Leadership Kansas, the flagship leadership growth program of The Kansas Chamber of Commerce, celebrates the graduation of 40 emerging state leaders from its 2006 class.

“These Leadership Kansas grads have a desire to strengthen their state, communities, and employers,” said Leadership Kansas Executive Director John Federico. “Class members are chosen based on leadership contributions in their professions and communities and their willingness to contribute to Kansas' future,” he added.

In graduation ceremonies, two distinguished class members received honors for special achievements. Roger Fingland, of Manhattan, was presented with the Jim Edwards Alumnus of The Year Award. And class member Scott Heidner, of Lawrence, was awarded with the Class Distinguished Leadership Award.

The Leadership Kansas Class of 2006 participated in a number of programs across Kansas to inform them of key business and government issues facing the state and to inspire them to become activists in creating future solutions.

The Leadership Kansas Program:

1. Informs leaders about the challenges and opportunities facing business and our state to encourage solutions and collaboration
2. Inspires leaders to become active in business, organization, community, and statewide efforts to make Kansas the best place in America to do business and live
3. Challenges leaders to increase awareness of themselves and Kansas to maximize their leadership potential
4. Provides an opportunity to network with a diversity of individuals to strengthen personal and organizational influence

Leadership Kansas has more than 1000 graduates, including state and locally elected officials, former governors, congressmen, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, educators, military leaders and small business owners. Leadership Kansas just completed its 28th year inspiring and motivating leaders.

Employers of Leadership Kansas participants acquire:

• Valued employees connected to a diverse network of dynamic Kansas leaders
• Individuals with knowledge and capacity to engage a variety of issues at the state and community levels
• Staff energized and motivated to apply Leadership Kansas skills to organizational situations
• Leaders prepared to address the momentous issues of our day

The Class of 2006 was approved by the Leadership Kansas Board of Directors, chaired Midwest Energy’s Larry Berg, Class of 1997. Teresa L. Clounch, Class of 1999, is the state program chair.

For more on The Kansas Chamber, go to http://www.kansaschamber.org. For more on Leadership Kansas or for 2007 Class nominations, go to http://www.leadershipkansas.org.

The Kansas Chamber of Commerce, with headquarters in Topeka, is the statewide business advocacy group moving Kansas towards becoming the best state in America to do business. The Kansas Chamber and its affiliate organization, The Kansas Chamber Federation, have more than 10,000 member businesses, including local and regional chambers of commerce and trade organizations. The Chamber represents small, medium and large employers all across Kansas.