID=20260603113712131708120410&utm_clickid=20260603113712131708120410&utm_campaign=Search_37_123328_ChoiceHotels_Everhome" style="text-align: start; text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Comfort Inn &amp; Suites Independence</a> at a rate of $121 + tax. To book, please call the hotel on 319.334.6400 and ask for the Tourism Insider Meeting rate. The room block is available until August 18, 2026.

Buchanan County Economic Development Commission

Past events

Past events

LEAD Summit - Community Leadership

Independence Tourism Insider Meeting

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