THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION ADVANTAGE RELEASE
DANVILLE, Ill. — Dana Rowland, Director of the Chamber of Commerce at Vermilion Advantage, has
completed her second year at the Institute for Organization Management, the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce’s four-year leadership development program for chamber and association professionals.
For Vermilion Advantage, the value of the program is what comes home – new ideas, proven practices,
and fresh perspectives that strengthen how we serve local businesses and communities.
This year’s coursework focused on advocacy, marketing, organizational leadership, member engagement,
strategic events, and community and economic development. The knowledge gained will help Vermilion
Advantage strengthen its support of local businesses and continue creating opportunities throughout
Vermilion County.
“The biggest value of Institute is being able to learn from chamber professionals from across the country
and bring those ideas back to Vermilion County,” said Rowland. “This year’s coursework gave me
practical tools in advocacy, marketing, and organizational management that I can apply immediately.
Every time I attend, I come home with new ideas and strategies that help us better serve our members
and strengthen our business community.”
Since beginning the program, Vermilion Advantage has implemented new strategies and initiatives that
contributed to earning Chamber of the Year honors from the Illinois Association of Chamber of
Commerce Executives. Rowland looks forward to applying lessons from her second year as the
organization continues to grow its impact for members and the community.
Vermilion Advantage combines a membership-driven Chamber of Commerce with economic
development efforts to help businesses and communities throughout Vermilion County succeed and
grow.
