Elevating Local Leadership with the Leadership Lab

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Mount Marty University to launch Leadership Lab, a new eight-week professional development series designed to cultivate leadership capacity among area professionals.

The program is scheduled to begin Monday, March 2, 2026, and will meet weekly from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Mount Marty University.

Leadership Lab builds upon the foundation of the existing Leadership Watertown program, offering a skills-based, interactive experience. “Leadership is a lifelong journey,” stated Tim Sheehan, President of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Leadership Lab provides a space where professionals can not only learn leadership concepts but practice them in a supportive, collaborative environment."

Dr. Melissa Meidinger, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center in Watertown and an experienced educator, will lead the series. Dr. Meidinger brings over 25 years of experience in leadership development and organizational effectiveness.

Program Details:

·        Weekly Topics: Sessions will cover leadership styles, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, team dynamics, and leading change.

·        Registration: Enrollment is limited to 30 students to ensure a high-quality, interactive environment.

·        Tuition: The cost for the course is $600.

·        Scholarships: Two scholarships will be awarded for course tuition of $400.

Registration is currently open. Professionals interested in securing a spot can visit watertownsd.com/leadership-lab or contact the Chamber at 605-886-5814.

In this episode, we explore a new chapter for professional growth in Watertown: the Leadership Lab. We are joined by Tim Sheehan of the Watertown Chamber, Heidi Schooley of Mount Marty University, and the program’s lead instructor, Dr. Melissa Meidinger. Together, they discuss how this eight-week interactive course aims to transform area professionals into visionary leaders.

Key Highlights:

·        The Vision: Why the Chamber and Mount Marty University decided to create an advanced “2.0” leadership experience.

·        The Instructor: Dr. Melissa Meidinger shares how her 25 years of experience will help make academic principles practical and actionable.

·        The Curriculum: A look at the weekly topics, including the Enneagram, conflict management, and strategic thinking.

·        Educational Benefits: Participants may have the option to convert their coursework into Mount Marty University academic credits.