MANISTEE, MICH. - Leadership is not something that is developed overnight. It is a skill that grows through education, experience, reflection, and the willingness to continue learning. The Manistee Area Leadership Program is designed to help participants strengthen their leadership abilities by providing new knowledge, meaningful experiences, and opportunities to better understand the community they live and work in.

Each year, the Leadership Program brings together a diverse group of individuals who are looking to expand their understanding of leadership, strengthen their skills, and learn more about the community they serve. While the core structure of the program remains the same, no cohort has the same experience. Each year introduces new speakers, discussions, topics, and community perspectives that reflect the evolving needs and opportunities within Manistee County.

Strong leaders possess both an open mind and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. Effective leadership begins with understanding the people, organizations, industries, and issues that shape the place you call home. That is why the program introduces participants to the businesses, organizations, and resources that make Manistee County unique. Through Leadership Days focused on topics such as industry, healthcare, local government, public safety, and natural resources, participants gain valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges facing our community while developing a broader understanding of how these sectors work together to strengthen the county.

Leadership is about more than learning a set of "how-to" skills. It is developed through engagement, observation, and real-world experience. The program is intentionally designed to immerse participants in the community through site visits, conversations with local leaders, and interactive discussions that provide perspectives impossible to gain from a classroom presentation alone. 

A defining component of the program is the community project completed by each cohort. Participants identify a community need, collaborate with local partners, develop a plan, and bring it to life. Through this process, they strengthen their communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and project management skills while creating a lasting benefit for Manistee County. The project reinforces an important lesson: leadership is not defined by a title but by a willingness to serve, collaborate, and take action.

Since becoming part of the Chamber and leading the Manistee Area Leadership Program, my own perspective on leadership has continued to evolve. While leadership principles can certainly be taught through presentations and discussions, I have seen that the most meaningful growth happens through experience. Watching participants engage with community leaders, visit organizations, and work together to solve real challenges has reinforced that leadership is developed by doing. 

Leading this program has also given me a greater appreciation for the strength of our community. I have had the opportunity to see firsthand how businesses, nonprofits, local governments, and public agencies collaborate to make Manistee County a better place to live and work. Every Leadership Day offers a new perspective, and I continue to learn alongside each class.

The community project is perhaps the clearest example. Seeing each cohort take ownership of a project, overcome obstacles, and create something meaningful for the community has been one of the most rewarding parts of leading the program. It reminds me that leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about creating opportunities for others to grow, bringing people together for a shared purpose, and remaining willing to learn from those around you.

The Manistee Area Leadership Program develops leaders who are better equipped to serve their organizations, strengthen their community, and contribute to the continued growth of Manistee County. By investing in people today, the program is helping build the informed, connected, and engaged leaders who will help shape the county's future.

Applications for the 2026 - 2027 Manistee Area Leadership Program are currently being accepted through August 14. Additional information is available through the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Nicole Kaminski is the Operations Manager at the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit 501 C (6) organization, whose mission is to build a dynamic and sustainable organization to serve the Business, Workforce, and Economic Development needs of all in Manistee County. You can contact the Chamber at 231-723-2575 or operations@manisteechamber.com.