Twenty-four community leaders shared their perspectives on Leadership Austin, their peers, and their plans for further involvement in the community during the final session of Leadership Austin May 8 at the Austin Country Club.

The presentations concluded a nine-month journey that included leadership training and development, and detailed looks at major aspects of Austin and Mower County.

“Leadership Austin lives up to it’s reputation,” said Lindsey Haney, co-owner of The Style Lounge in a press release. “This program is a great opportunity to learn about your leadership strengths and how to embrace them. This program has given me new perspective, motivation to become more involved, and connections with some really great people along the way.”

Aaron Johnson, of Mayo Clinic Health System, concurred.

“Leadership Austin opened my eyes to the many facets that make Austin and Mower County a unique place,” Johnson said in a press release. “One can see the pride in what Austin has become just by talking to businesses, community organizations and local government. Austin also is a forward thinking community, which is reflected in its leaders and residents. I appreciate all the time local leaders put into Leadership Austin. The experience was very educational and enjoyable.”

Applications for the 2014-15 Leadership Austin program are now open. All Mower County residents and those who work in Mower County are eligible. Up to 25 candidates will be selected. The fee for each participant is $699. Applications are due by June 13.

Further information and application forms are available on the chamber’s website www.austincoc.com and at the Chamber office, 329 North Main Street.

The 2013-14 graduating class of Leadership Austin included:

•Corey Anderson, Games People Play

•Brian Andrews, Hormel Foods Corp.

•Melissa Barr, Mayo Clinic Health System

•Tricia Browning, Mayo Clinic Health System

•David Drommerhausen, Quality Pork Processors Inc.

•Leah Ferch, Cooperative Response Center Inc.

•Nathan Finney, Accentra Credit Union

•Jana Gray, Austin Daily Herald

•Lindsey Haney, The Style Lounge Salon

•Justin Hanson, Cedar River Watershed District

•Brett Harris, Hormel Foods Corp.

•Jana Haynes, Hormel Foods Corp.

•Travis Heickley, Austin Police Department

•Aaron Johnson, May Clinic Health System

•Nakayla Majeski, Mayo Clinic Health System

•Dora Martinez, Welcome Center

•Taggert Medgaarden, Cedar Valley Services,Inc.

•Douglas Nuckolls, First Farmers & Merchants State Bank

•Brigitte Rowe-Hansen Campbell, Habitat for Humanity

•Jason Senne, Austin Public Schools

•Thomas Tylutki, Austin Utilities

•David Wolff, Austin Public Schools

•Courtney Wyant, Austin Public Library

•Daniel Zielke, Hormel Foods Corp.