Leadership Sikeston
Whether you’re new to Sikeston or have called this community home your entire life, Leadership Sikeston offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, places, challenges, and opportunities shaping our region. It’s a chance to connect more deeply, think more broadly, and discover where your strengths and passions can make an impact.
Leadership Sikeston is a professional development program designed to equip emerging and established leaders with the knowledge, experiences, and relationships needed to serve our community well. Participants gain exposure to real-world operations, community systems, and leadership conversations that expand awareness and sharpen professional skills.
Throughout eight full-day sessions held monthly from March through October, participants engage in:
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professional development programming
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conversations with leaders in government, education, industry, agriculture, nonprofits, and more
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site visits and tours inside major organizations
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immersive learning experiences
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meaningful dialogue and collaboration with classmates
Established community leaders, executives, and subject-matter experts serve as speakers, hosts, and facilitators — sharing insights, challenges, and lessons that inspire new thinking and practical growth.
Tuition
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$550 for Chamber members
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$600 for non-members
Payment is due before March 1.
If you are interested in participating, we encourage you to speak with your employer about support and complete your application thoughtfully. Class size is limited and attendance is a key expectation to ensure a high-quality experience.
Applications open in January for the 2026 class.
We hope you’ll consider joining a program that develops informed leaders, encourages civic awareness, and strengthens Sikeston’s future.
To learn more, watch this video from two Leadership Sikeston Class of 2020 participants.
Sikeston Young Professionals
What we're all about:
Sikeston Young Professionals is a collective group of business professionals, ages 21-40ish who are interested in and focused on the betterment of ourselves and the Sikeston Region. Annual Membership is $100 for Chamber members or $125 for non-Chamber members.
We meet monthly over coffee to build meaningful connections and spark growth. Each gathering focuses on:
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Connection – casual networking, conversation, and getting to know other young professionals in our area
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Development – hearing from local leaders, business owners, and guest speakers who share insights, tools, and real-world perspectives
Simple, social, and intentional — a great way to start the month with new ideas and new relationships.
Membership for SYP is not capped--help us grow this vibrant group!
Join SYP! Contact taylor.deere@sikeston.net for more details
Students Observing Area Resources (S.O.A.R.)
The Sikeston Career and Technology Center, Sikeston High School, Alternative Education Center and the Sikeston Regional Chamber and Area Economic Development Corporation have teamed up to offer this leadership program for area students.
SOAR is an engaging program developed specifically for Sikeston High School students to realize potential career opportunities Sikeston has to offer as well as make connections within the community to fulfill a prosperous future.
ACT WorkReady Community
ACT Work Ready Community Certification is a nationally recognized program used to empower states, regions and counties with data, processes and tools that drive economic growth. Participants are leveraging the ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate® (NCRC®) to measure and close the skills gap — and building common frameworks that link, align and match their workforce development efforts.
