The Marion County Development Commission (MCDC) honored 17 members of the 2016 Leadership Red Rock class at a graduation ceremony on Tuesday.

Class members include: Laura Bade, Andrew Bentz, Melissa Berger, Sandy Blom, Aleesa Breese, Karry Dolash, Jacob Dreyer, Jennifer Frampton, Mike Fritz, Dave Machovsky, Derek Murken, Angie Myers, Stacy Seelye, Kaylee Shelford, Ryan Van Soelen, Kamey Van Wyk, and Ryan Vos.

This year marks the 22nd consecutive year of Leadership Red Rock. Leadership Red Rock is an issue oriented leadership program that develops leadership skills and increases community awareness of participants. The program includes seven seminars.

“Our people are a very important resource within Marion County. It is our people that will develop ideas to grow our businesses. It is our people that will find solutions to community needs. And it is our people who make the area a unique destination to visit,” Carla Eysink, MCDC Executive Director said in a release. “Leadership Red Rock allows people who live and work in this area an opportunity to examine the role each of us plays in developing Marion County into an outstanding place to live, work and visit.”

To date, the program has graduated over 350 individuals. Those who would like information about the 2017 Leadership Red Rock program which will begin in October, 2016 are asked to contact Carla Eysink at the Marion County Development Commission, carla@redrockarea.com or go to www.marioncountyiowa.com. to click on the Development Commission tab to access the Leadership Red Rock program information, schedule and application.