We have an exciting change to share!

Leadership Sikeston is a Chamber program designed to empower members of our community with the tools, experience, and network to become our future leaders. While many may be familiar with the program that has been around for over 10 years through the Sikeston Chamber, the class project aspect is newer. 

Beginning in 2016, Leadership classes (typically a selected group of 10-15 applicants) have been tasked with choosing a project that they felt was a current need in the community. Often times, these projects have been inspired by the various sessions the class gathers for, as sometimes a light is shone on a worthwhile endeavor that could simply use someone to take the lead and pursue it. The overall impact of these projects over the past 7 sessions has been significant--see a brief overview of each year's choice:

2016: “Paw Park” – gated dog park at the Complex
              Cocktail Fundraiser raising approximately $15,000
 
2017: “Everybody Plays” – all inclusive playground equipment at the Complex
              Cocktail Fundraiser raising approximately $20,000
 
2018: S.O.A.R. – Students Observing Area Resources (Leadership for High School Students)
              No funding required; program development 
 
2019: Sikeston PAWS Enhancements – funding for fencing and play equipment
              Trivia Night Fundraiser raising approximately $18,000
 
2020: “Kickin It For Kids” – Movie in Lincoln Park
              Transitioned (due to Covid) into a cleat and jump rope drive for Youth Empowerment 573
 
2021: Donation to Historic Downtown Sikeston
              Dueling Pianos fundraiser raising approximately $7,500
 
2022: Sikeston Parks and Recreation Foundation
              Two part project – established and set up the Parks and Rec Foundation as well as held a comedy fundraiser for seed funds for the foundation of approximately $5,000
 
2023: Donation towards stage, sound, and potential speaker events at Hope 180
            Tacky Christmas Bingo fundraiser raising approximately $14,000 as well as in-kind labor for improvements 
 
And now for the change! This year, for the first time, the Chamber is accepting applications (in addition to their normal brainstorming) for potential class projects for Leadership Sikeston 2024. We realize that it's impossible for this class to learn every need in the community or the ins and outs of them--so this is your chance to get in front of them for their consideration. Check out this linked application and send over your project idea to taylor.deere@sikeston.net by April 9th. Who knows what kind of momentum you'll start, but you have nothing to lose by applying!

Help us spread the word to reach as many people as possible. This year's Leadership Sikeston class is so excited to add their chosen project to the growing list of the lasting impact this program leaves on our community.