DEMUTH DIVES IN. Ashley DeMuth, CEO of the Menomonie Area Chamber & Visitor Center, pictured, will be part of the Business Leads Fellowship Program's eleventh class.

The Menomonie Area Chamber & Visitor Center’s CEO, Ashley DeMuth, is one of 34 economic leaders selected from a nationwide pool to participate in the prestigious Business Leads Fellowship Program. DeMuth's pending completion of the program will make her the only Chippewa Vallian to become a Business Leads Fellow. 

Created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the six-month program (completed with both in-person and virtual meetings) aims to develop and equip community leaders with the tools and connections needed to address critical education and workforce challenges. Upon program completion, Business Leads Fellows join the Foundation’s nationwide network of chambers of commerce and associations.

“I am honored to be selected,” DeMuth said in a recent media release. “Workforce development is a key priority for the Menomonie Area Chamber & Visitor Center, and this program will provide valuable insights, best practices, and connections to help strengthen our efforts."

Kyle Butler, senior manager of programs and K-12 education at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, said the Business Leads Fellowship was created in response to the needs of statewide and local chamber partners. For the Menomonie area, those needs include "challenges related to talent attraction, childcare, housing, and workforce readiness," DeMuth said.

"I look forward to applying what I learn to drive meaningful solutions that will support employers and employees alike in our region," DeMuth said.

Learn more about the Business Leads Fellowship Program online • Find more information about the Menomonie Area Chamber & Visitor Center online