Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) is reintroducing its leadership training incentive program for the first time since 2020, partnering with Dale Carnegie Training and Southwestern Community College (SWCC) to make professional leadership development more accessible to local businesses and individuals.
The program will offer the Dale Carnegie leadership course to the public, with special pricing and an additional financial incentive available to CCDC members and employees of member businesses. Eligible participants will receive a combined $700 in savings compared with the standard course rate.
The initiative responds to growing interest in workforce development and leadership training among Clarke County employers. Following the disruption of in-person training opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic, CCDC is renewing its commitment to helping local businesses develop their employees, strengthen workplace leadership and prepare the next generation of managers and business leaders.
“Developing strong leaders is an important part of building a strong local workforce,” said Andrew Clark, executive director of CCDC. “This partnership allows us to bring a recognized professional development program to our community while providing a meaningful benefit to CCDC members.”
The new partnership model brings together three organizations, each contributing to the program’s delivery and success.
Dale Carnegie Training will facilitate the leadership development program, providing instruction and practical learning experiences designed to strengthen participants’ communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
CCDC will support the initiative through member outreach, program promotion and a direct financial incentive for eligible participants. The program reinforces CCDC’s commitment to business retention and expansion, workforce development and providing tangible value to its members.
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) will serve as the program’s logistics and transactional partner, helping coordinate the arrangements necessary to offer the training at the SWCC Osceola Center.
The initial offering is expected to be Phase 1 of the Dale Carnegie leadership-development program, Confident Communication & Relationships. The course focuses on developing confidence, improving communication, strengthening workplace relationships and helping participants influence and motivate others more effectively.
Future course offerings and potential additional phases will be discussed collaboratively by CCDC, Dale Carnegie Training, and SWCC, with future programming informed by local business needs, enrollment and demand.
The Leadership Incentive Program is designed to make participation more affordable for local employers and their employees while maintaining access to the training for the broader public.
The standard Dale Carnegie course rate is $2,495 per participant. Through the partnership, CCDC members and employees of member businesses will automatically receive a discounted rate of $2,295. CCDC will provide an additional $500 incentive for eligible participants, bringing their final cost to $1,795.
The combined discounts represent total savings of $700, or approximately 28% off the standard course rate.
The course will be open to the public, while the additional CCDC incentive will be reserved for eligible CCDC members and employees of member businesses.
CCDC anticipates offering the training up to twice annually, in the fall and spring, depending on enrollment and demonstrated demand. Each session can accommodate up to 24 participants.
The renewed program builds on CCDC’s broader efforts to understand and respond to the workforce needs of Clarke County employers.
Survey results through the Clarke Industrial Tech Advisory Board, in partnership with CCDC and SWCC, has helped inform these regional workforce development efforts, including the need to connect employers with relevant training opportunities.
Leadership development complements technical training by helping employees build the communication, interpersonal and supervisory skills needed to succeed as their responsibilities grow. These capabilities can benefit employees at every stage of their careers, from those preparing for their first leadership role to experienced managers seeking to become more effective.
“Investing in people is an investment in the long-term success of our businesses and our community,” Clark said. “By working together, CCDC, Dale Carnegie, and SWCC can help connect local employers and individuals with training that strengthens their skills and creates opportunities for professional growth.”
Registration Information
- The initial 8-week course – Phase 1 of the Dale Carnegie leadership-development program, Confident Communication & Relationships – starts in November 2026. Registration is open now.
- A synopsis and outline of the course can be seen at: https://bit.ly/ccdc-leadership
- To register, scan the QR code or go to https://bit.ly/2026-ccdc-leadership-registration
For more information about CCDC membership and the Leadership Incentive Program, contact Andrew Clark, Executive Director at the Clarke County Development Corporation, 115 E Washington Street, PO Box 426, Osceola, Iowa, 50213, phone: 641-342-2944 or email info@clarkecountyiowa.com
