Workforce Resources

Lee County Leadership brings together emerging leaders for immersive, monthly sessions that highlight local industries, community priorities, and service opportunities. Participants engage with business and civic leaders while gaining valuable insight into the region’s economic landscape. Complementing this experience.

In partnership with the Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce and the Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce, Intern Connect focuses on retention through connection. The program helps interns build professional networks and meaningful community ties across Southeast Iowa, not just within their individual workplaces. By fostering a stronger sense of belonging and opportunity, Intern Connect encourages young professionals to return and consider long-term careers in Lee County.

Entrepreneurship education seeks to prepare people, especially youth, to be responsible, enterprising individuals who become entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial thinkers and contribute to economic development and sustainable communities. The CEO program is much more than a textbook course. Rather, students are immersed in real life learning experiences with the opportunity to take risks, manage the results, and learn from the outcomes.

Made in Lee County connects students directly with local businesses through hands-on, curriculum-aligned classroom sessions. By showcasing careers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, entrepreneurship, banking, emergency services, and more, the program helps students see the meaningful opportunities available right here at home. Through year-round engagement and expanding industry partnerships, we are strengthening Lee County’s long-term workforce pipeline and increasing early awareness of high-demand career pathways.

Our Employer Roundtables provide a forum for local businesses and community partners to engage in open dialogue around hiring, retention, training, and workforce challenges. These employer-driven conversations ensure our initiatives remain aligned with real industry needs. Insights gathered from the roundtables directly inform program development, identify emerging workforce gaps, and strengthen collaboration across sectors in Lee County.