Wabash Communications CO-OP, in partnership with the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), has awarded a $5,000 Community Grant to the Greater Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce to support the launch of its new Community Leadership Academy, an eight-month program aimed at cultivating emerging leaders across southern Illinois.
The FRS Community Grant Program provides funding for projects that enhance quality of life in rural areas served by NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association members. Wabash Communications, a long-standing NTCA member, nominated the Jefferson County Chamber for this year’s grant cycle.
“Developing future leaders who are invested in their communities is key to long-term growth,” said Barry Adair, CEO/GM of Wabash. “We’re thrilled to see this funding here in our region. This is exactly the type of project the FRS grant program is designed to support.”
Founded in 1921, the Greater Jefferson County Chamber has spent more than a century supporting local businesses through networking, marketing, and advocacy. The Community Leadership Academy will expand that mission by offering structured leadership training, exposure to local industries, and networking opportunities for young professionals and emerging leaders.
“This program is about building capacity for the future,” said Jamie Storey, Executive Director of the Chamber. “With this grant, we can equip our next generation of leaders with the tools, connections, and confidence to make a lasting impact right here at home.”
The Academy will launch in early 2026 with monthly full-day sessions focused on leadership development, business tours, and civic engagement. Graduates will be prepared to assume leadership roles in local organizations, boards, and businesses, strengthening the region’s economic and community foundations.
Wabash Communications CO-OP, based in Louisville, has served South Central Illinois for over 70 years, providing high-speed internet, streaming TV, phone, and security services. Guided by cooperative principles, Wabash supports rural communities through technology and programs that foster local growth and development.
For more information about the FRS Community Grant, contact Wabash Communications at info@wabash.coop or visit www.wabash.coop.
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